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Streaming eyes? Possible remedy!

Hi All

Having been on Imatanib for two and a half years with streaming eyes for much of that time, I have been trying to find something to combat this side effect. Last summer my consultant made me an appt with the Opthalmic Dept where the thinking was Botox into what they termed was an overactive tear duct. Luckily, the surgeon didn't think this necessary/advisable for me so I escaped and carried on streaming.

Last week I had a routine eye test at Boots. Slightly tongue in cheek I explained about IM and eyes and he suggested the following:

Eyes are streaming because they are too dry! This was explained in terms of pouring a glass of water onto sunbaked earth in a drought - it doesn't get absorbed but runs straight over it. It's the same with eyes. He recommended I try Blink (available over the counter in Boots)- "intensive tears eye moisturising drops".  So far so good, no streaming, no soreness and I'm pleased I gave it a try.

Thought I'd share this

All the best

Chrissie

Hi Chrissie..... this seems like great advice from the Boots optician! It's the first time I have heard this explanation of this particular side effect in over 10 years. Thanks for posting this advice here. I am sure many will at least give 'Blink' a go. I wonder what the ingredients are?

 

best... Sandy

Thanks for the suggestion, Chrissie - I thought that streaming eyes was just another of those things we have to learn to live with.  I went to the chemist this morning, who said that Hypromellose eye drops do the same thing, but are cheaper than Blink.  I'll let you know how I get on with them, but thought I would write this first in case they make my eyes go blurry!

Olivia