Looking for Dry Eye Specialist in Pacific NorthWest

[dryeye2]

I live in Kirkland, WA, which is adjacent to Seattle, WA, and have not found a dry eye specialist, either opthamologist or optometrist. My doctor retired about 5 years ago. All the doctors that I have seen since have standard treatments--plugs, Restasis, ointment in the eyes at night, etc. My dry eye is from Nocturnal Lagophthalmos, so I know the cause, but would like some help with the symptoms. Does anybody know of a doctor who specializes in dry eye that is in the Northwest? My naturopath is willing to prescribe autologous tears, but I don't know if that would be of help for my particular situation. If anyone is pleased with their doctor, I would be very appreciative of knowing who that doctor is! Thank you.

[NotADryEye]

In addition to the treatments prescribed, you might try sleeping with moisture chamber goggles. They are relatively inexpensive and if they don't slip off while you sleep can help tremendously throughout the night without having to incur the recurring cost of ointments or the risk of developing sensitivities to their compounds.

I wonder about the effectiveness of Restasis for the condition. Seems odd as I would expect that you are more likely to get recurrent erosions from sleeping with your eyes opened (as I did) then something that Restasis would address. Others might have other opinions.

[hankm9]

Dr. Paul Jensen, NWDEC.

[dryeye2]

Thank you, hankm9, for this information. I will call tomorrow!

[dryeye2]

Hi NotADryEye,

I just logged in and realized that I had not answered your reply to my query for an eye specialis-- I am still finding my way around this blog.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

I tried the Tranquileyes for a few nights a few years ago--perhaps I did not give them a long eough try--but I did not experience any difference. Will be checking into them shortly again, however.

Since you said you did or do sleep with your eyes open, have you found anything (or things) besides the use of moisture chamber goggles that has/have been helpful to you? If so, I would be curious to know what you have discovered!

PS As to the restasis, it did work for about 3 years. However, my doctor told me it would stop being helpful after about that much time, and he was right.

[NotADryEye]

20 years ago, when diagnosed with recurrent erosion, I was able to use nighttime ointments. I don't remember the brand names. But now, I am sensitive to virtually everything OTC even preservative free formulations. So I am lucky that the moisture chamber goggles work for me.

Before the goggles, I had tried taping my eyes shut and another time I would put small cotton balls in the upper inner corners of my closed eyes. Then over that I would put a sleeping mask. But all that cotton can cause irritation. And you don't want to replace cotton with anything less fluffy because you never want to put anything hard on the outside of your eye. That's never a good idea.

Interesting about Restasis not working after 3 years.

[dryeye2]

I am sorry to hear about your sensitivity to ointments, but certainly glad the moisture chamber goggles work for you.

As I mentioned, I think it sounds like I need to give the moisture chamber goggles another (longer) try; I plan to do that.

Thank you for your helpful information; it is comforting to know there are others out there working with the challenges of their dry eye symptoms too.

Best,

dryeye2

[NotADryEye]

Keep us posted.