Got punctals.. next step, restasis. Anyone had good results with restasis?

uberkelly · 05-28-2005, 06:05 PM

I had my follow up appointment wiht my eye doc and he noticed that my eyes had not improved at all from the warm compresses and Patanol. He inserted temporary punctal plugs in my lower lids. One fell out by the end of the day. I was very very happy at first because I thought my eyes were nice and wet. I remember reading about people on here who had tears running down their face from the plugs. Well, it's the day after and my eyes still feel dry right now (I keep closing one and then the other when I type). I am so disappointed; I really thought this would help. (It is also hard to tell if the eye with the remaining plug is any better than the other eye.) I had all these visions of being able to wear contacts again....

He told me to see him again in TWO months. I thought that was a long time. Especially since one plug fell out already... what do I do for the next 2 months? Nothing?

My doc said he would put me on Restasis if the plugs didn't help. I really don't like the idea of being on another Rx for this. I had read here about doctors who've done all sorts of tests (Shirmers, tear break up?) and I don't think he did any of those tests for my dry eye. I also have clogged oil glands. Are there other things he should be checking before putting me on Restasis? what about upper punctal plugs? Had anyone had side effects from it? Has anyone had success with it? anyone have any ideas?

I have another appointment with a really good doctor (according to Purple) next week. I am not sure if I will keep the appointment (I would have to miss 1/2 day of work, and I'm not sure how a Doc would feel about seeing me right in the middle of my being treated by another doc??) I don't know. Maybe I'll go. I hope my insurance doesn't get suspicious. Thanks for any help or advice!

cheri57 · 05-28-2005, 08:38 PM

You certainly have my sympathy, I am going thru exactly what you are at this point. I have the plugs, they haven't fallen out, but hadn't felt any relief at all. I started taking restasis 2 wks ago. So far no results. There is a slight burning when I put them in but it doesn't last long. I heard it's at least 3 mos until there is any kind of relief. I also haven't had any of the other type tests. I feel my doctor just isn't getting it. He went so far as to suggest wearing goggles and moving to Seattle. Ok, I'm stuck with Kaiser Dr's, so I'm guessing I will have to complain and complain until I can get another optimologist. I haven't gotten any relief from any kind of drop or lubricant yet. I'm sorry I have no ideas or good news, but I'm hoping someone will answer some questions for you.

Montgumski · 05-28-2005, 11:28 PM

My tears don't feel as watery and the surface doesn't look as red, so I think its helping. It's stings a little upon instillation.

Uberkelly, when you use the computer you might want to consider goggles, it might help keep moisture on the eye. I have custom made goggles that I bought online, although I don't use them as much as I should.

uberkelly · 05-31-2005, 10:11 AM

montgumski, are your goggles especially for dry eyes or are they just goggles? If I got goggles I would have to get them in perscription, too.

My eyes feel worse and worse every day. Like right now I keep closing one eye at a time to rest them. I also noticed a wrinkling of the gooey outer part of my eye (I think its the conjunctiva). I'm going to try to call my doc and ask about it today. [sigh] this is really starting to get me down because it's getting worse and I know the only thing left is restasis and I haven't heard one person who said it worked great for them.

Montgumski · 05-31-2005, 07:08 PM

The ones I own are prescription from a company called Barz. I don't use the rubber gaskets that came with them though. Eyeeco sells these foam gaskets that are much more comfortable.

I don't know much about the conjuctiva. Your doctor should no more about it then me. It would be wise to rule out anything besides dryness as being a culprit before considering any dry eye treatments.

This maybe a little premature but I believe Restasis is helping a lot. I have like no side effects so far. My doctor assured me that it was one of the safest drugs out there. If your eyes are bothering you that much , from the dryness, I strongly urge you to give it a shot. You can always quit when you feel like it.

This just a hunch. But I think if the onset of you dry eye came from wearing contacts that there would be a higher chance that there is an inflammatory component to your dry eye. Restasis is anti-inflammatory, so it might be right up your ally. What do you think?

Hopefully there is something out there that will provide some relief.