Severe Dry Eyes are driving me insane

[LLWB]

Since June I have been suffering from extremely dry eyes. I saw my optomotrist, and she prescribed optivar, and Soothe XP. That didn't help, so next she perscribed Lotemax along with the Soothe XP. Still no help, so now I am on Restasis, Lotemax, and SootheXP. Along with this I have to apply cold compresses , & bought an extra humidifier for my bedroom. It's getting to the point of impacting my jb, which is driving as a Courier 8 hrs a day. Will this go away as quickly as it came on? One day I was fine, the next day I had to let someone else drive, as my eyes were watering and so painful I couldn't keep them open. Can someone suggest something??? By the time I get home at 11:00pm. my eyes are puffy, red, and so irritated I just want to scream. HELP!!!

[margypops]

Me too looking for answers aswell

[vision271]

I have allergies and dry eyes. My dry eyes get worse when I have an allergic reaction--to food or environmental conditions. I did not have dry eye until the time that my allergies became worse.

I am glad you are going to check out the Cymbalta.

[LLWB]

Yes, I do have allergies, lots of them. Cats, dogs, horses, cows, grass, alfalfa, pine trees, sage, mold, feathers to name some. Actually of the 44 things they tested me for I was allergic to 25 of them. I have been taking shots for 2 years now, and have recently progressed to giving them myself. My allergic response, itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, etc. is probably 80% better. This major problem with my eyes started in June this year. The only new thing that changed in June was my dr started me on Cymbalta for nerve pain. I see him on Oct 7th, and will discuss the eye issue. It does say dry eyes can be a side effect, but it's one of the medications you can't stop without gradually tapering off. But I'm not sure if this is the cause, as I have had dry eyes for over a year, just not this bad. Thanks for your reply.

[vision271]

Do you have allergies? To ozone, pollens, molds, chemical irritants, or perhaps to foods?

[LLWB]

Sorry, I mis-spoke. The eye dr I see is an opthomologist. What type of a systemic issue might cause something like this? I tried to investigate tear canal issues, but couldn't find much information. Any idea how much it costs to have the plugs inserted? I did see where they do disolvable ones first to see if that works. I have other health issues, and like everyone else nowdays money is an issue. I'm not a mega-banker, LOL. Thank you for your replies.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

See an ophthalmologist.

Dr. O.

[kjelltp]

Have you seen an opthamologist?  Could be tear canal issues.  Or something systemic (if latter case, opthamologist won't be of much assistance).