Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Eye Care (Expert Forum)
Alrex
Answered by
Michael J Kutryb, MD - Ophthalmology, Cataract Surgery, glaucoma, Laser Vision Correct
Kutryb Eye Institute - Titusville
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Alrex
by cb61975, Sep 27, 2007 09:45AM
About 3 months ago I had red, stinging, burning, sensitivity to light in my eyes. Dr. said I had mild dry eye, not too bad, and a mild case of GPC from contacts. Advised no contacts and alrex 3x/day for 3 weeks. Worked great. The 3rd week, I was using 2x a day, plus contacts for a couple hours a day. I switched to daily disposables because I think im allergic to some of the cleaning solutions, which may have started my problems.
I discontinued after week 3 as advised and problems returned. I started to use the Alrex once in the morning. Problems went away again, and still able to wear contacts, not a problem.
I went for a follow, Dr. said to stop Alrex, especially if im wearing contacts ( I wait the 15 mins as the instructions indicate). Said Alrex is not good for long term and he is not convinced I have allergies. He said he thinks it just dry eye, and said to use re-wetting drops with contacts First, if doesnt work, fill perscription for Patanol.
Re-wetting drops do not work with contacts, make my eyes feel more dry. Im not convinced I have dry eye. I waited a week and fill perscription for Patanol. I tried it, Seems to burn, and make eyes more red. This doesnt seem to do much, But only used it two days.
My question is, If using Alrex only once in morning seems to clear up all my issues and im able to wear my contacts all day, is this dangerous? Or does it take more time for patanol to start working, and I should give this a few more days? Thank you.
I discontinued after week 3 as advised and problems returned. I started to use the Alrex once in the morning. Problems went away again, and still able to wear contacts, not a problem.
I went for a follow, Dr. said to stop Alrex, especially if im wearing contacts ( I wait the 15 mins as the instructions indicate). Said Alrex is not good for long term and he is not convinced I have allergies. He said he thinks it just dry eye, and said to use re-wetting drops with contacts First, if doesnt work, fill perscription for Patanol.
Re-wetting drops do not work with contacts, make my eyes feel more dry. Im not convinced I have dry eye. I waited a week and fill perscription for Patanol. I tried it, Seems to burn, and make eyes more red. This doesnt seem to do much, But only used it two days.
My question is, If using Alrex only once in morning seems to clear up all my issues and im able to wear my contacts all day, is this dangerous? Or does it take more time for patanol to start working, and I should give this a few more days? Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Michael J Kutryb, MD, Sep 27, 2007 07:02PM
, Sep 27, 2007 07:02PM
To: cb61975
Hello,
Alrex is a very, very mild steroid drop - but still could potentially cause some possible steroid problems - though not common. As a rule you don't want to be taking a steroid drop long term - unless you really have to for a significant problem. Your treatment plan may be modified for your age - I often more inclined to blame dry eyes in older contact lens wearers and allergies on younger ones. If your doc really thinks you have dry eyes then you have other treatment options including oral flax/fish oil supplements (Thera-Tears Nutrition capsule), Punctum Plugs, Restasis for starters. Could consider different contact like Acuvue Advance or Acuvue Oasys, or different solution. Sometimes patients with these type of problems turn out to be working 8-10 hours a day on computer which will make anyone's eyes burn and sting. Some patients are taking anihistamines, anxiety meds, antidepressants, diuretcs which can lead to bad dry eye problems. You may need to modify your lifestyle. Your situation is likely complex - I hope you and your doctor can figure it out. Let me know what you find out.
Michael Kutryb,MD
Alrex is a very, very mild steroid drop - but still could potentially cause some possible steroid problems - though not common. As a rule you don't want to be taking a steroid drop long term - unless you really have to for a significant problem. Your treatment plan may be modified for your age - I often more inclined to blame dry eyes in older contact lens wearers and allergies on younger ones. If your doc really thinks you have dry eyes then you have other treatment options including oral flax/fish oil supplements (Thera-Tears Nutrition capsule), Punctum Plugs, Restasis for starters. Could consider different contact like Acuvue Advance or Acuvue Oasys, or different solution. Sometimes patients with these type of problems turn out to be working 8-10 hours a day on computer which will make anyone's eyes burn and sting. Some patients are taking anihistamines, anxiety meds, antidepressants, diuretcs which can lead to bad dry eye problems. You may need to modify your lifestyle. Your situation is likely complex - I hope you and your doctor can figure it out. Let me know what you find out.
Michael Kutryb,MD
Member Comments (5)
by cb61975, Oct 10, 2007 06:48PM
Its been a few weeks. I tried just the systane which didnt work. Then I tried the patanol and systane. That doesnt work either. Ive decided to try the alrex again ( still have prescription from before) to see if my eyes get better because I am back to the original issues of my eyes burning (which was completely cleared before from the use of the Alrex). I have a Lasik consultation in 3 weeks. I know I have to discontinue my contacts for 2 weeks prior due contacts reshaping the cornea. This is fine. My questions is: Will using the Alrex in the next few weeks cause an inaccurate reading or am I ok to use this to clear up my sore/irritated eyes in the meantime? It seems to be the ONLY thing that works, where Im not thinking about my eyes 24/7. Thanks!
by cb61975, Oct 10, 2007 06:51PM
By the way, You mentioned before that age is a factor. Im am a 32 year old female, and have been wearing contacts for about 8 years. No prior problems with the contacts, just started 3 months ago. This is reason why I want lasik, I think the contacts are the culprit of most of my eye issues. Thanks again.
by D303pv87, Oct 20, 2007 10:52AM
To: cb61975
What solution did you use prior to noticing the redness in your eyes? Was it AMO Complete MoisturePlus? This solution was on recall in May 2007. I hope this helps.
by Nick17, Nov 25, 2007 01:27PM
Did you consider using restasis? it's pretty much the only anti-inflammatory medicine that can be used long term (based on articles from http://www.revoptom.com and http://www.bloodshoteyes.org but it's only approved for dry eye syndrome so it would be off-label use in your condition, but still i think it's worth asking your doc about this
