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  • lacriserts

    I have been having problems for several years with dry, red, irritated eyes and have tried about everything. Has anyone tried lacriserts and what do you think of them

  • #2
    Did you try searching the forum? That subject has come up a number of times....

    Neil

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    • #3
      Sarah, I tried Lacriserts several years ago. They were hard to get (ie backorder from the manufacturer, waiting list etc.). The supply may now be better and easier to obtain, I don't know. On the other hand, I never hear much about anyone using them.

      They did not work for me. It was like having a blob of jello floating in my eye and disturbing my vision even more than it was. I told my doc that "I must not have enough moisture to melt the pellet" and he told me "it's not moisture, but heat that melts the pellet." So-there you go. I guess my eyes were not warm enough. I think if they work for you that you REALLY, REALLY like them. I dropped more on the bathroom floor than I got in my eyes.
      Don't trust any refractive surgeon with YOUR eyes.

      The Dry Eye Queen

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      • #4
        I'll keep you posted on how they work for me. I am going to try them starting on Monday. I'm an avid biker and outdoor enthusiast, and biking is really hard on my eyes, even w/ wraparound glasses. Hopefully Lacrisert will help!

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        • #5
          Good luck, Ryan. My doc told me he has one patient who loves Lacriserts.
          Don't trust any refractive surgeon with YOUR eyes.

          The Dry Eye Queen

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          • #6
            Originally posted by neil0502
            Did you try searching the forum? That subject has come up a number of times....
            Since I don't think I've ever said this here before -- and since it is NOT always well received in other forums -- I feel an obligation to explain my thinking here:

            I always think of a suggestion to search the forum as a way to let people know that there may be additional information already covered, and that they might want to try that route, too.

            In an old bicycling forum that I used to frequent ... it was considered the height of insult to suggest that somebody "search the forum," somehow tantamount to refusing to answer their question directly. In reality, though, I found that people who had already shared didn't always share as completely the second or third time (though, in fairness, sometimes the NEW information IS vastly different from the OLD information), or that former posters--say somebody for whom Lacriserts, for example, as much as CURED their dry eye condition--posted a hearty thanks and then left.

            I hope nobody here thinks that a "search the forum" suggestion is in poor taste, non-responsive, or otherwise a negative thing.

            To the OP, however, if I didn't have to wear contact lenses (all sorts of reasons, in my case), I would use Lacriserts daily. When I HAVE TO stay out of the contacts for some medical reason, I virtually ALWAYS use the Lacriserts. I found they did an excellent job of stabilizing my tear film and providing moisture. They have a tendency, however, to blur the vision with contact lenses in place (not for everybody, I imagine....).

            The biggest secret, for me, that I learned was: they should go in the deepest part of your lower lid (inferior conjunctival cul-de-sac)--almost always in the center of your eyelid--not the extreme inside or outside.

            I have always said that--whether your issue is aqueous-deficiency OR evaporative dry eye ... these should be among the first things you try. I still get e-mail from a guy who is NOW traveling the world, (he says) BECAUSE I "turned him on to" Lacriserts.

            Best,
            Neil
            Last edited by neil0502; 14-May-2006, 09:19.

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            • #7
              A brief aside, about assisting new users

              I certainly wouldn't consider it rude to suggest searching, as long as it's done politely. However, personally I try to combine the suggestion with some practical pointers. Some new users are new to forums in general and don't know HOW to search. Some topics bring up so many hits that - especially when you're new and possibly not at all sure what you're looking for - it's very hard to leaf through it all.

              I have a couple of other suggestions for efficient ways to help others towards useful information without re-writing the same stuff every day:

              1) PTT ("Pop to top"): Back on the old SurgicalEyes bulletin board, we often popped useful, relevant old threads to the top when someone posted a question that needed a lengthy answer or where there was another patient we knew with a closely similar experience.

              For those who don't know, PTT just means that you go find an old thread that you'd like to draw someone's attention to, then post a very brief response to it (such as "PTT for Jane Doe"), which flips the old post up to the top of the chain, drawing it to others' attention.

              2) Sticky threads: You may notice me occasionally "sticking" a thread - making it permanently positioned at the top of the forum, such as the ongoing Depression or Post Your Routine threads. If you run across a thread you think should be permanently visible, or at least for a while, just send me an email with a link. For example, you could let me know some of the most useful threads in the topical category forums and I could stick them so that new readers can find them easily.
              Rebecca Petris
              The Dry Eye Foundation
              dryeyefoundation.org
              800-484-0244

              Comment


              • #8
                Neil:
                I hope nobody here thinks that a "search the forum" suggestion is in poor taste, non-responsive, or otherwise a negative thing.
                Neil, I doubt anyone thinks it's in poor taste or otherwise but a nudge to "look it up." There is vast info in this bb and others and if a person doesn't take a few minutes to look, they are missing a lot. It's easy for someone to come on and say "what, when, why" and "tell me what to do."
                I have been on the bbs a long time as you, and many others. We have written a lot about our experiences over a period of years. You just can't repeating the same old thing word for word. At least I get tired of it, myself. Also, others on the boards are sometimes tired of reading our posts of the same thing over a period of time. They let us know by calling us names on other places. True, they are of little importance, but we do put ourselves out there for them to pick it up and then ridicule.

                Rebecca:
                I certainly wouldn't consider it rude to suggest searching, as long as it's done politely. However, personally I try to combine the suggestion with some practical pointers. Some new users are new to forums in general and don't know HOW to search. Some topics bring up so many hits that - especially when you're new and possibly not at all sure what you're looking for - it's very hard to leaf through it all.
                Rebecca has a different responsibility than the rest of us. We have no responsibility or obligation to respond. It is kind and useful if we have information and will, and can, respond. Reading a post on a bb does not obligate me to do anything. Since I have garnered so much help, support and information for myself over the years, it's always nice to share. I put in my 2 cents about Lacriserts because I know most people do not know about them, especially newer posters. My info wasn't very helpful, but I tried to tell what I could and that included the fact they were hard to obtain at times.

                I think most people using a bb know about a search feature. If they don't, there is no time like the present to learn. If I want info on some new happenings, damn right I'll find the search feature and use it. If I'm feeling rather lazy that day, I might leave it for another time.

                These bbs were put in place by people that cared enough to do so. It's a freebie to the readers. It is time-consuming to the "owners" and administrators of the board(s). They get not one red cent as far as I know.
                I think new readers can help out by going through the forums, doing a little research on their own. Most of us had few to turn to and we were literally pissing in the wind while trying to find any information. We've spent literally thousands of hours reading this, reading that and trying to share it with others.

                There comes a time when "all of this" becomes more chore for us than anything else. It feels good to help others and give them a hand if they need encouragement. "We" have seen many come aboard (this and other bbs) and toddle along for awhile, complain, begin to heal perhaps, and move on. Usually we never hear from them again. They have gone on with their life, family and work. This is good.

                What I'm trying to say is for people to not take the good word for granted. Do not think Neil comes here to glance about to see if he can search for someone to help! He looks in and if the opportinity presents itself, he's up to the challenge. Same here. I try to encourage, offer info and privately talk if it will help someone. But, don't take it for granted. It's a long road, often tiresome, repetitive, sometimes with no thanks, and certainly with no gain personally.

                People should be aware that bulletin boards such as this were not always in place for us to pull up at will and ask someone a question and expect an answer. Sometimes I'll look at a post that says "tell me (this and that)" and even though I may be able to help, I don't. We're getting weary. At those times, I'll ask someone to use the "search" feature. They should be thankful the information is there for the taking.

                I just noticed that "sarahj3j" has not been back to post since her original question 24 hours ago.
                Don't trust any refractive surgeon with YOUR eyes.

                The Dry Eye Queen

                Comment


                • #9
                  thanks

                  Thanks for all the info on the lacriserts. I am trying to get my ophthamologist to give me a prescription. For some reason he doesn't think much of it. From the different replies and searches it seems like some really like it and some don't. So it is worth a try to me. (Now if I can just get the prescription)

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                  • #10
                    This is my second day using Lacriserts, and although they aren't a miracle, my eyes do feel better. I am not using as many drops and my eyes aren't as sensitive to light.

                    One good example of this is - I work in an office building with a lot of circulating air, very large windows and very bright flourescent lights. Usually, this combination of bright lights and dry air kills my eyes during meetings in conference rooms. Today, my eyes have been able to tolerate it much better. (Although I'm still considering buying some glasses with a slight tint to wear in certain circumstances to block the bright light).

                    I also bike to work, and Lacriserts definitely helped today while biking.

                    Again - not a miracle, but my eyes do feel better. I'll probably keep using them. If you can find a doctor to prescribe, I'd say give them a shot. (The one downside for me is putting them in - that can be a little tricky. But if you've ever worn contact lenses, you can probably put these in no problem).

                    Sorry to keep rambling, but one other thing - my eyes become bloodshot as the day goes on, and Lacriserts help a little with that; not as much as I was hoping.

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                    • #11
                      I'm not at home at the moment, but ... I may have posted the Prescribing Information for Lacrisert once. The drug maker says that, over the course of about a year, Lacriserts actually IMPROVE the underlying dry eye condition.

                      Best of luck...

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                      • #12
                        Lacriserts

                        sarahj3j,

                        I use lacriserts everyday now for about 3 years. I could not make it in this world without them. I do not have any trouble getting them from Merck. I get me prescription from my family doctor because my ophthalmologist would not recomend them. If you have any questions feel free to email me.

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                        • #13
                          I get me prescription from my family doctor because my ophthalmologist would not recomend them
                          WOW! Another GP doc comes through when the "specialist" won't. FaithHope, I have had my family doc help me when the eye doc wouldn't/couldn't. This might be important for people to put away under their hat until needed. Thanks.
                          Don't trust any refractive surgeon with YOUR eyes.

                          The Dry Eye Queen

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Faithhope:

                            What does the lubrication from the lacriserts feel like? is like artificial tears that keep being released over your eyes, is it gel like or normal watery drops? how long does one have to be in once you put it in, if you dont like it can u take it out?
                            I healed my dry eye with nutrition and detoxification. I'm now a Nutritional Therapist at: www.nourishbalanceheal.com Join my dry eye facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/420821978111328/

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                            • #15
                              Lacriserts

                              Hi Sazy123,

                              When I have the Lacriserts in I cannot feel them at all. The lubrication feels very normal (like healthy eyes should). However, if I leave them in too long (or do a lot of computer work or reading) say more than 11 hours a day they will start to feel sticky and uncomfortable. That is when I put one drop of Threa Tears in and remove them very simply (you must put in a drop of lubrication first for easy removal) I had to learn that the hard way. You can take them out of your eye at an point. The longer they are in the more they melt down and the stickier they become. They will take a little practice to know what length of wear time is best for each person.

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