Dry, sticky, itchy eyes.

[Pooh67_68]

Do you have this problem and if so what do you use? I have tried Visine Allergy, but just get temporary relief.

I have an appointment with the eye doctor but not until Nov. because of the 2 year insurance rule.

 

[golfgal]

You will probably have more success with an allergy doctor-it sounds like that is what you have. My DS14 gets all of his allergy symptoms in his eyes. He has a check up later this morning because he has been so miserable these past couple weeks. They want to retest him to see if he had developed allergies to anything new.

 

[bethbuchall]

My eye doctor gave me a prescription for Patanol, and it helps. It doesn't make it 100% better, but it definitely is an improvement when I'm having allergy problems. Unfortunately, that's not a help to you until you can see someone. Maybe your primary care doctor could help out or refer you to an allergist, since it seems more allergy related (systemic) than an actual eye problem.

 

[Pooh67_68]

golfgal yes I am overdue to see an allergist, as the old saying goes your body changes every 7 years, so who knows what I am allergic to now. Guess these symptoms are the kick in the butt I need, I just don't like doctors (have a fear actually).

 

[bethbuchall]

golfgal yes I am overdue to see an allergist, as the old saying goes your body changes every 7 years, so who knows what I am allergic to now. Guess these symptoms are the kick in the butt I need, I just don't like doctors (have a fear actually).

I'm with you on that one!

 

[Pooh67_68]

Yes my family physician is good about that, and I need a new allergist anyway since mine has since passed.

Maybe your primary care doctor could help out or refer you to an allergist, since it seems more allergy related (systemic) than an actual eye problem.

 

[disney1990]

I had these same symptoms, plus my eyes were hurting. I went to see the eye doctor about 3 weeks ago and this is what I have:

http://www.kellogg.umich.edu/patient...epharitis.html

I have another appointment in a month for a recheck. But, the doctor said that sometimes it takes months for it to improve. The appointments are covered under my health insurance because it is a medical condition.

 

[Pooh67_68]

I clicked on the link and the page could not be found. Although my eyes don't hurt and the eye doctor told me before it was allergies.

http://www.kellogg.umich.edu/patient...epharitis.html

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I agree that this may be an allergy. (You may have allergies and not know it or developed one.)

I cannot use Visine anymore as they are ineffective.

I now get drops from the allergist. He has me keep them in the fridge so that they are more soothing. Aaahhhhhhh--I hate itchy eyes, but the drops feel sooo good when they are cold and I need them.

Usually I need the drops b/c something got in my eye--like when I pet my cats and then rub my eyes. You would think after all these years, I would know better!

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

I like Thera Tears eye drops. I just learned recently that I am allergic to preservatives in eye drops...and these are preservative free. Not to say that you are allergic, but preservative-free drops may not irritate your eyes as much.

 

[Tinijocaro]

I was just diagnosed with Sjorgren's Syndrome http://www.sjogrens.org/

The only symptom I have so far is dry eyes. I know there are many reasons for dry eyes, this is just one more thing to look into. It was found by doing an ANA blood test.

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

I work for an eye doctor and I understand the "only getting an exam every 1 or 2 years rule" most insurances have.

But, if a patient is being seen for a problem (your case would qualify as a problem I would think) that we could file it medically.......which could get you around the 2 year rule.

Call them and see if they could do that?

 

[Meriweather]

Heidi....check you insurance.....because of "our" condition an eye exam is considered medical if you see an opthamologist and not a regular eye exam and should be able to be done every year.

I use Patanol if it is really bad.
My eye doctor recommended Systaine for everyday use and I think I have only had to use the Patanol once or twice this summer. The Sustaine helps a lot.

 

[golfgal]

golfgal yes I am overdue to see an allergist, as the old saying goes your body changes every 7 years, so who knows what I am allergic to now. Guess these symptoms are the kick in the butt I need, I just don't like doctors (have a fear actually).

I just had DS14 into the allergy doc today because he has been so miserable. She walked into the room, took one look at his eyes and said "YIKES do you have allergies or what". He did the skin scratch tests again (last time was when he was about 7) and his back lit up like a Christmas tree. Poor kid.

 

[disney1990]

I like Thera Tears eye drops. I just learned recently that I am allergic to preservatives in eye drops...and these are preservative free. Not to say that you are allergic, but preservative-free drops may not irritate your eyes as much.

They are only preservative free if you use the individual plastic droppers. But, I found out from the eye doctor that I can put the remaining liquid in the refrigerator and use it for a day or two.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Thank you everyone, and golfgal your poor son.

 

[slk537]

I use restasis for dry eyes - I had Lasik in July and it's a side effect for a while after surgery. It does seem to help. I use Systane drops during the day when I need them and also refresh tears.

My doctor said not to use Visine or anything that gets the redness out of your eyes because it is drying and can make them worse.

Have you tried Zyrtec or Claritin allergy eye drops? They have them over the counter at Target and the pharmacist there recommended them to me (I'm not sure if I can use allergy drops yet though). They run about $10-11.Target even has their own copy/brand of the Zyrtec drops for about half the price.

Good luck!

 

[Snoozan]

I've suffered from itchy eyes for years and have started using Bausch & Lomb Soothe XP eye drops, instead of my usual Alaway allergy eye drops. My sister was told her her eye doctor that since there's family history of rosecia, this can manifest itself as itchy eyes and may not even be due to alleriges. I have found my itchy eyes to be much more bearable and realized by using the drying allergy eye drops, I was probably causing some of the problem myself.