Dry eye because of Acne?

[giggyice]

I'm a 38 year old mother of one child. I visited my Opthamologist about two years ago and he just inferred that my dry eye was caused by my ongoing battle with acne. Other than acne I am extremely healthy and take no pills for anything. In fact, I stopped taking antibiotics for acne about 2 years ago but remain on topicals. My dry eye is worse in the colder, dryer months, and i have to wear sunglasses inside shopping areas because of the air rushing down from the vents. My eyes aren't red, they aren't itchy. It just feels like the air is touching my eye balls. They don't water when air is blowing at them either. I do have mild Astigmatism, does this have any affect? My Dr. told me that i should have duct plugs put in, but i'm afraid to put them in. He didn't even recommend Restasis. I use Alcon daily, except for when I visit the south (humid areas i don't need them) Do you have any suggestions, advice for me?
I just order some eye drops, and your book from the dryeyeshop.com.

[Robert Latkany MD]

Sounds like rosacea. My book goes over a few things you could look into. The thing with plugs: If you try it and do not like it then have them removed. It is reversible.

"Acne" is not an ocular diagnosis but rosacea is. And restasis would be an interesting option but you need an eye doctor who specializes in this to go on.

[giggyice]

Thank you for your quick response. I look forward to reading your book. My Dr. did not mention Roscea. He almost seemed puzzled by my dry eye and at the end of my appt. asked if i had acne. So, having astigmatism has nothing to do with dry eye?

[Robert Latkany MD]

Unless you have severe dry eye scarring or you have a chronic allergy which causes your dryness and also for you to rub your eyes which will cause you to have an astigmatism, then there is no relationship between the two.