Dry Eyes/Windy feeling

[janedoe1969]

Hi.  Last week I started Restasis for dry eyes.  I tried temporary collagen plugs but they did not help.. My dry eyes just seemed to come out of the blue last month.  (I've had minor dry eye problems for many years).  Now, it's all I think about.   My main problem is a windy feeling to my eyes, even in my own home.  I am actually dealing with that right now.  My eyes actually feel better when they have a dry feeling, if that makes sense.   I am using TheraTears in between the Restasis and an ointment at night.  Can you please tell me what the windy feeling is and what can be done about that?  Will the Restasis take care of that?   I'm just feeling a lot of anxiety over this.  Thank you!

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

It can be like that with many different parts of the body - just one more reason why doctors need to be patient, compassionate, good listeners, and smart.

Michael Kutryb,MD

[janedoe1969]

Thank you for your quick response.  It's very nice to have a website/forum with actually answers from an ophthalmologist.   If after 2 months the Restasis seems to not be working, I may request the plugs.  I have been using the TheraTears nutrition capsules for about 2 weeks now.I have to agree with another poster that ANXIETY is a BIG problem with me right now.  I have read other message boards and some of the depressing stories.  I know I need to just stay away from that but after reading some of the outcomes, I'm horribly depressed and feel anxious all day long.  If I don't think about my eyes, they seem to do so much better, but the minute it comes to mind, I'm a basket-case.   Have you heard of people being like myself???  Thanks for your time!

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I think the working diagnosis here is dry eye keratopathy.  It may take some time for restasis to kick in (2 or 3 months.)  Oral flax and fish oil supplements may help you to produce a better tear film.  You might want to consider non-dissolving plugs.  Reduce computer work time, avoid smoke, ceiling fans, and medications that worsen dry eyes.  This would be a good start for treatment if indeed dry eyes are the real problem here.  It is a chronic problem and you can just try to make it better, not  cure it.

Michael Kutryb, MD