Can't do it

[kimby2007]

I really wanted to take the new job but my eyes are so unbearably dry I don't think I will be able to do it. Even with moisture chambers I can bearly read the computer. Ah, so disgusted with the entire thing.

[Rojzen]

more detail, if possible; blocking nerve sensation with meds

Dear kcoffiner: This is a hugely stressed and anxiety-filled crossroads for you, I know, but can you give a little detail on the work environment you were contemplating, and on the moisture chambers you have been wearing? Also, have you put together a set-up at home for computer use, in which you are able to read the screen for a while? In other words, maybe there are some avenues that may still be exhausted for you, in this.

Also: have you ever tried any of the nerve-pain-blocking medications, like amitriptyline, topiramate, Lyrica, or Neurontin? In my first few years with severe dry eye, I needed to stay on amitriptyline (a low dose) to reduce the sensitivity of my ocular surface. This helped greatly to reduce both burning and menthol sensation, and from there I transitioned back to a desk job, always, of course, using quite tight moisture chambers.

A good internist or anesthesiology/pain specialist can be a huge help in giving you some trial and error with the medication approach. Of the meds out there, amitriptyline and its sister doxepin seem easiest to tolerate, for many, and low doses can be hugely effective, if one is willing to wait a few weeks or months to maximize benefits.

[kimby2007]

Pain med

Hi Rozjen:

The new job involves me having to read the computer screen to correct transcription notes (for a MD). It is not the sole function of the job but a major component. I am thinking of going to a pain md for my eyes. In the meantime I do have a sales job to get me out of the house. I wear custom moisture chambers but don;t think they really help me out. Contemplating going back to Boston to re-try the scleral lens.

[Rojzen]

fit of custom chambers; the lingo of pain

Please forgive, kcoffiner, if you've previously given details about your specs, and about your therapies. . .I am short on memory, lately, and need to add loads more RAM to my brain. . .

Are the flaps of your chambers made of soft plastic? or, rather, more rigid plastic?

Also, what is the tilt/angle of your computer screen, at the MD office, in relation to your line of vision? Can you reposition in a way that would help you to look farther downward, while viewing the screen?

And do go for the pain analysis. . .I found that it always helped for me to tell my docs that the eye problem involves exquisite sensitivity to air. . .Pain docs sometimes don't consider paresthesias, or funny sensations, to be pain and treatment-worthy, so make sure the relevant docs know that your sensations are painful and/or tantamount to intense pain.

[kimby2007]

Glasses

I wear custom made moisture chambers out of soft plastic but recently bought some onion goggles to see how they work. They are a bit more obvious though, I went for the bright pink! However, these days obvious doesn;t matter as I just want some relief and ability to work. Thanks as always for your concern Rozjen. I tell myself there must be some solution out there as everyone on this sight claims at least some sort of victory over DES. Just waiting less than patiently for mine!

[nahzee]

I really wanted to take the new job but my eyes are so unbearably dry I don't think I will be able to do it. Even with moisture chambers I can bearly read the computer. Ah, so disgusted with the entire thing.

Perhaps you could use a non-visual method to access the screen? I would suggest you at least consider getting and receiving training in using a screenreader, like JAWS ( http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_...tware_jaws.asp ) as it may be extremely helpful for your particular situation.

[odydnas]

Kcoffiner, I'm sorry to hear that you're having so much trouble. While I am unable to offer any advice, I just wanted to wish you luck in finding something that will help. Hang in there, things will get better =)

[GinaJ]

I too am sorry. I wish I had more advice cause I can't imagine working on a computer all day. May I ask what you do now? Are there any other jobs that you think would better suit your issues and that you could find?