When does the watering stop???

[texasgolfer]

Hi there

I am new to this board, but was diagnosed with dry eyes a couple of years ago. Most recently, I had an eye infection that has turned into a nightmare lasting 5 months. I have been told numerous potential causes, but no real answers.

Currently, my symptoms are: red eyes, puffiness in the mornings, and out of control watering! I also have follicles in the upper and lower eyelids which may or may not be related to dry eyes?

The watering is driving me nuts! I use preservative free drops 4x per day, hot compresses 2x per day, ointment at night.

The cornea specialist I saw recently did cultures (for the second time), and I will go back next week. I bought the tranquileyes goggles and used them for the first time last night. They are great!

I am kind of at my wit's end, and am wondering if you all have any thoughts or suggestions for me to take to the doctor next week?

They have said there is not currently an infection (as far as they could see.....will wait on the cultures). Treated with numerous drops and doxy twice.

Thanks for any advice!

[ringo]

You say you have tried many different kinds of drops and treatments.Could you please specify what kinds of drops you have been using and they did not help you?

I can give you some advice on the watering, as with me it has almost gone away with treatment and I used to cry rivers all the time. Recovery was quite slow, took about 6 months, but there is no more unbearable watering now.

Please let me know of the kinds of treatments you had and they failed, as I do not want to advise you on things you already tried!

[texasgolfer]

For prescription drops: (in order used)

tobradex drops
azasite

besivance and zylet combo

combo:
omnipred
vigamox
tobradex ointment at night
doxy 100 mg

Currently, I am not on any precription drops. In the past, I have used the following non-prescription drops: systane, refresh, thera tears, and many others.

I am currently using the vials: thera tears and refresh. each 2x per day.
at night I use genteal ointment.

Thanks for any suggestions! I am really ready to move on to the next phase in my recovery!


Holly

[ringo]

As i thought, you have an extensive experience with many medications, and with some of the ones you mention I have had zero success as well-- specifically tobradex and vigamox.

This is what worked for me: My tearing gradually reduced over a period of about 6 months with punctal plugs (upper and lower),and prescription drops like FML drops, Akular/or Voltaren, NAC supplement,and most importantly cyclosporine (Restasis and an ointment that also contains cyclosporine but in a higher concentration). Also, pilocaprine tablets which increase the basal (good tears), thus increasing comfort in the eye and decreasing reflex tearing from the irritation/inflammation. I think the biggest improvement overall is due to the cyclosporine.

I had to take them all religiously as prescribed, and I was getting desperate many times that things are not improving, but with the encouragement of my doctor who could see improvement (while I could not feel it), I somehow managed to keep the momentum. I am just trying to say-- do try new things, and under a good doctor's supervision you will improve; do not get discouraged even i it takes much longer than you would like.

[texasgolfer]

Thanks for your information. I hope it won't take that long! But, most likely will.....sigh.

I am already frustrated so I don't know how I could bear another 6 months of this....

[ringo]

When I get discouraged during these months of treatment, I kept saying to myself-- if I do not do anything,i.e. if I stop the treatment, it will not be 6 months, or even 12 months, it will keep getting worse and will be a lifetime. So six months is better than forever, right?

the truth is we have no choice but to continue trying; coz with trying there is hope in the experience of other people who persevered. If we stop trying, things will quickly get worse. We have no choice but press on, do our best and hope for the best, even if we feel bad right now.

Like for example, after I cried yesterday and smoked tons of cigarettes, today I have a significant setback,i mean worsening in my right eye....as if it went back to how it was months ago. But I continued putting the medication and now it is somewhat better.

I have to limit episodes of stress and smoking/crying, as it really makes my eyes horrible. That is a vital part of the treatment. Minimum stress, good sleep- still a dream to achieve for me, but I am trying...

[catlover]

Today is 12-16 and I am just now reading your post. I wish I had seen it sooner b/c I have had the same problem for 9 months. I have an eye appt. this morning at 9:00 (this is 6 month checkup). I have constant watering in my right eye. I do have MGD, which I'm sure is caused by rosacea, which I have. I don't have pain, burning, gritty feeling - nothing - just a watery eye.

I have used every OTC eye there is. The best, for me, is Systane PF. But my eye waters whether I use drops or not, so most days I don't use them. I have been on 50 mg/doxy for 2 months and 3 days. I've done the lid scrubs, warm compresses, fish/flax oil supplement. I've eaten all the right foods that are good for eyes. I've only noticed a hair of an improvement. I think all the warm compresses have caused eyelid twitches which drive me nuts.

Anyway, today I am going to ask about Restasis and also NAC. I get so down about this b/c it has drastically affected my life. I spend half my day with a kleenex absorbing a watering eye. I can't wear eye makeup or contacts.