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Hi Neerav. I have used Lotemax in the past, while also using serum tears and while not, but to my knowledge my doctor did not give it to me to help with nerve regeneration. She gave it to me as a "safer" steroid to help with inflammation related to dry eye...unlike most steroids, supposedly it's one of only a few steroids that typically does not raise eye pressure, so supposedly can be used longer.
Be aware that Lotemax has the dreaded preservative BAK (Benzalknium chloride), which if used longer term can damage the ocular surface and tear film. So if Lotemax (or any other drop with BAK is recommended), ask your doctor if there is a preservative-free steroid or one that has a safer preservative, AND that also does not increase eye pressure. Here is a good summary right here on the DEZ website on BAK:
http://www.dryeyezone.com/encyclopedia/bchloride.html
While I was on Lotemax, I developed involuntary shutting of the eye, or blephospasms. I especially could not drive anymore, as my eyes would suddenly shut while I was driving or making a turn, it was not in my control and dangerous. When my eyes started getting better after probing and the lemon/tea, the blephospasms lessened, but did not go away completely until a month after I stopped taking the Lotemax. So I definitely feel the BAK in the Lotemax had further compromised my dry eye.
If you must use drops with BAK, my eye doctor agreed rinsing with preservative-free saline 20-30 minutes after using a BAK drop would lessen the impact of the BAK, while still getting the benefit of the drop. But I think there are always alternative drops to those with BAK, however it likely will be more expensive, especially if preservative-free.
Be aware that Lotemax has the dreaded preservative BAK (Benzalknium chloride), which if used longer term can damage the ocular surface and tear film. So if Lotemax (or any other drop with BAK is recommended), ask your doctor if there is a preservative-free steroid or one that has a safer preservative, AND that also does not increase eye pressure. Here is a good summary right here on the DEZ website on BAK:
http://www.dryeyezone.com/encyclopedia/bchloride.html
While I was on Lotemax, I developed involuntary shutting of the eye, or blephospasms. I especially could not drive anymore, as my eyes would suddenly shut while I was driving or making a turn, it was not in my control and dangerous. When my eyes started getting better after probing and the lemon/tea, the blephospasms lessened, but did not go away completely until a month after I stopped taking the Lotemax. So I definitely feel the BAK in the Lotemax had further compromised my dry eye.
If you must use drops with BAK, my eye doctor agreed rinsing with preservative-free saline 20-30 minutes after using a BAK drop would lessen the impact of the BAK, while still getting the benefit of the drop. But I think there are always alternative drops to those with BAK, however it likely will be more expensive, especially if preservative-free.
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