Visit to ophthalmologist

[lisiamc]

I was finally able to see an NHS oththalmologist on Wednesday. He was very kind and really listened to my concerns about preventing future erosions. It turns out he suffers from RCEs, so he understood my fears completely. He did try to get me to give Lacrilube another try. When I explained how miserable it made me, he approved my current regimen of Viscotears and Tranquileyes at night (topping up the gel twice during the night.) He said that the first four months are the most critical, and after that, the area where the original abrasion was might be less vulnerable to erosion, but no absolute guarantees.

I told him about the Dry Eye Zone, and what a great resource it was. He was very interested, and wrote down the web address.

So I came away feeling more hopeful, and at least I know where to find a sympathetic doctor.

Lisa

[liz56]

Hi, Lisiamc.

What a find! I'm so glad that you found a doctor who knows what it is like. I have had fairly sympathetic doctors (at least the second ophthalmologist and the second corneal specialist), but they cannot know what it feels like, especially how it feels like a threat to their job.

Are you using Dwelle or Muro at the moment?

[calli66]

My eye doctor also has dry eyes himself---seems like worse than mine. It makes for a much more sympathetic doctor. He even understands that when I come in for a checkup, the technicians are told NOT to put any numbing drops (or any other drops) in my eyes prior to the exam. Then he can get a REAL assessment of my eye condition.

I also take saline solution and extra drops with me whenever I go in for my eye doctor appointments. As soon as the doctor's finished, I go immediately into the bathroom and wash my face, rinse out my eyes, and put in PF drops. I keep rinsing and using drops until every trace of fluorescing stain and dilating drops are gone.

Calli

[lisiamc]

Hi, Lisiamc.

What a find! I'm so glad that you found a doctor who knows what it is like. I have had fairly sympathetic doctors (at least the second ophthalmologist and the second corneal specialist), but they cannot know what it feels like, especially how it feels like a threat to their job.

Are you using Dwelle or Muro at the moment?

Hi Liz,

I have been using Dwelle during the day for the past few days. This morning I put one drop in each eye, and I haven't had to use any more yet (it's 3.30 now.) I also use it with the Thermoeyes after work. That keeps me going until bedtime. Nearly every day seems to bring a small improvement with daytime dryness. Nights are still a bit problematic.

My goal is to try it at night with the goggles, but I'm afraid to go without the gel just yet. I wish I could have some Dwelle in gel form. It sounds good doesn't it? Dwelle Gelle!

It does make a huge difference to find a sympathetic doctor. Of course I want a knowledgeable doctor, but a supportive one is a real bonus.

Lisa