Dry Eyes at 18

[BBKelsey]

Hey everyone!

I'm new here, and fairly new to dry eyes in general. I was diagnosed with DES back in July/August after experiences issues with my contacts over the summer. My optometrist started me on a steroid to clear up inflammation caused by contact wear with dry eyes. He also told me to start using Systane drops as much as I could. I am now on Xiidra and have been on it for about two weeks, combined with using Systane throughout the day. He also put lower punctal plugs in at the same time I started with Xiidra. I thought those would be the death of me, but luckily I've adjusted I was just at the optometrist today, hoping he'd give me the go ahead to try contacts again, but unfortunately I still have some spots on my left eye, which he is hoping will clear up with continued use of Xiidra and Systane. I go back in a month and he will revisit the idea of introducing daily contacts.

I'm only 18 so I fear for the road ahead, having dry eyes to soon in life. My optometrist is optimistic about getting this under control with Xiidra, but I'm worried I'm going to be stuck with glasses for the rest of my life. What do you all think? Do I have a chance at redemption with this disease? Any suggestions pertaining to treatments or contact wear? Experiences with dry eyes at a young age, Xiidra, or punctal plugs? I'm really just looking to connect as I'm sure you all know, no one really "gets" it. Thanks for reading!

[m4shore]

Hey everyone!

I'm new here, and fairly new to dry eyes in general. I was diagnosed with DES back in July/August after experiences issues with my contacts over the summer. My optometrist started me on a steroid to clear up inflammation caused by contact wear with dry eyes. He also told me to start using Systane drops as much as I could. I am now on Xiidra and have been on it for about two weeks, combined with using Systane throughout the day. He also put lower punctal plugs in at the same time I started with Xiidra. I thought those would be the death of me, but luckily I've adjusted I was just at the optometrist today, hoping he'd give me the go ahead to try contacts again, but unfortunately I still have some spots on my left eye, which he is hoping will clear up with continued use of Xiidra and Systane. I go back in a month and he will revisit the idea of introducing daily contacts.

I'm only 18 so I fear for the road ahead, having dry eyes to soon in life. My optometrist is optimistic about getting this under control with Xiidra, but I'm worried I'm going to be stuck with glasses for the rest of my life. What do you all think? Do I have a chance at redemption with this disease? Any suggestions pertaining to treatments or contact wear? Experiences with dry eyes at a young age, Xiidra, or punctal plugs? I'm really just looking to connect as I'm sure you all know, no one really "gets" it. Thanks for reading!

Hey Kelsey,

I understand your frustration and angst.

I've had dry eyes since I had Lasik done 5 years ago when I was only 19.
It's been a rocky journey, and I have learnt a lot about my self and this disease in the process.

You've come to the right place. This forum is a great place to come for information and support and has helped me and many other sufferers immensely.

The first step would be to familiarize yourself with the different types of DES (i.e AD vs MGD etc), and try to get a proper, detailed diagnoses. Having tests done such as the Schirmers and TBUT can give you a more concrete understanding of what you're dealing with. This will prove useful when trying to figure out what treatments will be more suitable.
Getting a good O.D. whom really specializes in DES is also key, and unfortunately for many of us this has been no easy task.

In terms of wearing glasses vs contacts: there has been much advancement in Scleral lens technology over the past decade, and many dry eye patients (some quite severe) have had great success using these.

I know this is kind of broad, so please feel free to ask any further specific questions you might have.

[DocwithDryEye]

Hey Kelsey,

I understand your frustration and angst.

I've had dry eyes since I had Lasik done 5 years ago when I was only 19.
It's been a rocky journey, and I have learnt a lot about my self and this disease in the process.

You've come to the right place. This forum is a great place to come for information and support and has helped me and many other sufferers immensely.

The first step would be to familiarize yourself with the different types of DES (i.e AD vs MGD etc), and try to get a proper, detailed diagnoses. Having tests done such as the Schirmers and TBUT can give you a more concrete understanding of what you're dealing with. This will prove useful when trying to figure out what treatments will be more suitable.
Getting a good O.D. whom really specializes in DES is also key, and unfortunately for many of us this has been no easy task.

In terms of wearing glasses vs contacts: there has been much advancement in Scleral lens technology over the past decade, and many dry eye patients (some quite severe) have had great success using these.

I know this is kind of broad, so please feel free to ask any further specific questions you might have.

All good advice. Absolutely need to evaluate the meibomian glands. Xiidra, steroids, systane are all great, but you really need to see if the glands are contributing the decreased meibum, and thus more dry eye. Contact lens wear of any kind can lead to gland atrophy. AD vs MGD vs mixture of both is vital. In terms of contacts, I would only Rx dailies, such as 1 Day Oasys or Dailies Total 1 (I don't have any financial interest with either company). Both have been great for my dry eye patients. Sclerals are definitely an option to look into if you want to remain in contacts, but can't stay comfortable in regular replacement lenses.