Restasis Issues, Need Encouragement to keep me going!

[DCRdryeye]

Thanks for the clarification LindaLa, sounds like you are seeing a very good doc. I hope she finds out what's going on and finds some answers for you

[Faith1989]

So, I'm going back to my eye doctor today and am honestly kind of nervous. I want to be off Restasis and discuss different treatment options. The only thing that has worked for me are alrex/lotemax.. I'm having to many Restasis problems (redness, burning, lash loss) I feel my doctor is getting frustrated with me lately, and is one of those people who doesn't think my issue is a big deal. I really hope he doesn't make me feel this way again. The only thing I haven't tried is anti-biotics or Freshkote. I really wish this issue would fade away..each med i get I look forward to because I think something has to finally work. I am so frustrated and have stopped soo many things I used to enjoy. Wish me luck..

[farmgirl]

I have to say I have been on Restasis for close to a year. I have Sjogren's but no MGD or Bleph and have had NO lash loss so the lash loss maybe from some other problem with the lids. I was originally started on Restasis in a bottle. It burned so much it was like someone had thrown acid in my eyes. I quit after the 3rd application and they burned for 2 days. I then was started (with some trepidation) on the preservative free drops and have not had a problem since. If the stuff you are using is in a bottle and not the preservative free disposable containers then the burning could be due to the preservatives. It did take about 6 months but I did eventually feel a bit better. It is by no means a cure but if the discomfort goes from a 6 to a 5 that is significant in my opinion. For sure you don't want to be getting worse, that would be grounds for quitting.

[SunshineinCalgary]

I've been on Restasis for 10 months.

1. Restasis seems to work best in the first 6 months and then its effects seem to taper off
2. If you read the product monograph, for severe dry eye patients, Restasis alone is not enough. You may still need to use plugs or artificial tears. But I agree with Farmgirl, Restasis did help in some way although may not be a permanent solution.
3. I find Restasis helps to reduce inflammation, but we have to allow our eyes to heal. My constant exposure to computer use and air condition is not helping at all.
4. I'm interested in the long term effects of Restasis (good or bad) Not sure if anyone was on it for more than 3 years?

[LaDiva]

I've been using Restasis for seven or eight years. It used to provide adequate relief without any other drops, but my eyes have gotten worse and now I must used additional meds. I do think it helps. When I quit using it, my eyes are worse.

[SunshineinCalgary]

Ladiva,

When you said your eyes have gotten worse, did you use computer a lot?

Just curious, have you ever tried Restasis 4 times a day or a higher concentration 0.1%?

[LaDiva]

Sorry Sunshine. I did not see your question until now. Yes, I do use the computer a lot, but think the problem has more to to with aging, hormones, PRK, genetics and stress. I've always used Restasis 2X a day, 0.5%.

[hirentherock]

I have been using cycloimmune(generic of restasis) with 0.10% concentration of cyclosporine.
I used to take 0.05 previously which burned me a lot and also didnt feel much of an improvement.

Now im using 0.10% solution and it has improved my eyes keeping wet.
To get rid of burning and stinging problem, i use it at night just before i sleep so it wouldnt bother me.

Its no harm using it just once a day before sleep.

Keep in mind that this is not a thing like lotemax etc..which gives overnight temporary relief. It takes 6/8 months to show effect and gradually improves tear function.
So try to persist with it.I would surely deny having corneal erisions etc from cyclosporine drops.There much be something else which would have caused erosion.

One should clearly keep in mind that this is the only fda approved drug which is supposed to work.

i have persisted with it even after taking so much burning etc and now i have got used to it.It does not burn me that much.it stings a bit still.But quite tolerable now.