Hello Everyone! :)

[Martush]

Hey guys!!!
So, I am a 25 year old college grad... In the future, I am hoping to work in underdeveloped countries, helping people who've been traumatized by war, terror and bereavement.
I love various cultures and reading books. I love New York for its diversity!

I have been dealing with the symptoms of "dry eye" for about 2 years now, although I have never been actually given the diagnosis of Chronic Dry Eye (Do they actually do that, ever?).
I've been to numerous specialists, some of them saying my condition is not "that bad" and that I should learn to live with it, while others have claimed that my eyes produce no tears at all, that my sight is in terrible danger and that my tears are of low quality.
To be honest, I've had really difficult times.
I am usually a very happy and a positive person, open and sociable and there's always a smile on my face.
Ever since my condition became really unbearable, I've changed. I am really trying to stay afloat and stay the optimist that I have always been, but it is so hard.

I had to decline my acceptance to a PhD program in Clinical Psychology in several really good universities. I graduated at the top of my class, and suddenly found myself unable to do anything, read anything, watch anything...
Dreams were all shattered. Life has changed for me.

No more alcohol (who cares?), parties (loved dancing), school (miss the smell of new books), coffee (used to be a Starbucks fan) and contacts...

I stopped going out with friends, people say I "disappeared".

Recently, I quit my full time job abroad and came to the States with one goal in mind- to get better. I am tired of the "new me"; the sad, the tired, the irritable...

I even tried to go back to grad school.... I made a mistake of mentioning my eye problem on the interview, and was endlessly questioned about it, as if I had no other accomplishments or merits. In the end they told me that despite my high credentials and recommendations, they believe it would be impossible for me to help others while I am so disturbed by my own medical problem.

So, I am still trying to hang in there. trying to go back to my old self, although many of you know how difficult it is.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Sorry for the sad note on which my correspondence with you begins, I will try to work harder on a happier theme next time...!

I can't wait to update you with some good news!!

[liz56]

Hi, Martush.

You story sounds like so many of ours. Work, school, our families, and friends are all affected by this problem that is a little different for all of us. What's helped me about being here is that everyone shares such great details about what they try and how it works. It's also helpful to know that others know what this is like, because a lot of people do not take it seriously.

I hope that you find some things that work for you. Keep looking and trying. It can and will get better!

--Liz

[Martush]

Hey Liz

Thanks for your comment.I really do think that reading, sharing and taking part in this forum may make a big difference.

I really hope you are right and that things will get better!

[Judy]

Hi Martush,

Welcome and I'm so sorry you have been through such a struggle... I think if you can keep up with this blog and read up on all the interesting tips people have, you will come up with a routine that will start your healing (both your eyes and your emotions). God Bless and best wishes. Many of us have been through some really tough times and are doing better!

Judy

[Martush]

Thank you, Judy!

I am very relieved to see that I am not alone, that people can actually understand and have been through what I am going through.



Thank you for your kind words, I hope all will be better soon!

[rooneyandfergie]

Hey Martush,

I am of the same age as you and I am currently facing the same challenges as you. I had just graduated not long ago and had found work in an IT company. I experience discomfort and redness in the eyes whenever i have to use the PC which has really been pretty difficult.

Hopefully, we'll all be able to recover and get better soon from this terrible condition. And I think u're right. This forum is a great place to learn and share information about the disease. I am quite thankful for the great advice and understanding by the people using this forum. Not many people in their 20s will be able to understand the dry eye condition that we have go through, so it's always great to find a listening ear.

How did your dry eye start? Was there something that triggered the start of your dry eyes?

[Martush]

Hey rooneyandfergie

Thanks for your response!
Actually, I believe my problem started through a combination of triggers:
(tell meif you think this makes sense)

1) The use of contact lenses (although I had been wearing them for 5 years with no problems at all at the time).
2) Allergies-my parents had just adopted a cat.I never knew that I am actually allergic to cats! My skin became problematic and my eyes were beginning to bother me.
3) Computer research- I had been working on the computer a lot. Could that be an additional trigger?

So, I went to my optometrist who told me I have some dryness in my eyes and that I should stop wearing my contacts for some time, until my eyes heal.
It's been almost 2 years since then...

How about you?How did your problem begin?

[rooneyandfergie]

Hi Martush,

My problem started bout half a year ago after a prolonged period of computer usage. I had to use the computer through the pain barrier to complete an assignment for college. In hindsight, that was pretty stupid of me. I further exacerbated the problem by wearing contact lenses after that which caused the problem with redness to start in my eyes.

I have since laid off the contacts but discomfort still persists. My doctor has also told me that my eyes don't look dry though i seriously doubt that. I just don't think that it is likely that the eyes can feel this bad without any underlying dryness.