restasis

[msienkiewicz]

I have read that some people have used restasis up to four times a day.

Was it prescribed this way for you?

Did it help?

Just curious...

[dave25]

Yes, my doctor told me to use it 4X a day. It actually worked really well for a couple of months. Then I had a flare up this winter, around January, and I haven't been able to get back to the comfort level I was at before. I think 4X a day works better than 2X a day for me, but make sure it is ok with your doctor. I think the most widely accepted prescription for Restasis is 2X a day, but if you are in a lot of pain like I was (still am) it might be worth a shot.

[msienkiewicz]

Thank you for responding.

When you say pain, do you mean burning.

I too have pain as they aspirated a cyst and left a permanent "bump" on my sclera that my poor dry eye has to constantly rub against. I still cannot look down without pain. I have been to four doctors, and they all say it is
"inconsequential". I usually close my eyes before 9 pm as it gets very sore.

One doctor actually said he would sew my eye shut. I'll keep that in mind for later...

That sounded so drastic.

I just patch it when it gets to that point, but I fear never being able to go out again after nine.

[autumnn]

Have you considered scleral lenses? Many on this forum have had luck with these and hearing about the cyst makes me wonder if the lenses could comfortably cover this and help your pain...maybe you could contact the Boston Foundation for Sight about this?

[msienkiewicz]

Do you think this could be possible? Michigan Cornea Consultants right here makes scleral lenses - I think. I was actually thinking of checking into it. I would pay anything to not feel this "inconsequential" sclera abnormality.

Do you wear sclerals?

[autumnn]

No, but if IPL doesnt work (but I am planning on it working ) then I am going to try the Boston Foundation for Sight. I have tried other scleral lenses before and the eye doc never got the fit nor the vision correct. He seemed so clumbsy through the whole process. From what I have read- Boston can help some of the most dire cases and their fit is excellent. I'd call them and talk to Bill about your situation as he could better tell you if you could be a candidate.

[dave25]

Yes, when I say pain I mean burning.

It's important to explore all of your options until you find some relief. If you think scleral lenses might work you should look into it. I have heard a lot of good things about them.

[Lucy]

Boston Scleral lens are usually the last resort on someone's stop. They are not able to fit everyone. I don't like to throw grease on the fire, but when people who have not tried them get all thrilled at the possibility, they need to keep the whole picture in mind.

If they decide to take you, the cost of the lens is about $8,000. You have to make a trip or more than one trip to Boston. Your health insurance may pay for the lenses, but not all do.

To: msienkiewicz
I live in Michigan also. I live in SW Michigan. I've had the Boston lenses and also ZWAVE lens from an eye doctor in Jackson, MI. He has also fit another person on the board who was post-Lasik. One problem I have is one eye is much worse than the other an that's the one they can't fit. I've had a couple of surgeries on that eye. One was Lasik and the other was for a cataract which was a cut on the scleral part of the eye. I think that's why I don't get a good fit with sclerals. Sclerals do sit on your sclera and are meant to vault the cornea. If you know of any good drs, let me know the names. If you are interested in the WAVE lens, I know a good dr. Lucy

[dave25]

You make some excellent points Lucy. I asked my doctor about scleral lenses at my last visit and he told me it was generally for people who are having a lot of problems with their vision as well. He also told me it is not very common yet to treat people with MGD/Bleph with scleral lenses. Another thing he said was that there is a 4 and 10,000 of chance of getting a serious eye infection that could cause blindness.

Since I am only 26 years old and my vision is not too bad yet, he recommended I try alternative routes first. (Even though it feels like I have tried almost everything!) I really wasn't intending to say that scleral lenses did not come with their own serious questions. I just thought it would be something to look into because I have heard a lot of good stories about them on this site.

[msienkiewicz]

Lucy,

I am so glad to finally chat with you.

I need a mentor in Michigan.

I produce NO oil like SAZY. I do have tears 8 and 12.

Would the wave lense work for me?

All the doctors I have seen say I should not be experiencing the discomfort I am, but I am... I believe that there is extra conjunctiva where the cyst was that is still there and is causing me the most aggravation. Not to mention the burning in the evenings. It all goes downhill after 4 pm, and that's when my kids need me the most. We adopted a special needs little girl now 8 that requires a lot of attention. It has been very difficult lately....

Another question.. Lucy, how often do you put drops in...
Do you think I would benefit from plugs?

I would love the name of the doctor in Jackson. I would check into local things first. Sorry for the long post

[msienkiewicz]

Jenny,

Thank you for your words of encouragement. I was able to insert the lacriserts, and my eyes are "bathing" at the moment - almost too many tears at the moment, but that is ok with me. I'll keep you posted on how long it works for me as I have very evaporative dry eye.

My friend works at an eye clinic just minutes from my house, and she had a tech help me with the first one. I did the second on my own. It fell out; I think I went through three, but I DID IT! I'm so glad I did.

I'll keep you posted on how they continue to work for me.
Even if I can get 6 hours in the evenings with them that would be great. That is when my kids need me most.

Thank you again so much....

[msienkiewicz]

OOPS!

I added the last comment on the wrong post..

too many tears I guess from the lacrisert.

I hope this works for me... Still trying to figure things out...

Fingers crossed.