Restatis and allergy eye-drops

[Pete0211]

Does anyone use allergy eye drops (Ketotifen / Zatidor in particular) along with Restasis. My eyes are driving me crazy from mowing the lawn earlier today, and I do not see any indications of problems in my searches, but wanted to double check before potentially melting my eyeballs

[cccourt1942]

Hi,
   Nothing hurts my eyes than allergies.  Even SjS.  For a number of years (prior to SjS dx) I was treated for what was called "allergic conjunctivitis".  It was SjS, but that's a different story.  The ophthal gave me  steroid drops to clear it up.  Of course, it would reoccur...but that's where YOU are!  The meds you mention are OTC for itchy eyes. I don't understand--do you use Restasis now? 

I ask that as once I was dxed with SjS, started with a knowledgeable ophthal, he explained the damage to my eyes.  He told me he would give me a steroid drop to help the burning the Restasis would cause.  (due to the condition of my eyeballs).  I showed him the eye drops I had used for about 5 years.  He announced what he was giving me was twice the strength. 

The med is Lotemax.  since you have SjS, you have to have an eye doctor.  Ask yours for the Rx (or his/her recommendation) for your tortured reaction.  It will calm the almost instantly.  The problem with this type of drop is you can only use the product for a finite period of time (I think about a week).  Then the doc will advise to use sparingly.  A tiny bottle can last me several years.  In fact, I've replaced the Rx numerous times when still half full.  I replace due to age of Rx.

Hope you find relief!
ccc

[irish]

I guess I would not use the OTC allergy eye drops if using Restasis. These drops dry out the eyes. Talk with an eye doc and see if having a steroid prescription to use when having eye issues from allergies is possible. If you use in periodically and not ono a routine basis it might work. Also, try rinsing the eyes with a plain eye saline eye drop and wait a while and then put some of the eye gel in. This might moisten the eyes and relieve them. I used to place a wet washcloth over my eyes for long periods of time and it would help. Takes the flare out and cools down the eyes. I am not prescribing,just some thoughts that I would try if it was me.  Good luck Irish

[quietdynamics]

This is from the http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/eye-allergy/eye-allergy-quiz
Question 4
Which of the following is/are appropriate treatments for eye allergy?
a. Nasal steroid sprays
b. Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots)
c. Oral antihistamines
d. Ocular antihistamines
e. All of the above
E. All of the above – Topical and oral antihistamines are the most commonly used medications to treat eye allergy. Topical antihistamine solution brings quick relief and has been shown to be most effective at relieving symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays are a primary treatment for allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Using nasal sprays not only reduces the nasal symptoms commonly associated with this condition, but often brings relief to the eye symptoms as well. Allergy immunotherapy has been shown to provide long-lasting reduction in allergic symptoms for the nose, eyes and lungs.

Antihistamines have a drying effect. This was mentioned at Dry Eye Seminar I attended last evening at the Sheie Institute/PennMed.
Working outside goggles are a good option and the addition a mouth/nose mask (pick up at big box home center.)  I get hit hardest when trimming out dead branches in bushes/ evergreens where spores grow.. and then I disturb .. they fly everywhere in my nasal passage, mouth, eyes, hair, clothes.. a mess.  I also put a light, tiny dot of Genteal gel in each eye.. close lids and roll eye to distribute/ coat and have a bit of a barrier from irritants. I can see, not blurry as I am using little; not as much as bedtime. I do this on days when my eyes feel raw as well.

I would call Dr. who prescribed Restasis and ask which drop you can take in addition. Dr. probably has had this question before. Or consider oral antihistamines as you likely breathed in irritants and worst symptoms is eyes? Let us know how you make out. We know you will need to mow lawn again with other pollens in abundance.