Frustrated with eye pain!

[MyDryEyes]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but my issues are mostly related to pain of late. I hope somebody can give me some tips or share their similar experiences.

Here are my frustrations:

eye strain - after computer use all day I can't watch TV, read or do anything like knitting. The eye strain feels like an ache or a pull at the eye. My muscles almost feel stiff when I read. Reading is the worst! I am thinking that this problem is a seperate issue from the dry eye - maybe my new refraction from PRK (7 months ago)? I am going to the opthamologist today to explore this issue, but he hasn't been too helpful with the dry eye that I have little hope for this issue as well.

I also get an ache in both eyes (mostly when driving or outside) just underneath the Iris. I wonder if this is from sun sensitivity, but I also occasionally experience this feeling when I am inside.

My right eye is the worst!! This is my most frustrating issue. If I go outside to walk or run, even with my goggles on (I am pretty sure of their fit, but have lots of fogging issues), my right eye gets dry. Then, by the time I get back to the house, I get a sharp ache that feels like it goes directly through my pupil all the way back to my ear and sometimes down my face. This pain usually lasts all evening until I go to bed. Is this from dry eye or just a chronic pain issue from the dreaded laser surgury?

I feel like my soul is wilting because I can't get outside and run!! I am so house bound right now it is driving me crazy. Everything, everything that I love to do - reading, knitting, skiing, running is gone from my life and I really, really want to figure out how to get back to a few of these things.

My left eye feels relatively comfortable throughout the day, with some itchiness (itchiness has increased in both eyes since being plugged).

Also, I think I am building yet another intolerance to OTC, preservative-free eye drops. Right now I am using Tears Naturale Free (daytime use) and Refresh - Celluvisc for night time. I also use Refresh PM ointment around my eyes at night (mostly to help moisturize my dried up eyelids). Sometimes when I put the eye drops in, they cause my eyes to ache, but not always. I also get a burning sensation occationally. Drops that I cannot tolerate are Systane and TheraTears. I always use preservative free drops, but I am thinking of trying Dr. Holly's drops.

I know this post is long and with many issues, but I am so frustrated by how my lifestyle has changed for the worst and I can't seem to stop crying.

Also, since being plugged my eyes do not feel as severely dry, but I still feel dryness. Usually the dryness sets in at the end of the day and more so in the right eye.

Any thoughts for me? Thanks!! MDE

[eva b]

Oh My Lord, MDE, you've made me cry. I so feel your pain, because it's similar to mine. Not exactly, in physical terms, because I haven't had any surgery...mine troubles started with shingles in the eye.

But the long term effects are the same...I feel as if my life is being stolen away from me because of the limitations on every single thing I love to do. Like you I love to be outdoors, biking, walking, all now impossible even with over the specs goggles.

All the relaxation things I love to do are vision related - reading, painting, knitting, drawing ... even reading stuff on the internet is severely curtailed. I watch TV in sunglasses - doesn't really add to the experience.

Like you, I've developed intolerance/sensitivites and can't use anything at all in my eyes, not even preservative free saline.

Do you do the compresses and lid massage?

What about Omega 3 and fish oil supplements?

What helps me enormously is massage - I know, it's eye pain, but a lot of the nerves that serve the eyes start deep within the neck, and mine gets very tense, not surprising when you can never be comfortable. Deep massage over all the neck muscles, plus the upper back ones which connect with those, and also the base of the skull can relieve an awful lot.

Also warmed up rice baggies on the neck and shoulders can relax you.

I had a very sharp pain which sounds similar to yours over a year ago, it went on for months intermittently, and no cause was ever found for it. I finally got over it by getting a short course of muscle relaxant medication from my GP. It disappeared overnight!

Not sure how much help any of the above might be - definitely try the massage if you can.

But please know you are not alone - I'm in the middle of a relapse at the moment and feeling as low as you sound.

all the best, Eva

[MyDryEyes]

Eva B,

Thanks for your kind words. I am trying a lot of the remedies you have suggested. Warm rice baggie, supplements, etc. I haven't had a massage in a while, that is a great suggestion. I am working through the eye drop issue, I think there are a few more products on the market I haven't tried yet. I hope you feel better soon!!

MDE

[Bennys]

Hi

I think your post was from over a year ago but this is the first time I've read it. I don't get on the DEZ very often as I, too, can't stand being on the computer. I cried when I read your story as it mirrors mine. My whole life has changed since this problem began (after having Lasix surgery). I, too, feel as though I have been robbed of all the things in life which gave me pleasure. The thought of living the rest of my life in this pain is very frustrating and sad. Please don't ever feel you are alone. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate my pain (or extreme discomfort) an 8 or 9. I had to give up computer use as it caused my eyes to feel exactly like yours - almost like a sore muscle after running. What keeps me going is that maybe somebody out there will come up with a solution to this problem. But PLEASE, PLEASE don't ever think you are alone. Just looking at this board is evidence of how widespread this problem is.

[texaseyes]

Serum Tears

This is just a suggestion, but it occurred to me that for those that seem to be intolerant of every kind of eye drop, there is always the option to try serum tears. Since they are made from your own blood, it seems like they would be accepted by your eyes. A dry eye specialist would have to be consulted for the procedure to make the tears. I had this done at Methodist Hospital in Houston when my eyes were in really bad shape after LASIK. They prepare 100% (undiluted) serum.

texaseyes