Restasis?

[vacumme83]

I have been having really severe dry eye lately and am using OTC eye drops every hour or so. Has anyone been on Restasis? Does this really help?

[Jellyb]

Hi there,
I have been on restasis for almost a year. It has been working great. I can even wear eyemakeup again! It took about 3 months for me to notice any improvement, but really started to get benifits from it at 6 months.  I still use non preservative tears ( refresh ) drops twice a day and twice at night. Only downfall to restasis is that it is expensive

[Cheryl]

Many of us have positive results from using Restasis.  My experience with it has been great; I use much less of my otc drops, and I can even cry tears!  It has helped tremendously with my eye pain, too.  I would be their spokesperson in a heartbeat.

Everyone doesn't benefit from using Restasis, though.   I recommend your trying it, and I hope it helps you.
Cheryl

[gold55]

I work with eye physicians and they have told me that not all SJS patients benefit from Restasis.  They have better luck treating Lupus patients with Restasis.  It's got something to do with our gland destruction but it doesn't hurt to give it a try and see if you are one of the ones who is helped!

[DragonflyC]

It hasn't done much for me, though I continue to use it. I've heard it works for about 70% of people who try it.

You should know that Restasis can have a significant rebound effect if you start using it and then stop, temporarily making symptoms worse than they were before starting the medication.

[eyeamdry]

In being around dry eye boards and Lasik boards for about 12 years, it seems that Restasis helps about 1/3 to 1/2 of the people trying it.  It takes so long and is expensive and that might make people drop out of their trial too soon.  It is by all means not helpful for all.  If it does help, it is worth it.  It doesn't work for me.  I tried it for 7 months years ago and more recently for 6 weeks and no luck.

I must add that besides Sjogrens, I had Lasik surgery which caused terrible problems for my eyes, like declining vision, dry eyes. Lucy

[vacumme83]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I will talk to my eye doctor and see what he thinks. Perhaps he has something else to recommend as well. It's encouraging to hear that some of you have had success with it.

[susanep]

Restasis has always helped me, but I will have to do without it for awhile, because they cut off our insurance. we were on Tn Tenncare since being disabled, but cut it off until we have big bills of meds and Dr. bills to show again.

Well, it won't take long, but don't know how long that may be. I already also use over the counter systane which feels good to my eyes, so I will use it for now.

Hope it helps you.

susanep