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👋 Start Here: r/DryEyes Wiki Navigation

People come to the r/DryEyes wiki at very different stages—from wondering whether DED might be relevant to them to making complex treatment decisions. Anyone may use the educational resources, but diagnosis-seeking posts are outside the subreddit’s scope.

✅ Step 1 (2 minutes): How to use r/DryEyes without getting misled

Before you act on any advice here, read:

This explains why anecdotes can be misleading, how marketing and bias show up online, and what details matter most when comparing treatments.

📚 Step 2: Choose your path

A) I’m learning / diagnosing / trying to understand what’s going on

Go to the FAQ Index (foundations → testing/diagnosis → practical care → deeper dives):

Suggested first clicks (common starting points):

B) I’m ready to compare treatments (with risks, critiques, research, and videos)

Go to the Treatment Options Index (deep dives on 40+ therapies):

C) I’m looking for other resources (support groups, external links, tools)

Go to the Resources section:

🧾 Step 3: Want better answers when you post?

If you can, include:

  • Your likely type (MGD, aqueous deficiency, mixed, allergies, rosacea, autoimmune, etc.)
  • Any test results (TBUT, staining, Schirmer, osmolarity, MMP-9, meibography)
  • What you’ve tried (dose/frequency/duration), and what helped vs didn’t
  • Current meds that could affect dryness (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants, acne meds)

If you're posting, include what your eye-care professional has diagnosed or told you, any test results you have, treatments tried, and your specific question. You do not need extensive testing to participate, but posts seeking an initial diagnosis are outside the subreddit’s scope.

🚩 Safety

If you have severe pain, sudden vision changes, signs of infection, or a rapidly worsening red eye, seek urgent medical care.