Help! I am new

[JemmaD]

Hi everyone.

I am new to this site but I have had a look at some "threads" and everyone seems friendly. I must admit, until I saw this site I didn't realise how common the problem is!

I haven't been diagnosed with dry eyes as such and my optician has many theories about my condition. I would like to know how to go about having someone diagnose me....is it a case of asking my GP to refer me to a specialist?

I do feel that my eyes are dry and like there is not enough liquid there but my main concern is the fact that my eyes are red most days. I'm very conscious of this and I have been accused of taking drugs before now! The redness gets worse in certain conditions such as in air conditioned rooms and cold weather, even after a shower they are worse! The thing is, when I have looked at other people's symptoms on this site, redness doesnt seem to be their main problem and so i am wondering if it is in fact dry eyes that i have?

Here is a bit about me:

I am 24 and although I cant really say exactly when the problem started, I think it was around the time I was taking Roaccutane (I was about 17). But Roaccutane does cause dryness generally. Has anyone else found the same problem with Roaccutane?

My optician tried me with all sorts of contact lenses. The soft ones only made the problem worse and so now I wear gas permeable (the hard ones) which apparently let the eye breathe better.

Now, as far as my optician can tell, my eyes aren't actually dry....just red and sometimes uncomfortable. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I am wondering what could be causing my problem.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I would be grateful for any suggestions!

Jemma

[EllMitcho]

Hi Jemma and welcome!

I noticed that you are from the UK - my advice is to try and find a knowledgable GP who is sympathetic to DES and get referred to a specialist. Alternatively walk in to your local Eye Unit (TIP: take a book to read!) and wait to see one of their primary care staff.

They should be able to give you an initial diagnosis - once you have that you can begin to try and manage / eliminate your condition. My experience of GP's has been poor - the sooner you get to a specialist the better IMHO.

In the mean time - quit using contacts for now (I know this may seem drastic but you only have one per of eyes) - and steer clear of any eye drops / contact lubricants with harsh preservatives in them (my eyes were damaged by BAK) - there is a section on preservatives here: http://www.dryeyezone.com/encycloped...ervatives.html


Good luck - this site is great, take your time to digest as much information and inspiration as possible.

Cheers

EllMitcho

[Rich S.]

Jemmad.

Redness and dry eye certainly go together, i found this site and have really had the best 4 or 5 weeks ever ( over 40 yrs with severe dry eye) but i still have many relapses which is dissapointing but not unexpected after all these yrs.

Drops hmm been on Clinitas 3 great at first but after a while same as all the 100s of makes ive tried over the years so im leaving them alone at the moment and seem to be a tad better for it.

Best tips ive found for me is Black mask at night as i must have slept for years with my eyes open and 2 or 3 times a day a warm rice bag brilliant tips.


Rich UK