Treatment Options

[kdc66]

I have suffered from dry eyes for 20 years. The condition was manageable until I developed a case of conjunctivitis about 4 years ago. After the conjunctivitis case, I had pain in my left eye 24/7. After being double-plugged, then restatis, taking theratears nutrition and also Biotears; my eyes feel better. However, I stay have eye pain at various times.

My opthamologist indicates from a dry eye perspective where I used to have dry spots and a schimer's score of around 5 (three years ago); I now have a schimer's score of around 15 in both eyes, no dry spots and a tear film break-up time of around 7-8 secords. She believes I have eye pain but based on my current condition she can't explain why I should continue to be having pain.

I have read that a bout of conjunctivitis can alter the mucin layer of the tear film.

So my question is what other treatments are available with my history? I use various drops but with limited success. Thanks.

[Robert Latkany MD]

KDC66,

I too had the same result from viral conjunctivitis. Unfortunately this type of dryness is as a result of scarring and this cannot be reversed. However there are tons of things that can be done. And you cannot rely on a schirmer test (I have not performed this test in years as it is well proven that it is very unreliable). All layers of the tear film can be altered after such an attack. So focus your treatments on all the areas with your doctor.

Dr L