Recurring Eye Problem - different doctor's give different diagnosis

[suzieh523]

I am a 62 yr.old woman who has been diagnosed with severe dry eye syndrome.  In June of 08 I had plugs put in by an Optometrist and the problem seemed to improve.  Then in late August I started having eye pain and of feeling that something was constantly in my left eye. Also this started during when hurricanes Gustav and Ike were happening.  I saw an opthomologist at that time and was told I had Blepharitis and was given two Rxs, FML and Azasite.  The problem then resurfaced and then I was told it was Rosacea of the eye, but I dont have Rosacea of the skin or anything like that and everything I've read about Rosacea of the eye also shows it being related to the skin condition.  The problem is only in my left eye.  I also get a blurring feeling in that eye.  I'm constantly putting artificial tears in that eye but have short term relief.

Suzie H.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Restasis I'm pleased to know works much more often than 15%. The study on restasis was done a long time ago, on people with big big problems and wasn't continued long enough to see the improvement.

Restasis is the second most prescribed drop in the USA and its use is increasing here and worldwide (my wife is on it and thinks its the best medication ever made). Nothing works on everyone and I'm sorry it didn't work for you.

Of course steroids make your eye feel better but long term use can result in cataracts, glaucoma, fungus infections, corneal thinning and thinning of the eyelid skin.

Use the search feature and read about all the other things you can do for dry eyes.

JCH MD

[ace399]

I was diagnosed with dry eye by my ophthamologist and had my lower tear ducts plugged.  I then tried Restasis for 3 months.and all it did was burn, so I stopped.  If you read the fine print, Restasis only works in 15% of the people.

I found that liquid eye drops can aggravate the situation because they don't seem to contain the "oily" tears that are needed to protect the eye from drying.  Often I would get headaches that started with my eyes hurting.

I finally found that eye ointments works and Genteal PM was the best.  I have used the ointment as often as every 1 to 2 hours and at bedtime.  You do have to let the vision clear (the petrolatum melts and coats the eye) before you drive.

Finally, a funny thing happened after my recent cataract surgery.  Before my  surgery I had to use Nevanac (antinflammatory) and Vigamox (antibiotic) eye drops 4 times a day and continued them along with Omnipred (steroid) after the surgery.  I am now noticing that my dry eye has improved dramatically.....from severe to fairly mild.  Also I stopped using the ointment in the eye for fear of infection at the incision.

Before my cataract surgery I had tried an antibiotic ointment that was not effective for my dry eyes.  But this combination of drops seems to have really helped.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Good luck Suzie.

JCH MD

[suzieh523]

Opthalmologist  said my eye problem was SLK - Superior Limbic Keratoconjunctivitis.
http://www.revoptom.com/HANDBOOK/SECT12a.HTM
http://www.revoptom.com/archive/issue/ro07f8.htm

They prescribed a clear contact lens to act as a bandage so far I feel 100% better.

Thank You for all your help.

Suzie H.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Dry eyes and blepharitis often coexist together. You need to see an Eye MD to discuss a 4-6 month trial of restasis. Use the searach feature to read about dry eyes.

JCH MD