3.6 years ago

anonymous FitEyes member ♦ 1.1k

@member_31

I have been told by my ophthalmologist that having dry eye syndrome rules out using an Icare.  Is that true? I have also seen a reference to this in an Icare ad.

If it is true that I cannot use an Icare, can I use another type of home tonometer (such as a Reichert)?

3.6 years ago

david 4.3k

@david_fe

Of course the answer depends upon how severe are one's dry eye symptoms. Dry eye is a common complaint among those of us with glaucoma, and it generally does not stop FitEyes members from using a tonometer.

I know patients with mild dry eye syndrome who do not have any problems using an Icare or a Reichert 7CR. If your dry eye is mild, it may suffice to just blink a few times before taking IOP measurements.

I also know of other patients who use a drop of artificial tears before using their tonometer.

In addition to that, you may want to consider nutritional solutions for dry eyes to help address the root cause of your dry eyes. These options include:

• omega-3 supplements
• maqui berry supplements
• proper hydration (water drinking)
• omega-3 rich foods
• a few other tips (see below)

Some specific products I recommend and use are:

Maqui Berry

Paradise Herbs Maqui Super Berry, Organic – 60 Vegetarian Capsules – FitEyes eStore

Omega-3 oils

You have two broad choices: highly natural (Green Pasture) or purest pharmaceutical quality in a natural triglyceride form (Nordic Naturals).

• Green Pasture Blue Ice Fermented Skate Liver Oil – 120 Capsules – FitEyes eStore
• Green Pasture Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil, Non-Flavored – 120 Cap – FitEyes eStore
• Nordic Naturals ProDHA Eye – FitEyes eStore
• Nordic Naturals ProOmega 2000 – FitEyes eStore

It is OK to combine several of those different omega-3 supplements. That's what I do. I recommend omega-3 testing to optimize your dosage.

Eat plenty of food source of omega-3's such as flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts and vegetables. We carry all those seeds and nuts in the FitEyes store. For example: https://estore.fiteyes.com/products/now-food-flax-seeds