Since adding eye drops and restasis I have noticed crystals, slime (white or clear in color) that collects on my eye lashes. Sometimes it is so bad by the time I get home that I look like, well I don't know, nasty. I raced to the eye doctor and there is no infection. His suggestion was to wash my eye lashes with baby shampoo daily. I am not sure if it is caused by all of the drops that I use or constantly wiping my eyes after drops with tissues. Baby shampoo is helpful but not something that I want to incorporate doing on my lunch break since obviously I need to do it more often. Does anyone experience this?
Winnie
Hi Winnie, I notice it in the morning. I think it is the dried solids from the eyedrops. I just take a warm wet washcloth and rub along my laslhline to remove it. I know its not very attractive, but not sure what else to do.
I'm sure glad you posted this. I have noticed it, too. Since I have been using Restasis, I get the white crusty stuff as well, mostly in the morning.
I wondered if I should stop using it, but perhaps its normal.
KellyG
Hi Winnie,
I've been on Restasis for several years and have not had that happen (keeping the fingers crossed though! ;)), but I have had that happen with certain OTC eye drops. Oh my, had to try this gel eye drops someone mentioned, and I won't buy that again! Every morning there are "crystals" in both corners of my eyes and if some spilled out, its there too - messy. And like Jellyb, I wash my eyes out and I'm good to go; going to throw that bottle out anyway.
Can you change your drops?
Take care now -
Patze
Yes, I have this every morning from the Genteal gel drops I use at night. I wash my eye lids with Cetaphil every morning and night. I'm afraid it is just part of our plight in all of this. After reading your post, I realized there are so many things I don't think about anymore. I guess I've just adjusted to it all as being my life. That is a good thing.
Anna
You probably need to at least use a wipe on your eyes in the middle of the day since I think I got infection started by now was the gunk away more than once a day. I now use baby shampoo twice a day once in the morning and once at night. I use a rag with warm water in the middle of the day. I haven't an infection in at least 6 months.
I am using the preservative free vials from Systane. I didn't notice gunk until I added the Restasis in August. I guess I will take a roll of soft paper towels to work with me and use a wet paper towel at lunch. I thought this may be better instead of dragging a hand cloth back and forth to work each day. I definitely don't want an eye infection. My eye doc, about 5 years ago, gave me tobradex for an eye infection and I had a reaction to the steroid in it, almost lost my vision from it. Thus, no one will give me a steroid for my eyes anymore. My primary wouldn't even give me one for poison ivy. So I hope it never comes that I need any steroids. Praying alot....
I wonder if I am using the Restasis vials too many times before throwing it away??
Winnie
I use a Restasis vial 2-3 times before throwing it out. How many times do you use yours?
Patze
Oh, well until I can't get a full dose out of it. I probably throw it away every three days. I am cheap but it's probably not a very good idea. I will keep track from now on.
Winnie
This happens to me when I use gel drops. I really wish I could use them during the day, but that white stuff on my lashes makes me crazy.
I don't get this "build up" from regular drops (at least not as bad), and in my case, it doesn't seem related to Restasis use. I also use my Restasis 2-3 times before discarding the vial.