Dy Eye Info-Sjogrin's Syndrome

[Guest guest]

Well, I finally got to see the opthalmologist.

A little background. After having had blephaitis several times, treated

successfully with morning eye washing and night erythromycin ointment, I

suddenly developed SEVERE dry eye. The eye test using those little

sheets of paper showed very little tear release.

I tried Tears Natural II and Tear Gel but the preservatives caused

irritation. I am now using Eyestil which is not perfect but is better

because it does not have preservatives. Unfortunately I must use them

every hour and this is expensive. I am also using something called

Lacrilube at night. So for those of you who seem to get irritation from

the eye drops, consider using a non-presevative formulation.

I do not understand the sudden onset. The eye doctor is sending me to a

rheumatologist because apparently severe dry eye can be caused by an

autoimmune disease called Sjogren's Syndrome. As soon as I have seen

the specialists (including a corneal specialist) I will report back. My

appointment is in three weeks and it will probably cost me over $100 in

drops in the meantime.

Has anyone else experienced a sudden onset, severe dry eye situation?

Sherry S.