Dry Eye

[MooseMom]

I know that dry eye is not a serious medical condition, but I didn't know where else to put this thread.

In early November, I began experiencing, well, goo that would accumulate at the outside corners of my eyes.  I just assumed it was a side effect of tx meds, so I let a few weeks go by before mentioning it to the tx coordinator.  She said that "it's just the meds."

Okay...

Earlier this month, I had my first appt with the tx neph, and I mentioned the goo and the general discomfort I was feeling.  She said it was NOT the meds and that I should see an opthamologist.  I saw one yesterday, and he said that my eyes were "dry as a bone" and that it was a very common condition, and it was not related to the meds.

He gave me some eye drops and then proceeded with what I could only call a sales pitch of sorts.  He explained that there were several types of dry eye (who knew?), and that I should come back in a month when he would do a test to see exactly which type I have.  It just so happens that there is a new procedure, available in only 4 clinics in the entire state, that can be used to successfully treat a particular type of dry eye ("Evaporative Dry Eye"); it works by heating the inside of the eyelids and then emits a massaging pulse, the idea being that this will unclog the ducts that excrete the fluid/oil that covers the eyes (not tears).  Sadly, insurance doesn't cover it, and it costs $300 per eye.     The procedure is called Lipiflow Thermal Pulsation.  Has anyone heard of it?

Anyway, do any of you have trouble with dry eye, and if so, have you seen a doctor?  How are you be treating for this condition?  I don't know if I want to have to use eye drops four times a day, every day, for the rest of my life.  I know that sounds silly in the ESRD grand scheme of things, but there are so many other things that I will have to do every damn day for the rest of my life that I'd rather not add to that list.  But really, $600 to treat dry eye?

http://www.medgadget.com/2011/07/lipiflow-for-meibomian-gland-dysfunction-and-evaporative-dry-eye-gets-cleared-in-u-s.html

[jeannea]

Not related to the meds? Please. He knows nothing about transplant.

I suggest a second opinion. I get all this gunk that builds up along my lower eyelashes. It's a minor infection that returns periodically. Blepheritis? I think. You could easily have an infection that affects your eyes. Or you could have a reaction to the meds. I know prednisone can cause glaucoma. Who knows what else that or your other drugs can do. You can even get CMV in your eyes and that needs to be treated. Find another doctor. Or two of them.

[Wat76]

MooseMom,

I have the dry eye problem and have 2 meds I have to put in my eyes daily. My eye doctor explained that it is just something that  happens when we get older, dry heat inside the home or office does not help.  The eye drops helps a lot.

I was told there was something surgically they could do, but I decline because the eye drops helps, something about the eye ducts get blocked and your eyes does not produce enough tears.  My eyes itch a lot as well, so I have meds for the dry eyes and the itching.  I cant recall whether or not she said there were infection in the ducts.
Debra

[MaryD]

MM

I had dry eyes at one stage, for no apparent reason.  The chemist said it could be related to age.  I ended up with over the counter eye drops which were a great help.  There are some that are lightly 'greasy'.  I only needed to use them for a few days whenever my eyes got dry, and then it took six months or so before I needed them again.  By that time the original lot of medication had expired, so I needed to buy more.  Now I buy the little individual one dose packs and when I have used the three doses I need, the rest of the pack is still ready to go six months later.

[MooseMom]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Jeannea, my tx neph, an optometrist and now an opthamologist have all said that my dry eye is not med related, so I've had three different opinions.  The tx neph did mention CMV, but the other docs see no sign of infection.

Apparently, dry eye is a very common problem.  I've been using the drops that the opthamologist gave me, and I've been using one of those rice filled bags that you heat up in the microwave as a hot compress which is supposed to help unclog the ducts (meibomian glands).  These measures have helped a lot and are certainly cheaper than some fancy pants procedure.

Which brands of drops are you all using?

[Wat76]

MM,

My dry eye drop is called LiquiTears. Lubricant Eye Drop.  I dont use it everyday, just when needed.

D.