dry eyes

[jlw0606]

hello there
my optometrist said that my eyes are dry due to some extensive radiation that I had done.
recently, he has inserted temporary plugs in the tear ducts to see if that helps any.
They do seem to help, but he mentioned that permanent ones will be inserted to replace
the temporary ones.  He also mentioned another permanent solution is to have my
tear ducts cauterized by an ophthalmologist he refers his patients to.
Can you please tell me what method is best or does it matter which route I take?

Thnx for any input
jen    
        

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

Yes  I think a 6 month trial of restasis would be worth it.

JCH MD

[jlw0606]

thanks Dr Hagan for your input.
I will ask my OD about the ReStasis, as this was not an option given to me.  
My OD simply went for the plug method w/out presenting other methods.  
Also, I just started taking the Omega 3 supplements due to RA, so we will see
the added bonus if brings in 3-4 months, hopefully it will help with the  dry eye condition..

thanks for your help.
jen
  

[berrywoo]

Dr. Hagan,

Since I've had many vitreo-retinal surgeries my eyes are extremely dry. However, my right eye is aphakic and requires about +10 diopters to correct for distance. So a contact lens would, for the time being, be the best solution as my retina continues to heal. Yet, my doctor (a low vision O.D., whom I was referred to by my retinal specialist M.D.), is reluctant to fit me for a contact lens due to the dry eyes. Do you think that the restasis would help the dry eye so that I may better tolerate a contact lens? If so, I will bring up this possibility at my next appointment. As always thank you!!!

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

On my patients I use tear duct plugs only AFTER a 4-6 month trial of ReStasis. ReStasis is a revolutionary eyedrop that has changed the treatment of dry eyes world wide for the better. In the USA it is the second most widely prescribed medication. My wife and many of our friends are on restasis.

Also recent studies indicate that 2 or 3 Omega 3 (enteric coated fish oil) greatlyhelp dry eyes. Takes 3-4 months to kick in. Use enteric coated fish oil and start with one/day with evening meal for two weeks then add a second with breakfast.

JCH MD