Dry Eye Question asked by Rob B., Sequim, Washington

Dear Dr. Kravitz; I have had dry eye syndrome for the past three years. A lot of my dry eye may be due to the blood pressure medication I take daily (valsartin, bystolic) but it plagues me daily and there are few, if any days, when I awake to find clear vision like I had in the past. I wear glasses and am outside a lot walking as well as time on the computer for my job as a school counselor.

I started on Restasis about a year ago and have been taking it ever since....two vials a day...once in the morning and once in the early evening. I cannot say that I have seen a big difference since using it. Sometimes I think it works, other times I do not . I am fortunate to have medical insurance which pays for it since it is extremely expensive without I will continue to use it, along with Nutra Red Drops. I am also taking the Dry Eye Formula gel caps 4 times a day. I think they may be working but I do not know. Some days, I cannot even read the newspaper without looking through gauze patches so I take off my eye glasses and read up close. I am hopeful that someday my dry eye might abate and I can see clearly again....

I go to my regular optometrist for yearly checkups but I have not found anyone in the area where I live who specializes in dry eye syndrome or knows much about it. It is clearly life changing...something you learn to live with but hate. I am at least aware that I am not alone in the thousands who suffer with this malady. If also have the age related "floaters" that are in both eyes...some days I do not notice them at all; other days they are always present. I welcome any resources or information you have. Thank you for your work in this area.

Sincerely, Rob B.
Sequim, Washington

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Rob,

Your comments depict a rather severe dry eye, and you've written the symptoms clearly.

In order of preference, these would be the next steps I would recommend:

1. More frequent daily use of a thicker tear drop, such as Genteal Gel Drops
2. Avoidance of "inflammatory" foods, such as beef and saturated fats
3. Water soluble nighttime gel, such as Refresh gel, for sleep
4. Petroleum based nighttime gel, such as Refresh PM, Lacrilube or Duratears
5. Punctal plugs of the lower eyelids only.

Let me know how you're doing.

Paul L. Krawitz, M.D., President