Babs? dry eyes | Arthritis Information
Babs10, I noticed you have restasis listed in your meds. The last few days my dry eyes are making me crazy. I researched restasis and didn't get a good feeling about it. Has anyone tried the tear duct inserts? Do they work with RA related dryness? I can only put drops in so many times, and they seem to last about five minutes.Retstasis and I were not a match. Didn't help at all. Opthomalogist(spelling?) said it only helps about 1/3 of his patients.
I have had the inserts and they helped a bit. I have a ton of eye issues and see the eye dr. monthly. I just recently got over a nasty case of scleritis. Dr. says he can always tell when I am weaning off the pred. cause I am in there seeing him due to eye complications.
See your dr. if you are having problems
Like Rebecca, Restasis was an expensive failure for me. I have had punctal plugs, and at one point even considered cauterization of my tear ducts. The plugs were very helpful for my eyes, but having to have them replaced often became a source of irritation that I was not willing to endure.
I second the suggestion to see your opthamologist soonest. Meanwhile, may I suggest a high-quality ocular moisturizer, nighttime gel, moisture-sparing eyewear, not only at night, but also for outdoor activities.
My eye-doc also told me that routine face washing did not remove the debris from around the base of the lashes that can add to dry-eye. Long ago he recommended using baby--no tear--shampoo diluted 5::1 with distilled water to gently wash from mid-forehead to upper jaw (I use it all over my face...) being certain to wash eyelids, upper and lower, several times, then rinse thoroughly.
The additional PITA of dry-eyes, nose, and mouth can be just about the 'last straw' so I am hoping you find resolution very quickly.
Cheers, Shug
What is a punctal plug? Does this involve needles? :)restasis works some for me... I hate the stuff though.. it burns upon insertion which does lessen in intensity over time...
I am a crazed person at bedtime about the things I do in prep for my eyes.... I also use either the baby shampoo wash from forehead to just under eyes using a wash cloth or a product I've purchased for that use....(I cannot remember the name, but will check for you) I'm sure I look most seductive to my DH with my gel'ed eyes and eye goggle wear w/ moist patches to keep the moisture in.
When I slack off in the slightest w/ my regimen, I loose vision capabilities... thing sare blurry.. not as clear.. harder to see smaller things... my vision is greatly reduced.
[QUOTE=lorster]What is a punctal plug? Does this involve needles? :)[/QUOTE]
Punctal plugs are, or at least to the best of my understanding, plugs made of a variety of plastic materials that are inserted into the tear ducts that drain the moisture from the eyes. No needles, at least in my case. Cauterization would have necessitated local injections.
[QUOTE=babs10]
I had the plugs as well.. lost them both during sleep.
IDK if I want the permanent cauterization.
I do a regimen of hot washcloth on my eyes, then gently rub the inner lids with wet q-tip, then eye drops. This is lessening in effectiveness. I will try the baby shampoo. I assume that you wash with your eyes closed? Shug, you're right about the last straw issue. I've been dealing with my pain and feeling grateful that I can handle it as I'm not real sensitive to pain. But I am very, very sensitive to this eye thing, it's bothering me something fierce.
Babs, I too am losing acuity in my vision, scary for anyone but as an artist who is very visual in my world, even worse. I have a new "floater" that just showed up, very large and intrusive. I've always had these but this one is a monster.
I've hoped to avoid finding a new eye doc but I guess I have to, current one is just about capable of fitting me for glasses and no more.
Where does one get this sexy eyewear? I'll start using the gel at night since you all think it helps. It's too blur-inducing for daytime use.
My DH was bringing me hot washcloths last night, which helped for a brief timespan but not long enough. Thanks to everyone for the information.Blue! I will look up the info on the goggles...
but, please get yourself an opthamologist please.. He/She will be more involved in your eye care and help with this dry eyes issue.
I agree with Babs, a skilled opthamologist is a vital member of the RA-team.
http://www.dryeyezone.com/encyclopedia/eyewear.htmlhttp://www.dryeyeshop.com/catalog/tranquileyes-hydrating-goggles-34-to-65.htm
Yes, I know you ladies are right. I am also putting off getting a decent dentist. All this is definitely difficult for a person who up till this whole RA fiasco never saw a doctor unless blood was involved. Thanks.and Thanks, Shug!! That's what I got!