Kate
Hi,' Saw your letter about dry eyes. I was diagnosed 15yrs. ago and the doctors in my hometown, Las Vegas, couldn't help me at all. I had all the treatments you had, but still no luck. The difference is though, I had "filaments" or blister-like things on my corneas. I had to patch my eyes to avoid blinking to avoid pain. Finally, a patient from my doctor's office told me she went to an opthamologist in L.A. by the name of William Fein. He uses glaucoma drops in the eyes and nose to stimulate the lacrimal and sweat glands throughout the body. I was about 38yrs.old at the time, which was young for dry eyes. Maybe your condition isn't as acute as mine, but if you would like to inquire about these drops, they are Pilocarpine 1% in each eye and Pilocarpine 2% in each nostil (each every waking 3 hours). This isn't a common treatment, but it isn't harmful either. All I know is, I would've been an invalid if I didn't find Dr.Fein. He is located in Beverly Hills, but don't let that scare you. He doesn't charge any more than any other doctor. He is also up to date on the latest treatments for dry eyes. His telephone # ia 310-859-0760. Remember, everyones' condition is different to the other. So maybe a phone call of inquiry might help. Maybe they have some literature. I know you probably expected an answer about some ointment or something less radical, but believe me, this is the only thing that has helped me. I don't go to L.A. anymore. My local doctors prescribe the drops for me. One even said he was at a seminar where they were discussing using this treatment for DES. I hope you save this and maybe use this information as a last resort. I was able to go back to school, read, read, read, and continue a normal life. Before that I couldn't even drive anymore because I always had a patch on one or both eyes. I'm curious, are you light eyed, small framed, fair and female? I only ask because the patient who gave me the Dr.'s name was. He also found that dry eyed people tend not to sweat as much as others. He checked my thyroid and looked for lupus and diabetes. He's a good doctor. I wish you luck. God Bless. Feel free to answer me if you like.