Another accutane victim

[ScottyEye]

Hi all,

After reading many many many posts about isotretinoin induced MGD, I do believe mine might be a relatively mild case. However, mental health wise... I am struggling coming to terms with a life that might be permanently altered.

I took 40mg for 10 months and after 3 months, started feeling what I thought was just general fatigue. I did not associate it with dry eyes because at the time, I thought dry eyes meant I needed eye drops and that never felt like it gave me relief. My symptoms are severe eye fatigue, photo sensitivity, and the tired-ness and eye strain causes me to have headaches. I am in law school so this is such a struggle. It has been 11 months since I stopped accutane.

I have seen a dry eye specialist and have been taking omega 3s, some other supplements, doing bruder mask 2x, humidifier, sleep mask every day for 2 months. Prior, I had no clue I had MGD so did not implement a routine.

Basically, I am deeply troubled and depressed that this has happened to me. My quality of life has greatly diminished. I am 25 and I can't fathom a life of 50+ years like this and dont know how I will live a fulfilled life.

Anyways, super depressing but that is my current life.

[Aidan]

Hi there, forum admin here, I'd encourage you to join us for a Millennials and Gen-Z support group at dryeyefoundation.org/calendar. We have other young folks who've developed dry eye after using topical products.

We talk a lot about mental health. It can be hard to think about life with this diagnosis, but with time you will fine a routine to address your symptoms, and we are always hopeful of new treatments that are being developed.

We have more resources at dryeyezone.com, and please don't hesitate to give us a call at 800-484-0244 if it would help to talk to someone. Hope to hear from you soon!