need advice on Restasis

[Eileen]

I was prescribed Restasis in December. It doesn't burn when I first put the drops in but 15 minutes later my eyes really burn. I feel like I just want to close my eyes but when I do they feel like their on fire. I tried using it off and on, so this time I was trying to stay with it. Yesterday was day four and I woke up in the middle of the night with pain and burning in my right eye. This morning they were very red. All day I've had terrible burning and my regular drops GenTeal aren't helping at all. Is this normal until you get used to it or am I having a bad reaction?
Thanks,
Eileen

[Diane54]

My eye doctor said that it will burn for a while and not to give up on it...at least give it 3-4 months. I have been on it since November and have not had a problem....it burned maybe the first couple of weeks but my eyes were so dry that it actually felt kind of good! (sounds dumb I know)

[Cheryl]

Eileen,
I have noticed that any kind of drops burn my eyes if I have let them get too dry.   Try using your OTC drops about 15 minutes before using the Restasis.   I hope that helps!
Cheryl

[ohiolady]

I'm with Diane, even the burning producing tears felt good.  I've been on Restasis for 4 years and wouldn't want to do without it.  My eyes were almost unbearable in the beginning and it has made them bearable.  It does take time and it is not a miracle working drug that suddenly makes your eyes normal. but it does help.

Anna

[Eileen]

Thanks everyone. I'll stick with it this time, I was just worried that it may have been an adverse reaction that would damage my eyes.

[Dolly Dimples]

  Eileen, I'd like to add that if you have PAIN in eyes,
                            you really need to see an Orphthalmologist,

    Irritation, redness and discomfort , is pretty normal for us with the dry eye, but Pain should be looked into.. Dolly

[fortysevencountrygirl]

I've been on restasis for 7 years and it has made a huge difference for me.  My eyes are bearable most of the time, whereas before I was so miserable all of the time.  It took about 3 months for me to see a difference.  They did burn some, but not to the degree that you're talking about.  I put my drops in at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. like clockwork, and my eyes literally tell me when it's 7 p.m.  I would recommend seeing your opthalmologist very soon.  Best of luck.

[sis]

I agree w/ the others that said you should check w/ doctor that prescribed the drops.

I am going to the ophthalmologist this morning for yearly eye check and am ready to try restasis.

[susanep]

I was told they would burn, but they never did burn my eyes, and felt so good as soon as they went in. So soothing. I guess I am an odd one.

susanep