I need help. I live in the desert, and have for 12 years (I'm 14 years old). But recently my eyes have become very dry and itchy, and sometimes blurry. My mom and dad both told me it could be the dryness of this desert. Well, my mom bought me some eyes drops that we tried, but we realized they didn't fix my symptoms. So we bought some that cover itchiness, redness, dryness, basically everything I have. Except, I've noticed the drops don't seem to help. As soon as I put them in, they burn my eyes, sometimes bad enough I feel like crying. And it gives me the feeling that something is in my eyes, but there's nothing there. It is really starting to bug me, because I'm wondering if I should have my mom make an appointment for me about it. I read the instructions, and it doesn't say anything about burning, and I think eye-drops like this should help my eyes, not make them worse. Any help will work! Thanx!

[This message has been edited by brittris (edited 06-04-2003).]

Hi there! Welcome to the boards! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Boy, I feel bad for you! To have this at such a young age! I'm young too (22). I've had dry eye problems for quite a long time. My first question to you is, exactly what eyedrops have you used so far? Have you tried plain artificial tears? You said the other drops burned. I don't know what you used, but it could be that those drops contain a preservative or something else that you might be allergic to. And I hate to say it, but a lot of the drops that claim to get rid of redness do burn. It's not good to use a drop that says it gets rid of redness (unless it has been prescribed by a dr) because a lot of the redness relievers have what is called a "rebound effect". As soon as you stop using it, your eyes will get worse again. And ALL that they do is get rid of the redness. They do not treat the problem that is CAUSING the redness. And as soon as you stop using it, the redness comes right back, even stronger than before. If you are using something that claims to be a redness reducer or reliever, be very careful and don't use it too much.

You might need a prescription allergy drop like Patanol. Most allergy drops will burn too when you first put them in, but they do work. (if it is an allergy that is the problem.) It is also possible that you have conjunctivitis (pink eye). It's best to get checked out by a doctor.

Preservative free artificial tears such as Bion Tears or Thera Tears can never hurt. If your family has an eye dr that they go to, ask your mom to make you an appointment. Or if you don't know of an eye dr, you can start by asking your regular family doctor or pediatrician.

In the meantime, cold compresses can really help with the discomfort. Just wet a clean washcloth with some cold water, wring it out until it isn't dripping, and lay down with it on your eyes.

Good luck, and please go to the dr to get a definite diagnosis and treatment. Over the counter drops aren't the best thing.

Let me know what happens,
Elyse

You definitely should make an appointment with an eye doctor to determine the problem. In the meantime you should try Similasan eye drops. These are natural drops that don't sting and burn and are very effective with dry eyes.