Light Sensitivity and dry eyes

[JaniceLKJ]

For the past year I have had extremely dry eyes and light sensitivity. I went to two specialist who both told me I had dry eyes and would have to stop wearing contact lenses and my eyes would get better. My question is...how long should it take for me to notice any improvement because it has been a month now that I have not worn contact lenses and have been putting drops in my eyes several times a day and don't see to notice much difference. I have to wear sunglasses to venture outside and even if I walk into a room that has sunlight coming in throught the window. I see after images of any bright objects like a computer screen for 10 seconds after I look away. I can't drive at night anymore because I see after images of the other cars headlights. My eyes burn almost 24 hours a day. I just can't believe that I may have to live the rest of my life like this any nothing can be done. I saw an opthalmologist and a retinal specialist....should I see a different kind of doctor?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

If you have severe dry eyes  then you probably need to be on a more aggressive plan with oral flax and fish oil supplements, punctal plugs, restasis drops, artificial tears and night time lubricating gel. Special sunglasses with wind protection like 7Eyes brand also may help.  You have a chronic problem that will most likely always be with you - but with proper treatment, better times are ahead.  You probably need to think about not wearing contacts for quite some time, maybe permanantly.

MJK MD

[JaniceLKJ]

Thank you....sounds like my next step should be finding an opthalmologist who is willing to work with me using the therapy you described. At least there is hope!