Dialysis and Dry Eye

[eaglebeek]

What suggestions would anyone have for a dialysis patient with severe dry eye?  Restasis, moisturizing eye drops and tear duct plugs have been tried with no relief.


This discussion is related to dry eyes.

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

Yes, I don't think temorary tear duct plugs are helpful. I go right to the permanent (but removable ones).

JCH MD

[eaglebeek]

Thanks very much for your response.  We will pursue your suggestion regarding the fish oil.  Since temporary tear duct plugs seemed to have no positive effect, is there still reason to think that the permanent closing of two of the four tear drainage openings might help?

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

See a Eye MD that specializes in cornea disease.  Use the search feature and pull up the extended discussions of dry eye.  

Ask the Eye MD about permanently closing two or four of the tear drainage openings. Start taking enteric coated high quality fish oil 3 or 4/day. Start with one/day for a week then add another each week up to 3 or 4 per day.  Clear that with your dialysis physicians.

JCH MD