Tweet
After undergoing laser irodotomy and exacerbated by aging too, I suppose, my eyes became chronically dry. I was in absolute total misery. I ran through the whole treatment plan, including eye drops numerous times a day, soaking, scrubbing, Restasis, punctal plugs, new eye glass prescription to be sure I wasn't experiencing eye strain. I added humidifyers and air cleaners. NOTHING worked. The humidifyers helped a little. But I could hardly hold my eyes open. I could no longer read for more than 5 minutes. I could not use the internet. I could not paint (and painting is my career). I could not drive for distances for fear my eyes would shut down. I certainly could not use contacts. Then the AH HA moment came! I remembered 12 years ago when I first got contacts. I was advised not to ever use preservatives because I do have allergies. Lately I had been told that the new preservatives did not cause many problems. I found a website that gave me a list of preservatives in everyeye drop/products. I immediately checked all my drops, washes, etc. against this list. Indeed I had unwittingly started using a drop and wash with one of the newer preservatives. I had tired of drops in vials. They were expensive and harder to keep up with. Well- I immediately STOPPED! I chose something else. Within 48 hours my eyes were new eyes.
I am now completely relieved. Still have dry eyes. But they are manageable. I now use eye drops without preservatives 4x daily. Restasis (has no preservatives) 2x daily. Washing eyelids 2x daily with Baby Shampoo. I do still have punctal plugs (may not need them ??) I am so thankful this has solved the problem. For me--NO preservatives AT ALL. I hope this helps someone else. This condition was miserable. For preservative info check out: The Eye Digest (published by Univ. of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary) at http://www.agingeye.net/dryeyes/drye...gtreatment.php
Comment