Severe dry eye triggered by prolonged computer usage and dry indoor condition

[sunny2013]

Hi Everyone,

I'm Sunny from NYC. I became a member of dry eye patient since ~ half year ago when I switched to sort of a programmer. Since I was new to the job and eager to keep up with the pace, I spent 10+ hours before a computer everyday. It got worse when I stupidly moved my desk close to the heat radiator when the heating season came. (DON'T NEVER EVER DO THAT!!!) My eyes started to feel very very dry and hurt a lot especially at night.

My ophthalmologist put me on Restasis and Lotemax. The Restasis was helpful and my eyes got a bit better. But after 5 months, it seemed to stop working, and my eyes are dry all the time again, even though my doctor put plugs in my eyes. My doctor said my eyes were extremely dry for someone of my age (I'm not even 30) and suspected I had Sjogren's syndrome which I apparently don't have according to my blood test. I have to find another doctor since this one seems to go out of method.

If anyone had similar experience, have any suggestions on the treatment/great dry eye doctors in NYC, PLEASE PLEASE let me know. It scars me to death that my eyes won't get well any more.

Wish everyone well!

-Sunny

[KyleDryEyes]

I've had dry eyes since I was 24 for an unknown reason, I'm 34 now. So I feel your pain. I've tried many many treatments from Restasis, plugs and even praying. None worked. I now believe my eyes are 100% linked to my diet. My eyes are clearer than ever from eating 100% fruits and veggies. It sounds extreme, but it doesn't get any more natural. If fruit is too expensive for you then go for the starches like sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, quinoa, etc.. And also eat a daily helping of healthy fats from avocado, nuts or seeds. I'm also an avid runner. I try to run at least 3 days a week when I'm not training for a big event. I view my dry eyes in a positive light. It forces me to eat super healthy, exercise and get lots of sleep. There are also side benefits to this lifestyle, including being very lean, fit and energetic. Give it a try!

[spmcc]

If anyone had similar experience, have any suggestions on the treatment/great dry eye doctors in NYC, PLEASE PLEASE let me know. It scares me to death that my eyes won't get well any more.

Hi Sunny,

There is a doctor in NYC who is a "dry eye specialist". He's even written a book called The Dry Eye Remedy (for a DEZ review see here: http://dryeyezone.com/encyclopedia/dryeyeremedy.html

His name is Dr. Robert Latkany. His contact info is here: http://www.dryeyeremedy.com/about.html

As for helping your eyes right now, you could get some moisture chamber glasses like WileyX or 7Eye. The foam seal protects the eyes from instant evaporating tears and reduces pain/discomfort.

Lots of people here have similar stories. I'm sure they'll share their tricks.

All the best,
Sheila

[browneyesblu]

My ophthalmologist put me on Restasis and Lotemax. The Restasis was helpful and my eyes got a bit better. But after 5 months, it seemed to stop working, and my eyes are dry all the time again, even though my doctor put plugs in my eyes. My doctor said my eyes were extremely dry for someone of my age (I'm not even 30) and suspected I had Sjogren's syndrome which I apparently don't have according to my blood test.

Hi Sunny,

The MC's are a really good idea, they help a lot. Also lubricating drops which you can buy at any drug store. Which ones are best depends on why your eyes are dry, but for now try Theratears or Systane preservative-free, which a lot of people on this site like a lot.
If you don't have Sjogren's (which is a good thing!) you need to find out why your eyes are so dry. Did the doctor say anything about how well your oil glands are working?
There is a lot of good info on this site. Go to the home page for more suggestions & help.
I wish I could help you more with drs., I've looked in NYC & haven't found anyone I can really recommend. Someone gave me a name recently, Dr. Kathy Mastrota, but I haven't seen her myself so I can't recommend her personally.
Best of luck to you!

[sunny2013]

I've had dry eyes since I was 24 for an unknown reason, I'm 34 now. So I feel your pain. I've tried many many treatments from Restasis, plugs and even praying. None worked. I now believe my eyes are 100% linked to my diet. My eyes are clearer than ever from eating 100% fruits and veggies. It sounds extreme, but it doesn't get any more natural. If fruit is too expensive for you then go for the starches like sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, quinoa, etc.. And also eat a daily helping of healthy fats from avocado, nuts or seeds. I'm also an avid runner. I try to run at least 3 days a week when I'm not training for a big event. I view my dry eyes in a positive light. It forces me to eat super healthy, exercise and get lots of sleep. There are also side benefits to this lifestyle, including being very lean, fit and energetic. Give it a try!

Hi Kyle,
thanks very much for the advice. You're absolutely right. It's probably a systematic problem, diet, nutrition, physical inactivity, ..., could all affect the progress of recovery. I was workaholic (and am still so) and usually fed on instant food, hardly exercised. And this got worse when my eye doctor told me I had allergy to pollen or some sort. I was afraid that been outside could exacerbate my condition. For the past few months, I've been quite depressed, but on and off I told myself to be strong. Now I realize that we're the best doctor of our own. Think positive and act so, eat heathy, exercise more, will increase our chance to win the battle. It is certainly easier say than done. But hopefully everyone here could get some strength to do so. I've just started jogging a couple of days ago and will continue to do so. And will eat more veggies and fruits. I suppose you've got better, perhaps cured? wish you well!

[sunny2013]

Hi Sunny,

There is a doctor in NYC who is a "dry eye specialist". He's even written a book called The Dry Eye Remedy (for a DEZ review see here: http://dryeyezone.com/encyclopedia/dryeyeremedy.html

His name is Dr. Robert Latkany. His contact info is here: http://www.dryeyeremedy.com/about.html

As for helping your eyes right now, you could get some moisture chamber glasses like WileyX or 7Eye. The foam seal protects the eyes from instant evaporating tears and reduces pain/discomfort.

Lots of people here have similar stories. I'm sure they'll share their tricks.

All the best,
Sheila

Hi, Sheila,

Thanks for the info. My PCP recommended Dr. Latkany as well. I'll make an appointment soon. Will check out the moisure chamber glasses as well

All the best,
-Sunny

[sunny2013]

Hi Sunny,

The MC's are a really good idea, they help a lot. Also lubricating drops which you can buy at any drug store. Which ones are best depends on why your eyes are dry, but for now try Theratears or Systane preservative-free, which a lot of people on this site like a lot.
If you don't have Sjogren's (which is a good thing!) you need to find out why your eyes are so dry. Did the doctor say anything about how well your oil glands are working?
There is a lot of good info on this site. Go to the home page for more suggestions & help.
I wish I could help you more with drs., I've looked in NYC & haven't found anyone I can really recommend. Someone gave me a name recently, Dr. Kathy Mastrota, but I haven't seen her myself so I can't recommend her personally.
Best of luck to you!

Hi, Browneyeblu,

many thanks for the info. I've been using Systane Ultra for serval months now. It's the best lubricating drops can find. But sometimes I overused it (once every ~ half hour, b/c my eyes hurt so much) and it got worse. Don't know how well my oil glands work. My eye doctor hardly explained anything about my condition or the dry eye problems. All I can remember is that she said my eyes were indeed very dry, after I told her I felt so. For all the visits, I spent most of the time with her assistant who ran expensive tests on me but never told me what they were all about. The doctor literally spent less than 2 minutes with me each time. She became irritated once I question her. I'm sorry to speak ill of her, but sadly, now that I think about all the office visits but couldn't recall she giving any explanation of my conditions. Anyway, time to move on.

thanks again and best wishes to you!

-Sunny

[LaDiva]

Sunny, I highly recommend goggles for computer or any kind of use. I'd be dead without them. They make a huge difference. Everyone who mentioned diet is also right on target. Also someone, I cannot remember who, recommended Harley Davidson sunglasses with the foam seal around the inside of the glasses. They are great for daytime/outdoor use. I have a small face, and they fit perfectly. Best wishes to you!

[spmcc]

Hi Sunny,

There is a section called "Workplace & computer use" accessible from Dry Eye Talk homepage (www.dryeyezone.com). Just scroll down.

In that section are tons of threads and posts. For example, here's one that explains different software programs that can help people with dry eyes: http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showt...3727#post63727.

And here's another post from Rebecca that has some basic steps on how to make computer use easier: http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showt...5904#post75904.

I hope that helps.

[sunny2013]

Sunny, I highly recommend goggles for computer or any kind of use. I'd be dead without them. They make a huge difference. Everyone who mentioned diet is also right on target. Also someone, I cannot remember who, recommended Harley Davidson sunglasses with the foam seal around the inside of the glasses. They are great for daytime/outdoor use. I have a small face, and they fit perfectly. Best wishes to you!

Hi LaDiva, thanks for suggestions. Just read a post about the chamber goggles. I need prescription eyeglasses. Wonder if there are foam seals alone that can be installed around any eyeglasses...

[sunny2013]

Hi Sunny,

There is a section called "Workplace & computer use" accessible from Dry Eye Talk homepage (www.dryeyezone.com). Just scroll down.

In that section are tons of threads and posts. For example, here's one that explains different software programs that can help people with dry eyes: http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showt...3727#post63727.

And here's another post from Rebecca that has some basic steps on how to make computer use easier: http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showt...5904#post75904.

I hope that helps.

Thanks, spmcc! I now have f.lux running. very helpful!

[KyleDryEyes]

Hi Kyle,
thanks very much for the advice. You're absolutely right. It's probably a systematic problem, diet, nutrition, physical inactivity, ..., could all affect the progress of recovery. I was workaholic (and am still so) and usually fed on instant food, hardly exercised. And this got worse when my eye doctor told me I had allergy to pollen or some sort. I was afraid that been outside could exacerbate my condition. For the past few months, I've been quite depressed, but on and off I told myself to be strong. Now I realize that we're the best doctor of our own. Think positive and act so, eat heathy, exercise more, will increase our chance to win the battle. It is certainly easier say than done. But hopefully everyone here could get some strength to do so. I've just started jogging a couple of days ago and will continue to do so. And will eat more veggies and fruits. I suppose you've got better, perhaps cured? wish you well!

Sunny, I wouldn't say I'm cured because I occasionally have an issue. It's been about once every 3 weeks or so where I have an issue. On those bad days it's still completely manageable with some theratears. But I don't get depressed about it anymore. If you can correlate a food to dry eyes then that is great because you start to feel empowered over your condition. I strongly recommend you keep a food journal. Keep track of everything you eat and drink and note the condition of your eyes that day. Do that for two weeks. I found that things that I ate 2 to 3 days ago affects my eyes today. Such as dairy. If I eat dairy then 2 days later my eyes are very irritated. It takes almost the same time for my eyes to clear up. This is consistent every time. I've ruled out coincidence because it's repeatable. I agree we have to be our own doctors. So go detective on yourself and try to figure it out. You could do what I did and cut out the meat and dairy. Go that way for a week then add in one thing meat or dairy and note the affect the days after. Good luck and best wishes! Kyle

[LaDiva]

Kyle, Sunny and everyone,
I really wonder if our society hasn't added so many chemicals and junk to food, that this is a wide-spread problem. We also have genetically modified foods, which weren't a thought fifty years ago. I truly think this has impacted the health of many people, not just folks with dry eyes. I totally agree about the food angle of dry eye. For me it has been huge, and while very limiting, it is worth it. I can't eat dairy either, Kyle, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

[sunny2013]

Dear All,

Thank you for all your suggestions and comments. I'd like to give you an update on my condition and perhaps a heads-up for some of you.

So l finally went to see another doctor, and shockingly, he said it's not dry eyes. The drops, especially Lotemax, are only making me worse. Now I have been off all drops for a few days and actually feel better! The doctor said I have allergy and maybe something else. Dunno. I need to wait for my eye pressure to drop (high now due to the drops) before any new diagnosis and treatment.

Anyway, I just want to say, for those who have been on long term dry eye treatment but didn't get any better, there is a chance of misdiagnosis. So do get a second opinion!

Thank you all, and best wishes!
-sunny

[Faith1989]

Did u go see dr. Latkany?? Are you now using an allergy drop? How long were you using Lotemax before the pressures went up?