[Fresia]

I have been battling dry eyes for some time now with no relief due to the medications I am on, causing trouble with my vision and light sensitivity as a result. I cannot change the meds that I'm on so the doc is wanting to start me on Restasis. I am nervous because I am REALLY sensitive about eyes, it freaks me out (send me surgery, to the dentist, but eyes are my kryptonite....), but need relief meanwhile and getting desperate as the symptoms are interfering with my work. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced problems with dry eyes and if so what you have found to help (?)

Has anyone had trouble with dry eyes? What have you found has helped or have your tried Restasis? If you are on Restasis, how long before you started to notice it started to work? Any side effects that noticed, are bothersome, or caused you to stop using it?

Thanks in advance for you input or support! I am just so nervous about starting this, last option that is the least invasive before than something called "punctal plugs", doesn't that sound lovely.

My mom uses Restasis. It helps her, and I haven't heard her mention anything negative about it aside from the price.

When you say "the doc", do you mean an ophthalmologist or optometrist?

I have problems with dry eyes, too, so I'm always looking for things to help. There are "moisture chamber goggles" and things like that. DryEyeZone :: Guide to eyewear for dry eye - Wraparounds, Sleep Masks,&Moisture Chamber Goggles

Any chance something besides your medications is causing your dry eyes? I have autoimmune arthritis, and dry eyes often go along with that. I have noticed that my medications also affect my eyes, though.

I don't know exactly how medications cause the eyes to be dry. Restasis is cyclosporine, which is an immunosuppressant drug. I think it's intended to relieve dry eyes caused by autoimmune problems. I suppose your doctor should know if it will work for dry eyes caused by med side effects.

I use Genteal or Systane or Rohto liquid tears. They are the best over-the-counter brands that I have found. I still have significant problems with dry eyes, though. It causes my vision to get blurry.

I would definitely use Restasis if I had insurance to help with paying for it.

There are web sites with info. for people with dry eyes, and the Sjogren's Syndrome sites also have good info.

I hope you work it out. Severely dry eyes are so annoying and can cause infections, too.

[ECHOES]

Have you trued regular use of over the counter lubricating eye drops?

[Fresia]

Originally Posted by ECHOES

Have you trued regular use of over the counter lubricating eye drops?

Yes, thank you for the suggestion and they help for a really brief time that appreantly I am using them more than am supposed to be. The preservatives in them are not good for the eyes for as much as I am having to use them that is why the doc wanted to discuss other treatments.

I am starting on Restasis as it seems the least invasive; though the doc said it could take months to know if it is working. That was disappointing to hear.

Jo_thorne.... thank you for your response as well.

They have not found a particular condition other than 3 of the meds that I am on have a dehydrating effect and can cause dry eyes, saying so in the literature for the scripts; so added together, it is triple problem with it. I tried changing at least one of them to a different class; it helped some, but it wasn't a significant difference. The other two I unfortunately cannot live without. I have to be on some kind of the other med, it is for blood pressure and there are only so many choices of these due to their diuretic effects, side effects, and contraindications with other meds.

I have not tried some those tear brands that you mention, and will look for them meanwhile to use. Thanks so much for the information. I appreciate the help.

We'll see how it goes with the Restasis meanwhile and will try to find a new type of drop in the interim. He said over time I will find I do not need to drops as much. I hope so because work is getting testy about my having leave the lab to go to the restroom to put drops in so much ( we can't apply drops or anything cosmetic while on the floor. ) It is causing a problem with my work with trouble focusing and sensitivity to light. I hope there will be some relief soon. He even mentioned I would even be able to wear contacts again once resolved, cannot imagine at this point; they would stick like glue, and would never get them out again. Here's to hoping .