eye gunk from drops

[Winnie]

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

[Jellyb]

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.

[KellyG999]

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

[Patze]

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

[ohiolady]

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

[Madison Granny]

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.

[Winnie]

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

[Patze]

I use a Restasis vial 2-3 times before throwing it out.  How many times do you use yours?


Patze

[Winnie]

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

[DragonflyC]

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.