New member from NH

[Merricat]

Hi all!
I have been suffering from dry eyes for just a week and already feel as though I am going crazy. I have a lot of trouble sleeping because I am so uncomfortable and have not had much luck finding an eye drop that relives my symptoms. It was such a relief to find this website and these forums and feel a little less alone.

I still do not know what has caused my symptoms, or if they will go away anytime in the near future, but I suspect perhaps a combination of Pataday and antihistamines that had been prescribed to treat seasonal allergies (Veramyst first, which gave me hives, then Allegra that made me jittery, nauseous, and gave me a headache.) I have since discontinued the use of both, but have yet to find any relief.

I have tried Genteal and Refresh lubricating drops, with limited success. When I went to my eye doctor, he just offered more prescriptions and/or plugs, while telling me that yes, my eyes did seem to be dry, but it was difficult to tell why, or which part of my tears were affected. I imagine many of you have had a similar experience - isn't it frustrating?

Needless to say, I am not sure what to try next and am worried that both my personal and professional life are going to suffer for it. If anyone has any recommendations for an optometrist in the Massachusetts/New Hampshire/Maine area, I would love to hear them!

Thanks for listening!

[east12]

Although I to am sorting out my own eye-related issues.

I have Found the eyedrop called Systane to be of the most help. Refresh Ultra had made my eyes hurt much much more and i wasnt getting anywhere with Gentear.

For the past 3 weeks or so Systane has been helping me alot and its worth a look into I believe.

[Merricat]

Thank you for the suggestion! I am willing to try anything that might bring some relief and will definitely give Systane a try.

[beachblanketbingo]

Hello

I live near the NH border in North Andover, MA - dry eyes are a pain to say the least - Did your doctor suggest plugs - also are you talking flaxseed and omega-3's if not - start taking 3 1200mg each morning -

Try the blink tears - I use those...

[Merricat]

Hi!
Yes, my doctor suggested plugs, but I passed because he did not seem to be able to tell me exactly what was wrong with my eyes that was making them so dry (aqueous tear production, blocked Meibomian glands, etc.) Actually, he did not perform either the tear break up or Schirmer tests.

I started taking fish oil and flax oil capsules as soon as I heard about their benefits for dry eye sufferers - a few days ago.

I made an appointment with Dr. Goodman (from the Dye Eye Yellow Pages on this site) and am hoping she will have some suggestions. Have you ever been to see her? She has a couple of offices - one in Quincy and a few near the Cape.

[beachblanketbingo]

good

Thats sounds like the best thing to do - wish you luck - I go to tallman eye associates - they are pretty good - but not specialists like goodman

On another note I have my first rheumatologist visit at 2:30 today - I have dry eyes and some dry mouth - went through sjorgrens testing - negative - so not sure whats next....

We all have our issues - guess thats what makes life so interesting