Restasis and Dry Eye Question

[Cactusgod]

I had lasik a little over a year ago in one eye. About 4 months ago, I started to have dry eye symptoms. My doctor just prescribed Restasis but the cost is immense (like 200 dollars for a one month supply). I am more than willing to purchase this, but I do not want this to be a permanent thing. Is it possible that I would only use restasis for a few weeks/months and then not need it anymore?

Thanks for any answers

[tootsieroll]

Hehe i thought this was my own thread but it just has the same title. Personally I have been on restasis for a couple of weeks and haven't really noticed any improvements yet. I am going to have to continue it to see if it goes anywhere. Can't hurt to try?

[LasikExpert]

Dry eye is a medical condition that should be covered under your major medical insurance. Because it has occurred so long after Lasik, there may be a legitiate argument that there is no cause and effect.

The manufacturer states that Restasis does not become fully effective until after 90 days of use, but you can receive some benefit earlier. A couple of weeks is way too early.

[boston]

....The manufacturer states that Restasis does not become fully effective until after 90 days of use, but you can receive some benefit earlier. A couple of weeks is way too early.

I dont think you answered his question. I think he was asking whether it can improve eye health, with sustained results, after quitting.

[LasikExpert]

Restasis is an anti-inflammatory. It reduces dry eye by reducing inflammation around the tiny channels that carry tear fluids to the eyes. If inflammation is what is causing the dry eye, then Restasis is very likely to help.

After inflammation is controlled the cycle of inflamation/irritation is broken. For that reason Retasis can resolve a temporary problem and not be needed any longer. If the inflammation is chronic (which does occur), Restasis may be needed long term.

Lasik related dry eyes tends to eventually resolve, however, Lasik may exacerbate a chronic condition that was not quite symptomatic. Lasik may put an underlying problem over the edge into causing symptoms.

Whether Restasis is needed long-term or short term and whether it reduces dry eye or not depends entirely upon the nature of the problem and the underlying cause(s).

[Mr.UnPerfect]

I am 15 months post lasik and still suffering from mild to sometimes moderate dry / or itchy eyes. I went to the doctor about 3 months ago and he put me on restasis . After about a month on it, he said there was a big difference in the topography and said " you may have to be on this the rest of your life" I did not think much of it at the time because I still have hope the eyes will heal, but I am now starting to wonder. I must say I never, never had dry eyes before the surgery, but I do have Hepatitis C and arthritis, and maybe even some thyroid issues and who knows what else. I suspect these health problems may have interfered with the healing process . The flap was made with a blade , and if I knew what I know now , I would have done something different for sure, but who knows, I might have ended up with corneal haze or something else with PRK, but the laser microkeretome might have been better. That said, I will stay on the restasis for a while, and see what happens, but like the others asked, CAN THE EYES IMPROVE WITH THE RESTASIS AND THEN GET OFF IT. I UNDERSTAND IT IS USED EARLY IN THE HEALING PROCESS BUT I THINK BOSTON AND MYSELF ARE WONDERING IF LATE COMERS WHO START ON IT SAY 1 YEAR OR MORE AFTER LASIK CAN SEE PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT AND THEN MAYBE, JUST MAYBE GET OFF IT.I HAVE YET TO SEE A CORNEAL SPECIALIST AND THAT IS MY NEXT MOVE. BOSTON DID YOU GET ON THE RESTASIS?

[Mr.UnPerfect]

I was typing my comments from Boston while you had already answered . I do have a question, what are the symptoms and healing issues with someome with an autoimmune disorder,, the problems I have are not so called auto immmune however they do WEAKEN the immune system. SOMEONE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE A CANIDATE FOR LASIK WITH AUTO IMMUNE problems, and neither of the 2 doctors I saw thought Hep C was a problem, but I suspected different, AND left it up to the PROFESSIONALS.
I guess the bottom line with the restasis is ...TIME WILL TELL

[LasikExpert]

An autoimmune disorder is a general contraindication for Lasik and similar laser eye surgery, however each case needs to be examined individually. As an example. there are many patients with AIDS who have had successful Lasik. A prime concern is that the surgery will cause an undesired response.

Although the FDA lists autoimmune disorders as a contraindication for laser eye surgery, doctors may perform the procedure if in their medical opinion the surgery is appropriate. This is an off-label use of the medical device, which is legal when medically appropriate.

The presence of an autoimmune disorder adds the uncertainty if there is a complication. The question will always be if the complication is related to or exacerbated by the autoimmune disorder - and many times it is impossible to know.