Young Dry Eyes

[hail10]

Hi,
Im a 20 year old college student, and I have been suffering from eye pain for three years. I have seen 6 ophthalmologists, some have diagnosed me with dry eye, and I have tried almost all over the counter drops, gels, and scrubs, fish oils, Avenova, Restasis, tear duct plugs, and I have currently wasted 2,000 on scleral lenses. Other ophthalmologist have diagnosed me with an eye allergy, and I have tried oral steroids, as well as FML steroid drops, and prednisolone acetate, and still have had no relief. The majority of the doctors I have seen state that my eye looks normal, and that I shouldn't be having this burning sensation. I am currently trying the plasma tears. I had to quit my job at the hospital because of the constant air flow, and it is very difficult to preform every day task, because it is so painful to have my eyes open. School work is becoming more and more impossible, and I am beginning to lose hope.

[epicjinx]

You mention allergies, have they even tried resolving this issue? My allergies are adding to my dry eyes due to where they are located. If this hasn't been issued properly, get some allergy eye drops and see how you go. I am on catacrom. Allergies were adding to my MGD problem. So, try working on the allergy issue, anything you do can help you.

[hail10]

Hi epicjinx I have tried numerous allergy eye drops, and have not found any relief. I went to an allergist, and was even put on a daily regimen for my eyes that worked for about a week, and my symptoms returned. I recently went to a new ophthalmologist, and am on the plasma drops, and they haven't helped either.

[farmgirl]

Hi Hail10:

You seem very young to have such a severe problem for no reason. Have you taken a good look at any external factors that may be contributing to your problem? Medications, environmental factors, mold, perfumes, dust, dust mites from your bedding, makeup, off gassing from new carpet, car, plastics in your environment. Start scratching your brain and take a look outside the box since you haven't found anything inside the box. Have you been tested for Sjogren's, are your oil glands functioning properly. Have you tried moisture chamber glasses in the workplace to eliminate the air moving over your eyes? Have you seen a dry eye specialist or just a regular doctor? Have you had all 4 ducts plugged not just 2? The list goes on and on.

Here's a suggestion for the short term. To eliminate the possibility that what you are putting in your eyes is making them worse, rather than better try just using non preserved saline. What I have used that I find works is 0.9% Sodium Chloride Inhalation Solution for Respiratory Therapy. The stuff you need is distributed by Mylan and my drug store ordered it for me. The product code is 0378-6986-01. I use the 5 ml size but it does come in 3 ml. Saline does have some antimicrobial properties and this particular product can be capped with a regular systane or Bion tears non preserved container cap. That is why I recommend it over other brands that cannot be capped. As long as I use it up within a week it has not been a problem. If I am at home I put it in the fridge. You might also try those scleral lenses again using it instead since your inability to tolerate the lenses may have been related to what you were filling them with, at least that was part of the problem with me and how I discovered the non preserved saline in the first place. Turns out I still couldn't tolerate the lenses but that was just me.

My point is keep looking and don't give up. There IS a reason and you will find some improvement at least. Cheers....F/G

[jads]

Hi, seems like you have/are trying a lot of things which is great but frustrating as well I'm sure. I'm in touch with a great and passionate MD and dry eye advocate who is taking a really holistic look into dry eye syndrome and it's causes, of which there are many. She co authored this article. Perhaps see whether it rings any bells for you.

http://optometrytimes.modernmedicine...abits-lead-osd

[PG]

Have you been tested for auto-immune diseases: Lupus, Sjogren's, Rheutamoid Arthritis?
Have you treated yourself for demodex?