Posted by: June in Toronto ®
06/14/2014, 09:28:41
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There have been posts in the last few weeks on Restasis (check in the FIND link above on the main page).I started Restasis for severe dry eye a couple of weeks ago. I spend approx. $4,000 on over-the-counter eye drops as well and believe the cataract surgeries and laser surgeries (I had in the last 6 months (neither of which helped my eyesight) caused the extra dryness, plus, of course, the BEB and botox (can't win!). The eye doctor put me on steroids prior to starting the Restasis (to help with the side effects of Restasis - discomfort and stinging). I used 4 drops/day for a week of the steroids, then 3/day for a week - down to 1/day for a week. Now I'm on Restasis (2 drops/day 12 hours apart)I find that my eyes sting and I'm getting headaches. I still use the other eye drops as I do need to feel the moisture from those - one puff of Restasis doesn't do that for me. I'm using Tranquil Eye goggles at night - they have inserts that I soak in water and place over my eyes. I often have to place a wet cloth over my eyes during the day to help with the pain and stinging. I had eye pressure checks after 2 weeks and another in a month's time. I don't know if Restasis will help or not - apparently it can take 6 months to a year to know! Best wishes to you. June in Toronto
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Posted by: Susi ®
06/14/2014, 10:41:05
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I have used Restasis for years and never had a problem with it. I can't say that it's helped that much but eye doctors have all told me that it is protecting my eyes. I have recently had tests that prove my tears are few and inadequate and for meibomiun (sp?) gland function which is so poor that I was at the bottom rank for oil production. My newest eye doctor who does a dry eye clinic says that I need drops to help with the tears and drops that help with the oil. He has been continuing on Restasis, Systane Balance and Systane gel at night. He also had me using Lotemax steroid drops which gave me lots of problems so I am not using it as often, now. After the first three week of using all those items plus some Refresh Plus for extra moisture, he told me my eyes showed improvement. My condition is not durable but his goal is to help make my eyes comfortable. I won't see him again until the Fall. However, I still find that my .5 mg of Lorazepam does more for my eye comfort than any amount of drops. But even that isn't enough on my worst days.
Susi
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Posted by: June in Toronto ®
06/15/2014, 17:26:17
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The eye doctor, who prescribed Lotemax for me, and the pharmacist who gave them to me, had a disagreement about the amount of time to use this eye drop. The pharmacist said no more than 10 days and the eye doctor had me on them for 4 weeks (although reducing the amount each week). The eye doctor was 'furious' at the pharmacist for suggesting she was wrong - but she then had me come in within 2 weeks for eye pressure testing (which she had not suggested prior to the disagreement). I, too, found the Lotemax had painful side effects and I'm glad to be done with them now. Best wishes.June in Toronto on Father's Day - Happy Day to ALL the fathers.
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Posted by: BackwardPawn ®
07/12/2014, 12:35:26
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My eye doctor had me on a similar regimen. I take restasis morning and night, celluvisc during the day, and originally a PM ointment. The ointment made me worse though so he switched to a PM gel. I didn't see much difference between the PM gel and celluvisc so I just use that at night too rather than buying an extra bottle of drops.
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Posted by: Jellybelly57 ®
06/16/2014, 07:52:40
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Use it; works. However, it does sting, so keep it refrigerated and it usually does not sting. I have used for years. First, went on and off it, but came to realize, my eyes were terrible without it. However, it will NOT help the blepharospasm. I have apraxia with blepharospasm. It might help the shutting of the eyes slightly. Just makes them not as dry. Good luck!
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Posted by: sue in orlando ®
06/23/2014, 13:22:43
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I have been on restasis for 1 year and it seems to be helping a little with my dry eye. It does sting at first but wait about 5 minutes then you can put in some other drops to take the sting away. I use one drop in each eye in the AM, then snap the cap back on and put in the fridge until before bed, then I put in another drop. To me, it has helped my spasms a little bit, My doctor thinks that my spasms are dry eye induced, so helping contol my dry eye, helps my spasms. When I am having a "good" eye day, my eyes do not feel dry. So I would say definatley give it a try. it works for some and doesnt for others, but you never know unless you try. Remember that it takes about 6-7 months before you may notice it helping. Sue :)
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Posted by: K collins ®
06/24/2014, 16:51:59
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I have been using Restasis for a couple months now and it has not helped me at all. Neither has Lotemax or any of the eye drops or gels. Today has been a really bad day. Could not even drive. I'm supposed to have my first Botox injections in a couple weeks. I am really hoping that will help.
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Posted by: ColleenA ®
06/25/2014, 20:00:35
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Be patient.....it can take up to 6 months before you will see the benefits of the Restasis. I wasn't a believer originally either, but have figured out through trial and error over 4 years what helps and what doesn't. The manufacturer outlines this in its literature on the drop and it's not just a "buy more" tactic as far as I'm concerned - faithful use of the drop morning and night x 6 months will help (for the record I find the cool comfort of keeping my eye drops in the fridge beneficial)
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Posted by: sue in orlando ®
07/17/2014, 11:31:25
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did you have your botox yet? It will help alot!
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Posted by: ColleenA ®
06/25/2014, 19:54:43
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Since being diagnosed with blepharospasm in Dec 2010, dry eyes have been part of my nightmare. I have been using Restasis twice a day (morning and bedtime). I brought the drop to the attention of my ophthalmologist, who like yours, wasn't convinced, however his feeling has changed and has me using it faithfully with the hopes it will help restore some of my tear film (all three layers are not working properly). Using it more is not necessary. I use Refresh Aquagel many, many times throughout the day and Lacrilube ointment as required - but most nights and particularly on bad days. Good luck !!!
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Posted by: Steffie ®
07/17/2014, 19:52:56
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My optometrist thought I had dry eye and put me on a 2 week trial of restasis, lotemax and some allergy drops OMG made my spasms worse. The Mayo Clinic Neuro-ophthalmologist said I do not have dry eye and said that combination will give some people dry eye and make light sensitivity.:'(
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Posted by: zumasusan ®
09/10/2014, 04:29:27
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i have tried Restasis several times but always have foreign body sensation problems when I use it.
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