what to do about dry eye at night?

[zimmie]

I had surgery for droopy eye lid (one eye) two months ago.  The surgery fine.  Dry eye first time ever.  Cannot sleep through the night.  Also bad while on computer.  Gritty, burning, painful.  Dr used the plug.  Have tried systane, refresh, with ointment at night and restasis.  Warm cloths.  Can you help?

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

No I'm suggesting that your lids are too "tight" and that when you relax in your sleep your eyelid partially opens and the cornea drys out and gets raw spots on it. its a common problem from ptosis surgery.

You may need to see a cornea/external disease specialist for a second opinion.

JCH MD

[zimmie]

Thank you.  My procedure, ptosis, was done by an opthalmologist.  Are you suggesting that the site of the wound itself could be irritating the eye?  

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

I would get a second opinion from a oculoplastic surgeon, if you are under the care of one get a second opinion.

Use the search feature and archives to read about the treatment of dry eyes (your problem is a variant called exposure keratitis).

You may need everything. Plugs in all 4 tear openings. ointment at night, drops during the day, ReStasis, fish oil 3X/Day.

JCH MD