Restasis has started burning

[DragonflyC]

Is a burning feeling from Restasis a good sign, a bad sign, or no sign at all?

I started using it in February.  My husband claims it's helping, but it's hard for me to know what is doing what (is it the restasis? the plaquenil? the prednisone?).  Restasis felt like nothing until about a week ago when my eyes started burning for a good 15 min.--30 min. after using it.  I do keep it in the fridge, so it's nice and cold as others have recommended.

Yesterday, I was excited to produce a tear that was big enough to roll down my face.  Of course, that was a result of the burning from the Restasis.  I haven't cried (even when chopping onions, etc.) since November, so I haven't been sure that it's possible anymore.  Still, don't know if that means anything. 

Has anyone else noticed a burning feeling as Restasis finally starts to kick in, or is this just wishful thinking on my part?

[Patze]

Hi Dragonfly,

I find that the Restasis is helping once it stops stinging, and it's burning my eyes lately as they have become drier than normal.  Hopefully with the plugs, the stinging will stop - soon I hope!

Congrats on the tear drop, that's a good thing!  I know what you mean about chopping onions and not get the tear fall, mine haven't shed a tear in a long while either.  Shoot, until someone mentioned it a while ago, I didn't even notice mine no longer do either.

Take care -

Patze

[ohiolady]

I've been on Restasis for 2 1/2 years and I still get the burning from time to time.  This doesn't bother me because my eyes are so dry that I'd rather have the reflex tears than none at all.  I do believe it helps.

Anna

[eyeamdry]

I don't ever think a burning from Restasis as a bad thing unless it's constant and then something needs to be discussed with the eye doc.  I think any drop can burn even the best of dry eyes at any given time.  Usually if you have an infection or some other irritation, you can tell by other signs.  Lucy

[Scottietottie]

Hi Dragonfly 

How long after you use Restasis do you use your normal eye drops? I've never used Restasis so please someone - could you advise on how long after the Restasis has been put in for it is alright to use celluvisc or whatever?  That may help the burning.

Take care - Scottie 

[Ohiocat]

I have been very very lucky, Restasis does not burn for me.
However, I do remember that my eye doctor told me that I could put in my regular eye drops in after 15 mins of putting in the restasis.    I don't know if that is the same for everyone.
Hopefully more people will answer the question as to how long to wait.

[Patze]

Hi Scottie,

I don't put in regular drops for about 30 minutes or so after using Restasis, and sometimes an hour or more.


Patze

[ohiolady]

I believe the instruction sheet says 15 minutes is all you need to wait.

Anna

[Jules48cats]

I have been using Restasis for 3 years now and it does burn from time to time.  I have no tears even when I cut onions, also.   The Restasis does not burn near as much as actelcystine that I use 4 times a day.    My eye doctor started me on that because the Restasis was not working as much as she thought it should.  I also use a ointment at night time and tears thoughout the day.  I had cateracts done a few years ago and the dryness got much worse after the surgery
  This spring I had my upper lids cauterized and that has helped quite a bit.  I have plugs in the lower lids, and sometimes my eyes feel moist.   
Isn't it frustrating when you are upset or really scared about something and you can't cry?  Sometimes I want to punch a wall or something, but I have severe arthritis in my hands and I know I would be even more frustrated if I broke my hand.  He-he
Jules