posted
I was given this but never used it. I opted instead to use OTC lubricating eye drops during the day, and a lubricating ointment at night. Also, for a time I used a tetracycline ointment at night in my eyes, though I don't think it helped much, if at all.
I was afraid the restassis would somehow allow the infection to get worse.
This syx has improved quite a bit. For a while it was unlivable bad. Like sandpaper inside my eyelids.
Posts: 845 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
PS -- I no longer need the night ointment, and the use of the eye drops is much less. For a while this syx really tortured me, beyond description, but now it is only strong when herxing or flaring.
Otherwise, it is only a low grade problem at night.
Posts: 845 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Restasis (Cyclosporine, an anti-rejection drug) would have to be taken for the rest of your life, once started - according to my doctors.
Also, for anyone with a herpes infection that affect the eyes, Restasis can be dangerous. Many lyme patients also have other viruses, particularly HHV-6, in the herpes family.
I was prescribed Restasis - insurance would cover for a month but then it would sky-rocket. I was concerned that infections could get worse with the eyes so opted for other kinds of drops through my ND.
For emergency use, do what you need to save your eyes, in concert with your LLMD.
For long-term used Restasis may not be the best for patients with a mix of chronic infections. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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gwb
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7273
posted
I have extremely dry eyes. My eye doctor recommended over the counter Refresh Optive. I'm getting good results with it.
I was using Systane for a while but it made my eyes blurry for several minutes which I didn't like. Refresh Optive has worked much better for me.
posted
None of the otc drop or restasis helped my stinging, dry eyes. Patenol helped for a little while but just using a cool washcloth helped the most.
After 16mo of abx I rarely have any eye problems anymore Thank the Lord.
-------------------- Bart Henslea 1976 Fibro/CFS/arthritis 2004 Lyme diagnosed 2007 3 1/2 years treatment with oral combos, Cowden, IV roc. BW herbs. Off all abx in 12/10. Feeling good. Posts: 647 | From NY | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
I found out that Restasis is an immunosuppressant. Not good for lyme patients I wouldn't think so I'm opting out.
Thanks so much for your replies.
EyeBob do you have any suggestions for lyme eyes?
Posts: 677 | From Virginia | Registered: Sep 2002
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mojo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9309
posted
My Lyme Literate Neurological Opthomologist has me using Systane eye drops. They are OTC. They also come in a stronger version (Ultra, I thinkg) and they feel SO good when you use them.
He has my sister (also a Lymie) using them, too.
Posts: 1761 | From USA | Registered: May 2006
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mojo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9309
posted
I have chronic eye inflammation that started over a year ago when I first had a lyme rash that disseminated . I had restasis prescribed in order to try to control the inflammation,(not for dry eye) so I could get me off steroid drops (Restasis is not a steroid)- but I had a terrible flare up after using it only twice.
Restasis is an immunosupressant - so if there's something bacterial causing the inflammation I'm guessing it would make it worse.
Posts: 34 | From Saratoga Springs, NY | Registered: Jun 2008
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ping
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6974
posted
imagine2,
Restasis stings the tarnation out of my eyes. Used regular Equate (WMt) brand eye drops for a while, then started sleeping with damp folded wash cloth over my eyes which helped quite a bit, as my intuition told me I might be sleeping with my eyes open during part of the night. Also found that I was very dehydrated and this was a major cause of MY dry eyes (not saying yours).
Good luck with this. It can be very debilitating.
ping "We are more than containers for Lyme"
-------------------- ping "We are more than containers for Lyme" Posts: 1302 | From Back in TX again | Registered: Mar 2005
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mojo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9309
posted
My Dr. told me my dry issues were caused by
1 inherited condition from my mother 2. Lyme Disease 3. Lyme Treatments
He put punctal plugs in both eyes and has me using the Alcon/Systane.
Posts: 1761 | From USA | Registered: May 2006
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