Contact lenses and relief in Europe?

[stephgurl1986]

Dear Dr. G,

I'm 20 years old and I suffer from severe dry eyes (reason: not enough tears, tested by the Schirmer-test). I have a constant pain on both eyes and they remain red (very red) all the time though I put in artificial tears every 5-10 minutes when it's possible.
I've seen a lot of doctors here (Germany) but they just don't know enough about dry eyes. I started with Restasis three months ago but my eyes haven't improved yet.
My question is whether there are any contact lenses available in Europe that improve my symptoms because I am really suffering. I have heard of there sceral lenses...
Anyway, are there any dry eyes specialist in Europe? I haven't found one in Berlin and I don't know where to search.
Thank you for your help!

[DrG]

Dear Steph,

So sorry to read of your terrible plight. You seem be a candidate for some kind of bandage lens treatment for corneal protection and comfort. Maybe you can read my posts on this subject. I'm surprised you cannot find scleral lenses in Germany, or else find someone who will take your condition more seriously. I have only one or two names in the UK. One is Ken Pullum who has a website, and the other would be a Dr. Hau at Moorefields Eye.

Good luck.

[DrG]

My thanks to Neil who sent me this link of dry eye specialists by country.

Perhaps this will help Steph from Berlin.

[stephgurl1986]

Thanks a lot. Unfortuately there is no specialist in Berlin but I will make sure to see a dry eye specialist in another city then. I just hope I'll find some help and relief.

[stephgurl1986]

Are there other contact lenses that improve symptoms of dry eyes esp. redness and pain when patients do not have enough tears or is the only option I have scleral lenses?