will too much restasis hurt your eyes

[christyann]

my eyes have been excessively dry. I did get plugs, but how do you tell if they are still there? I started restasis but it burned my eyes so terribly. I put in two drops two times a day and that probably was too much. I had such a terrible reaction to it. It has been about two years and my eyes seem to have recovered, but I would like to try it again. Do you think that is wise? My eyes sting constantly if I do not put drops in every 15 to 20 min. It is difficult. I just need other alternatives. Help need advice.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Christyann,

I would recommend that you seke the care of an eyeMD and undergo a complete eye examination to determine the best course of treatment.  You might want to  make sure that you are not instilling any drops that contain preservatives.  Restasis may be beneficial; however, the recommended dosage is one dorp twice a day.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Restasis drops can definitely burn and sting some.  You can try using a mild steroid drops for the first few weeks of treatment to ease of transition.  Restasis does have pretty good science behind it and decent results can be obtained after 6 or 12 months of continuous treatment.  Talk to your ophthalmolgist about restarting treatment.  Also ask if the plugs are still in and consider getting new ones if needed.  Try adding oral omega 3 fish oil and flax seed oil and modify lifestyle to reduce reading and computer work some.  Quality artificial tears are almost always helpful as well.

MJK MD