DES Newbie

[Caly38]

Hi all...
I just found this forum and am relieved..!
I saw my first Dr back in Jan. I was told I had a chlamydia infection in my eyes, which was treated with oral and topical steriods...for 4 months..!!!! I went to see him 6-7 times. Why I didn't see someone else sooner..I'll never know.!
Finally in April I saw another Dr who diagnosed the dry eye. He took me off the bad bad, steroids and put me on the lotomax. I improved. Now 3 months later...it came back. I guess it never really went away.
I had continued with the lotomax once a day and the gel at night and refreshing my eyes thoughout the day.
The rub is...he told me NOT to wear my contacts for the time being...but my vision is very unclear with my glasses...it's very frustrating. I am a jewelry designer as well as working in a casino (smoky, I know). I haven't worn my contacts in 5 days and my vision still hasn't improved very much with my glasses, nor have I worked at the casino. I see the Dr again on Wed...
Does anyone have any idea why my vision is so unclear..????
Thanks for letting me vent and for any info you can give me...!

Dawn

[Rojzen]

welcome; type of vision difficulty?

Hi, Caly38! So glad to have you on board with us!

I believe it is Dr. Latkany (who participates here), who has actually identified loss of visual acuity as one of the defining features of dry eye. . .He refers, in this connection, to the dry patches that form on an incompletely moisturized eye, and which cause a dulling of vision. . .For example, the moment one instills an eye drop, there is often a crystal clarity of vision. . .but when the fluid either drains off or evaporates, duller, foggier vision results. . .Is that what you are experiencing? or could it simply be that the refraction/Rx in your spectacle lenses is not as good, for you, as the refraction provided by your contacts?

In any case, others here will have lots to add to this, and I know you will make sure your eye doc is focused on your vision problem. . .In meantime, once you have isolated out the dry eye aspect of your case, and infection has fully resolved, you'll find endless relevant resources here, in the Encyclopedia, in the Yellow Pages, at the Shop, and through the daily postings and Archives created by the most ingenial and resourceful people you could ever hope to meet, who share DES. . .

[Caly38]

Thanks for response

I think the refractory part of it is why my vision isn't clear He told me that my vision was better with contacts because of the barrier it creates over my eyes...but the catch 22 is the irritation it causes.
He put plugs in....the next morning I awoke to find the rt one half out. I used one of my small jewelry pliers to push it back in, smart, I'm not sure, but it is better...at least less irritating. I think...the left came out...I can't tell.
Actually, after I instill a drop, my vision is worse for a moment, then clears up a tad.
I see him again on Wednesday. I'm going to ask him about Restasis. I'm surprised he hasn't brought it up.
Thanks again. I'm looking forward to others responses.

Dawn