Probably this belongs somewhere else since it is not about the CG(me), but it is not about dementia either. It is about the the crust our LOs get in their eyes that virtually glue them shut.

Mom (94 in Dec.) severe vision loss from macular degeneration (they gave up on helping her 4 years ago and the blasted eye doc thinks Mom should go through hoops to be his guinea pig. I hate to see her losing even more but I constantly seek out good news and find none.

Sorry (that was a mini-rant) What I am hoping for is a suggestion for eye wash solutions or brands to help with the eye goop. (she get artificial tears 2x a day and a dry eye ointment at night) She sleeps with a wet washrag over her eyes (a freshly washed one daily).

I would really like hearing about this from all of you. It doesn't sound like much of a problem but it is just one more aggravating thing for which I hope ther is a simple answer.

Sorry, microwaving ants was so off topic. Back to eye care. Pleased to say that after getting every CG on the same page so that Mom gets drops and lube 2x/day and fresh clean cloth and use Occusoft eye scrubbers in the AM, The redness present in the tissues around her eyes has subsided and she is not complaining about glare quite so much.

I had been concerned that she had an infection, but it seems that it was an irritation. I feel better because she looks better, whether she is better or not. I don't think I really need to keep buying the OccuSoft eye scrubs, but they helped everyone get on the right track.

To summarize: Elders are very prone to dry eye syndrome. Many drugs and conditions contribute to this. AND it can be serious with complications. AND there are steps you can take to address this..


This is a good article.

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye.htm

It doesn't change that Mom has macular degeneration or cateracts, it does not improve her vision other than to relieve the 'halo' effect and sensitivity to glare that often are associated with dry eye. AND for us who see HER, she does look like she feels better.

Right now, that's enough.

That's the light side.

I hope we will hear more about the experiences we all have with the vision issues of our LOs. There is a real 'dark' side to this topic.

I do have doubts even with research backing that. here's research
http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/01/23/kill-kitchen-germs-w...-microwave/#comments

Still, (maybe because it was a first generation microwave) huge red ants, got in to mine somehow, and I turned it on high (not my finest moment, but the truth), It didn't bother the ants at all. What gives?

quote:

she would use the same one over and over without even spreading it out to dry between times

BC one way to solve this and to cut down on the laundry is to rinse the washcloth out wring it and toss it into the microwave for a minute
Also do this with sponges to sanitize

quote:

Family Dollar sells a bundle of 24 light weight wash cloths for 1.99, so it isn't like she'll run out.

I have about 500 of these and use them for all kinds of things!! They are not only a bargain, they are a GODSEND!!

Ah, the wet wash cloth at night , she has done that for many years. I don't know if the ophthalmologist recommended it when he told her to use the drops and eye lube but if you don't give it to her at night or nap time she feels so abused.

I was afraid it would give her an infection because she would use the same one over and over without even spreading it out to dry between times. It has taken some pushing on my part to make sure everyone gives her a freshly laundered one everytime. Family Dollar sells a bundle of 24 light weight wash cloths for 1.99, so it isn't like she'll run out.

Seems like a tendency toward weepy, crusty eyes goes with the territory. Please watch out for signs of infection, this is a very delicate part of the body, especially when the eyes get dry. Irritants are not washed out naturally and it is easy for those busy hands to start rubbing.

When it becomes so hard or even impossible for them to get to a doctor, every little thing becomes major, or just gets dealt with as best as you can.

There are many sites devoted to the eye/vision. This one seems to be good for a start.
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bobcat,

quote:

eye ointment around the eye at all times *a light coating does the trick*

OOOOOhhh - good one, BG. I had forgotten about that! I used to put regular petroleum jelly around the eyes of dogs who had a tendency toward eye crud, but completely forgot until you mentioned this!! WooHoo!! Gonna put some around Mom's eyes tonight!! Hopefully, we will have a eye booger-free morning!! THANKS!!!

PS I pinned this for future reference!

My Mom's eyes do this too, and she also has macular degeneration, and glaucoma. I'd just been cleaning her "eye boogers" with a warm wet washcloth.

BC I also use the saline here too and I keep eye ointment around the eye at all times *a light coating does the trick* for myself however Ive used a product for many years I wont live without it especially in the summertime and high pollen count days its Bausch & Lomb eye wash (or "Refresh" whichever one is available) it has a little eye cup but Iv actually used it on a patient of mine I grab a damp wash cloth and just gently squeeze some of the solution out over the eye its cooling effect is wonderful after I clean it all off *eye boogers included* I apply Refresh eye ointment lightly around the eye and eyelashes.

My mom suffers from macular degeneration also. Because she's bedridden, however, there are no eye doctor visits, etc. And there is no cure. Since she cannot accurately report what she sees enough for any kind of eye exam, there's nothing to do for her. She also awakens with major eye trash and goop. I gently remove it with a (sterile) saline-moistened piece of gauze. If it builds up during the day (usually after naps or when her eyes are closed), I just wipe it away with the saline gauze.

If the goop becomes real thick or discolored, she may be brewing an infection, so keep an eye on this. Otherwise, the artificial tears, etc. are about the most one can do that I know of... I don't worry about this and certainly not enough for her to sleep with a wet washcloth over her eyes!! Perhaps a few drops of sterile saline before she goes to sleep will diminish the morning crud. Sometimes, Mom's eyelids will stick together, but the moistened gauze gently removes this eye "glue."

Remind her to BLINK frequently - they DO forget to do that...