Can topical corticosteroids be used to temporary relief of dry and irritated eye

[taurus1203]

I put a punctual plug 2 days ago and it seems doesn't help. The only difference is I when I put a artificial drop, the staying time of the drop increase from 10 min to 20 min.

I ordered the Restasis on line but it will not come in 2 weeks plus the kick in time will be at least 1 month. Can the topical corticosteroids like Lotemax be used to treat irritation caused by dry eye ? Is it safe to just use it for a temporary like 2 weeks.
Thanks

[des900]

Dry eye people including me produce lot of waste products like greasy substances near eye regions like lid margins,over the margins, eye brows etc. This needs to be cleaned properly many times a week otherwise irritation will occur with or without using lubricating drops.

Using warm compress apply moderate amount of heat on lid margins for some seconds, this will help to liquidize oily substances deposited on them also this will help to open the meibomian gland orifices which is essential for maintaining a proper tear film over the cornea part of eye. Than you need to soak the towel on warm compress with enough warmth and apply it to closed eye lids for a 1 minute or 2 without applying much pressure. After that dilute some warm compress with baby shampoo & using buds or q tip clean the lid margins,over the lid,eye brows etc properly.

You may also try applying mild pressure on meibomian glands lower & upper for 1 or 2 seconds using q tip as this help in expressing the oil from it (you may see demonstration on youtube).

Also check for accompanying problems like blepharitis,hair dandruff,skin diseases,thyroid imbalance etc which may all contribute to dry eye.

[taurus1203]

des900
I may not do the warm compress correctly. If you have some detail info about how to massage, please post it.
thanks

[taurus1203]

I started the warm compress 3 months ago and used lipsosic at night 5 months ago.
It helps a bit
I also started using different strong artificial tears 2 weeks ago  like Soothe XP. There is not much difference from the Refresh plus which is preservative-free. I need to put at least 10 drops per day but still not enough.
I don't mind to use artificial drop a few times a day but not like what I am doing right now.

[des900]

If your dry eye is severe enough, along with lubricating eye drops don't forget to regularly do warm compress & eye lid cleaning as its an important step in managing dry eye symptoms.

[berrywoo]

to taurus1203: keep using the artificial tears with the plug. Try using an oil based drop during the day, like Bausch & Lomb's Soothe XP (it will blur your vision for a little bit), and at night use an ointment. When you do get the Restasis use it with the artificial tears, until the medicine "kicks in". Or you might try Lacriserts, an eye insert that works like artificial tears.

to des900: dry eyes can be severe and in some cases can lead to corneal damage.

[taurus1203]

My dry eye is quite serious and it did cause a lot of pain.
The artificial drop can only stay in the eye for less than 20 minutes.

[des900]

Dry eye is not that serious, regular washing with cold water is all needed for relief instead of going for eye drops.

[taurus1203]

Dr hagan,
Before restasis kick in, is there any other medication can temporary reduce the irritation or dryness ?
Thanks