OK to use Dr. Holly's drops + Restasis?

[Maenad1]

I'm new here, with what I believe is a "moderate" case of dry eye (I've never had eye surgery; I've just (over?)worn contacts for a bazillion years).

After reading about Dwelle, Dakrina and NutraTears, I'm eager to try them, particularly to help me at night when my eyes get very dry. However, I am currently on a 2x daily Restasis regimen, and I'm wondering if the Dr. Holly drops are compatible with Restasis, or if they are contraindicated.

For example, would it be OK to put the Restasis in, wait 15 min., then put in the Dwelle? Or is it not a good idea to use Dwelle at all if I'm using Restasis?

I'm also going to be getting back into contacts soon (I hope!). I understand the Dr. Holly drops are not FDA approved for use as CL lubricants, and it sounds like they're too thick to be used that way in any case, but do you think it would be OK to put the Restasis in in the AM, followed by the Dwelle, followed by the contacts 15 minutes later? Or would the Dwelle leave a film on the lenses?

Yes, I will ask my doc about this, but I thought I'd ask here first to see if anyone was doing a similar routine. I'm so excited about the prospect of all-day comfort, please forgive my eagerness!

[Rebecca Petris]

For example, would it be OK to put the Restasis in, wait 15 min., then put in the Dwelle? Or is it not a good idea to use Dwelle at all if I'm using Restasis?

This is no problem at all, so long as you leave a gap in between. I've never heard of any OTC lubricant being contraindicated for Restasis users, by the way.

I'm also going to be getting back into contacts soon (I hope!). I understand the Dr. Holly drops are not FDA approved for use as CL lubricants, and it sounds like they're too thick to be used that way in any case, but do you think it would be OK to put the Restasis in in the AM, followed by the Dwelle, followed by the contacts 15 minutes later? Or would the Dwelle leave a film on the lenses?

Again, that use is fine and there are many contact lens user who use the drop this way (to prolong wearing time/comfort). By the way, they are not viscous like gels or liquigels. In fact I use Dwelle (off-label) to fill my Sclerals.

[liz56]

When I asked my corneal specialist the same question, he said that he would encourage using Restasis and Dwelle together. He also said that the only thing that is contraindicative of Restasis is Refresh Endura, because the caster oil vehicle in Restasis is the key ingredient in Endura.

Dwelle seems to go with all of my eye outfits! :-)

[brd888]

Contacts

I would say stop using contacts before your moderate dry eye turns into serious dry eye. The dryness is a warning sign of oncoming contact intolerance.

[Maenad1]

Got my drops! Love 'em!

I appreciate all the responses. I went ahead and ordered the drops; they arrived today. I've been testing them out; so far my favorite is Dakrina, but I like all three. The Dakrina gave me three hours of blissfully moist eyes. There was some initial stinging with the Dakrina and Dwelle, but it went away after a minute or two. I've got the Dwelle in now and I'm feeling good.

Brd888: Thanks for the advice. I'm not currently wearing contacts -- the doctor gave me a big lecture back in December and told me to stay out of them for a month, which I have done. However, I'm severely nearsighted, which makes me *very* highly motivated to get back into contacts, even if I can only wear them for a few hours a day. My eyes are still dry, but not inflamed and red anymore, so I feel I've made some progress. Last week I went in for a recheck; the O.D. looked at me, ordered a set of trials (Acuvue Oasys) and now I'm waiting for those to come in. He said this type of lens might help me keep moisture on my eyes. I don't know if he's right, but it's worth a try.

What has your experience with contacts been? Did you develop intolerance after years of wear?