Dry Eyes

[suziet]

I have been trying to find something to help my dry eyes.  My Opthimal rubs a paper across my eyes which turns green.  Her recommended medicine is Baush & Loom Soomth EP eye drops.  Everytime I use them the next day the inside of my eyelids feel gritty like sandpaper.  It is very uncomfortable.  Retasis does the same thing. The Dr. tells me my dryness is between 3 and 4.  Ocassionally my left eye swells and is painful. On thoses days I want to patch my eye to keep the light out.  Is there anything else I can do to help with the dryness.  She suggested Nasonex, which opens my sinus up and I feel like I'm drowing which they do without the medicine. Please advise.  Thank you.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear suziet,

I would recommend that you seek the care of an eyeMD.  You mgith want to try eyedrops which have no preservatives and also, evaluate any other systemic medications you are using which may cause dryness.

Dr. Feldman

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

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You can use preserative free artificial tears (like refresh celluvisc or systane) about every hour and take oral flaxseed oil and omega 3 fish oil supplements by mouth.  Punctum plugs can be helpful as well.  Restasis can take several months to help and will give no immediate help. Nasonex can help sinus allergies but I'm not sure how that will help your dry eyes.  The important thing is for you to keep in close contact with your ophthalmologist so that different treatments can be tried as needed in order to help you get some relief.
MJK MD