Hi, five months ago I suddenly developed severe dry eye in what seemed overnight. I was perfectly fine, with not even signs of mild dry eye and in a matter of days my eyes became unbearably sore, painful, and had a menthol sensation. After extensive testing (hormonal and auto-immune) came back normal, my doctors can not figure out how a 20 year old can have such sudden severe dry eye. I am on restasis, have punctal plugs, tried steroid drops, warm compresses, lid massages, and I have not gotten relief. They said my tear break up time is low, but I don't have much meibomitis, my schmimer fluctuates every time (from 4 to 20) so the doctors say is not a really reliable measure. I am also on tetracycline and occusoft lid scrubs.
I have recently been tested for allergies, and I am highly allergic to dust, mold, my pet.. etc. But I cannot take anti-
histamines because they will dry me even more. What do you think might be a possible cause for this painful condition?? Also, do you think allergies may be a culprit?
PS: I dont suffer from dryness anywhere else.