Re: Dry eyes - Ouch!
I used to have pain from dry eyes, but do very seldom now. I thought having the temporary plugs put in was pretty traumatic, myself. The doctor kept telling me to open my eyes, which, of course, I had no control over. I have a hard time now understanding why he didn't suspect BEB after that - I was only being treated for dry eyes then, even though I know now that the symptoms I described were so obviously typical BEB symptoms that I can't believe he missed it. The regular plugs were a piece of cake, but they didn't stay in, so I had punctal cauterization (lower only). That was "uncomfortable", but manageable. One of mine has opened a little since then (three years ago), but is still closed enough to help. And, yes, it can be reversed. My ophthalmologist had his cauterized and decided one of his was tearing too much for him to do surgery and had it undone. Since the cauterization, I use Moisture Eyes (pretty thick, gooey stuff) every night before I go to bed and other things during the day, as needed. Drops like Refresh are a short term relief for me, but the Genteel Gel is thicker and works great when the dry eye is painful, but will blur your vision for a while, so plan to keep them closed 10-15 minutes or go take a nap after you use it.Hope this helps, I know summer and sun are worse on dry eyes than the clouds and rain that we're getting now. I'd trade you for a couple of days, though, if I could. Virginia in AL, where we're getting a whole week of rain and I'm tired of it already with 4 more days of it to go.
Re: Dry eyes - Ouch!
Hi Gail,I know the nightmare you are going through! I must have had a total of 12 punctal plugs put in only to have them come right back out (or go back inside - I don't know where they went) They would help for the first couple of days and then I was right back to miserable. I had gone to an Opthamologist 7 times with miserable dry eyes - only to find out nothing helped at all. Then he sent me to a cornea specialist (who finally diagnoed me with BEB) and for the dry eye problem he cauterized both my bottom ducts. Did it hurt? The first eye was EXCRUTIATING - I nearly jumped out of the chair. By then I was REALLY tense about doing the other eye. For some reason the second eye was wasn't so bad. Why one hurt so bad and the other didn't - I don't know. After all that, my eyes were STILL really dry and miserable. Then I went to another dr to get botox and she said she does not agree with doing cauterization. I don't remember why though. I will ask her again next time. She said one of my ducts was totally open again and the other was only partially closed. Sometimes it takes several cauterizations to totally close the ducts (isn't that a heck of a note!). I don't know if you read the past posts I wrote about Moistur-Eyes (supplements), but it has been the only thing that has helped my dry eyes and they are now (since I've been taking the supplements) 98% better! What a tremendous relief! Others on the board here are trying it too and I haven't heard yet how well it is working for them (or not). I think it needs about a month to see if it helps. If you wnat to know more you can email me directly as I don't want to come across here as an advertisement for the product - although it has been a miracle for me - unless I had some "spontaneous remmision" I don't know about. Sorry this was so long but the subject of dry eyes really hits a sore spot with me. Shanasy, with nice moist eyes finally!
--modified by Shanasy in IL at Wed, Feb 14, 2001, 10:46:48
Re: Moistur-Eyes supplements
Just to let you know, Shanasy, I haven't tried the product yet. As I have to order it from the U.S. I haven't got around to it. Also not sure I want to take another capsule by mouth. Maybe one day I will order and try it. I still have the information and want to thank you, again, for it. June in Toronto, where today is really miserable, foggy and freezing rain - a good day to stay in and plan a Valentine's Day supper (with my son) but that's another story:-)
Re: Dry eyes - Ouch!
The dry eyes with pain must be awful. I have a dry eye too. It's the one I have vision in. My eye surgeon gave me some drops for the problem yesterday. I forget what they're called but they're put out by Allergan. I also have the "dry" kind of macular degeneration, which he said is the best kind of the two, because it doesn't cause blindness as quickly.
Evelyn
Re: Dry eyes - Ouch!
Hi allThanks for your useful responses. I could identify with your problems Shanasy, although I suspect I'm at an earlier phase of the dry eye experience than you. Then when I read Evelyn's post, I realised I had very little to complain about. I'm not familiar with the products you mention. I asked about the supplement you recommended some time ago Shanasy. I'm thrilled that it works for you, after your history. However, it appears not to be available in Australia. My ophthalmologist recommended Bion-tears, which didn't help much. I'm using Viscotears and Lacri-Lube at present. The latter is the most satisfactory of the two, but it's messy, blurs my vision, and at times doesn't help for long. Because I'm working, it isn't possible for me to close my eyes for 10-15 mins after I use something that blurs my vision. So I'm becoming adept at recognising people from their outline rather than their face. I've decided to ask the ophthalmologist to cauterise my tear ducts, despite your reservations Shanasy, as the temporary plugs worked for me. But I'm not looking forward to the procedure... Best wishes to all
GailJ in Tasmania, where it's much colder today. It's probably about 55-60 degrees F, but after our recent hot weather we're reaching for doonas and heaters.
Re: Dry eyes - Ouch!
Gail, What is a doona? I'm always asking questions of the gal who lives near Adelaide, but I haven't heard that term before.
I don't have the same disorders thet you folk here on the bb have. Mine are of a different nature. But it seems you don't want my problems, and I don't want yours:) My heart just aches for all of you as I read what you go through.
Evelyn
Re: Question for Shanasy
Shansy
Who is the maker of moisture eyes? I forgot.
Re: Question for Shanasy
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