Questions about dry eye

[cinnamon]

I think it is all about having a good eye doctor. I feel I really do. I see him every three months and we monitor how my eye is changing with digtal photos and video. My eye has became more normal in size over these last months. I can't believe how much it has changed. I still can't cry but I feel when I do get a really deep cry that i can feel the burning and preparation of crying behind my eyeball but then it doesn't happen. My eye doctor said that after 18 months we would discuss a plan of what to do if my eye still does not blink. I don't know what that means or what will happen but I am just trying to do my best to squeeze my eye shut all the time because he said it simulates blinking. I just bought some motorcycle sunglasses yesterday that wrap around your eyes and they have a molded foam which is like the clear patch except much more stylish. I want to go outside and do fun things. I am taking part in a walk for brain tumors in May and want to look and feel good. I have been trying to resist getting glasses but the eye is just slow healing. I think if you don't have a great relationship with your doctor, find a new one. My eye doctor works very closely with my neurosurgeon. The eye doctor was in to see me the very next morning in the hospital after my surgery. They understand.

Many wishes to each of you,

Lisa

[Jeanlea]

Luv2teach, are you still in the classroom?  In the beginning I wrote the times on the board and had my students remind me to put in the drops.  They are ever so helpful.  I even have one child trained to put in my ointment if needed.  (She was a third grader.)  Recess times are also good reminders.  Hope all is going well for you.

Jean

[luv2teachsped]

Thanks for the support guys!  Oh, my eye burns, I just don't stop and put in drops!  Jeanlea- That's a good idea, I have plenty of ADHA kids who can't stop talking or interrupting, it will give them something to interrupt for!  I'll try it tomorrow.  This is my first year teaching general education, second grade.  Teaching in my special ed. room was easier!  I had three assistants,les kids and worked in small groups.  I have 20 second graders now that are driving me over the edge!!!  luv2teach?

[nancyann]

Hi guys:  Just an FYI:  I have been using Refresh PM eye lubricant pretty much exclusively since my eye is so dry all the time &
             drops just don't seem to work, UNTIL NOW!!!!:   This a.m. I stopped at the store & bought Refresh Celluvisc for
             moderate to severe dry eye:  it's been over 1 1/2 hours since using it & the burning hasn't started yet !!!!
             And it sure beats the 'glazed vision' caused by the lubricant.   YIPPEE !!!!!!
             I can't remember which thread it was & who suggested the Celluvisc, but THANK YOU !!!!

[tichinose]

Does anyone know how long it takes for restasis to start working.  I have been using them with the lacrisert for 6 weeks at least.  thx

[texsooner]

I had pretty severe dry eye and started using Restasis about 2 months post surgery as prescribed. I tried it for about 6 weeks and stopped, as it seemed to do nothing for me. Don't quote me exactly, but I think I read that it only works on something like 20% of the people that try it.

13 months out, I still don't tear in that eye, but my eye is much much better and is manageable by just using Refresh Celluvisc eyedrops a few times a day.

Patrick

[tichinose]

Yeah they don't seem to work much.  It burns my eyes.  I got puctual plugs in both eyes.  Works in the good eye but not the right side well the tumor was.  I am trying so many types of drops I will check out the celluvisc

[glr55]

I have been using GenTeal Moderate to Severe...however, I must use drops every 15 mins or so.  Is there another brand that may last longer?

[saralynn143]

I have been using GenTeal Moderate to Severe...however, I must use drops every 15 mins or so.  Is there another brand that may last longer?

I have not found a drop that works. I use Refresh PM round the clock. It blurs the vision in my left eye, but my brain has gotten used to it. Best of all, my cornea is in great shape.

Sara

[nancyann]

WOW- this thread was started in 2006.  Well, I'm back to Refresh PM lubricant exclusively.  Same as you Sara,  I got use to the blurred vision (what else can we do ?)

[cyrmom2]

...and the thread continues.  My eye has been KILLING me this week.  I thought that this would go away now that I can close my eye and blink.  No such luck.  Unfortunately, Refresh Plus and Celluvisc are no longer helpful.  As suggested by others, I'll try Refresh PM during the day and just deal with blurry vision.

BTW, I do get a burning feeling like my eye is about to tear, but no tears yet.

Thanks!
Cyndi

[saralynn143]

Cyndi, did your eye dryness and pain correspond to turning on your furnace? My ophthalmologist says I must use a humidifier in my office and bedroom during the winter months, and forbids the use of a ceiling fan in the bedroom. (Which BTW I like but my husband hates.)

You will be surprised how quickly you adjust to the blurry vision.

Sara

[nancyann]

Cyndi:  Anytime my eye starts burning/hurting, I make an appt. with my ophthalmologist ASAP & every time, sure enough,  my cornea is getting dry - so he tells me to increase the lubricant use & REMEMBER TO HOLD THE BLINK ! !  (I have to squeeze when I blink due to the paralysis, even with a 1.6 gram platinum weight).  After a few days of this,  the burning/pain subside.   On my return visit to him (usually within 2 weeks,  all is well again).
Always good thoughts,   Nancy

[Nickittynic]

Cyndi -
My eye has been driving me crazy lately, too. I was ready to tell my Dr to just sew it closed it hurt so bad! I went to my corneal specialist yesterday and my eye looks good, albeit a bit dry - no corneal scratches or anything. He put in a punctal plug in the lower tear duct and in just one day it's helped tremendously! I've gone from drops every 15 minutes (with 10 minutes of whimpering in between) to drops every hour to 1.5 hours. So, still a lot, but at least the burn is finally gone!

[cyrmom2]

Thanks for the suggestions! I used Refresh PM about 5 times last night but STILL had burning and irritation within an hour.  I'm calling my neuro ophthalmologist now to see what he suggests. I like this guy but initially I thought he was goofy.  When he first found out that I was a swim coach, he said I should wear swim goggles while I work to alleviate dry eye. I laughed but he was serious!

Cyndi