Comments on: Is Lacrisert Good for Dry Eye? http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/ Ophthalmology on the Web Mon, 21 May 2012 18:33:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Dee-dee http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/comment-page-2/#comment-5737 Dee-dee Sat, 05 May 2012 20:39:37 +0000 http://eyedocnews.com/?p=542#comment-5737 I had lasik surgery when I was 50 years old and it has been one of the worst decisions I have ever made. Within 6 weeks my eyes were unbearably dry, irritated,scratchy, red, and very unattractive. It actually changed my whole life style. I could no longer be around any type of air circulation. Which includes but not limited to fans ,automobiles, malls, stores, outside,inside, and just any and everything or place that the air circulates. I literally have to shield my eyes with either my hands or glasses. Of course that drove my family and friends crazy b/c they could not understand the severity of my complaint. My Ophthalmologist worked diligently with me for 7 years. Prescribing everything he could think of. I was one step from having my blood analyzed to make an eye serum. I was researching options to dry eye continually until I ran across the site for Lacrisert. I researched further and brought the option to my Doctor. He said he had used them in the past with little success. He said too many seemed allergic to the inserts and they are extremely expensive. I asked if I could maybe give them a try b/c I had nothing to lose. He orderd me some samples to see if they would work. I tried and they seemed to help. They did however make my eyes red so I decided to put the inserts in at night, b/c nighttime is when I also have problems. I started out using 1/2 capsule in each eye. I have since moved on to a whole one in each eye nightly. They have worked out so wonderfully for me that I contest that I will never be without Lacriserts. They have become a god send for me. I still use eye drops occasionally throughout the day but nothing like I was. I am also able to withstand 'more air circulation' than before and the redness is nothing like it was. I thank Lacrisert for this invention and only hope is continues to improve.... I am however very disappointed in the cost!!! Without help from my insurance I could NEVER be able to afford these. So I am begging Lacrisert to research and make the inserts more affordable to more patients. But I will defiantly be an advocate for the product. thanks....... I had lasik surgery when I was 50 years old and it has been one of the worst decisions I have ever made. Within 6 weeks my eyes were unbearably dry, irritated,scratchy, red, and very unattractive. It actually changed my whole life style. I could no longer be around any type of air circulation. Which includes but not limited to fans ,automobiles, malls, stores, outside,inside, and just any and everything or place that the air circulates. I literally have to shield my eyes with either my hands or glasses. Of course that drove my family and friends crazy b/c they could not understand the severity of my complaint. My Ophthalmologist worked diligently with me for 7 years. Prescribing everything he could think of. I was one step from having my blood analyzed to make an eye serum. I was researching options to dry eye continually until I ran across the site for Lacrisert. I researched further and brought the option to my Doctor. He said he had used them in the past with little success. He said too many seemed allergic to the inserts and they are extremely expensive. I asked if I could maybe give them a try b/c I had nothing to lose. He orderd me some samples to see if they would work. I tried and they seemed to help. They did however make my eyes red so I decided to put the inserts in at night, b/c nighttime is when I also have problems.
I started out using 1/2 capsule in each eye. I have since moved on to a whole one in each eye nightly. They have worked out so wonderfully for me that I contest that I will never be without Lacriserts. They have become a god send for me. I still use eye drops occasionally throughout the day but nothing like I was. I am also able to withstand ‘more air circulation’ than before and the redness is nothing like it was. I thank Lacrisert for this invention and only hope is continues to improve…. I am however very disappointed in the cost!!! Without help from my insurance I could NEVER be able to afford these. So I am begging Lacrisert to research and make the inserts more affordable to more patients. But I will defiantly be an advocate for the product. thanks…….

]]> By: G http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/comment-page-1/#comment-5037 G Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:31:44 +0000 http://eyedocnews.com/?p=542#comment-5037 Removing Lacrisert is very easy! Just rub the 'bags' under your eyes and they easily pop out. On that note, youmust be careful whnever rubbing your eveys that the they do not pop out. You most likely would not even feel it. Removing Lacrisert is very easy! Just rub the ‘bags’ under your eyes and they easily pop out. On that note, youmust be careful whnever rubbing your eveys that the they do not pop out. You most likely would not even feel it.

]]> By: ari http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/comment-page-1/#comment-4721 ari Sun, 04 Dec 2011 21:15:54 +0000 http://eyedocnews.com/?p=542#comment-4721 not familiar with accutane causing severe dry eye. i think you should other things ruled out, depending on your age and other symptoms. do you have dry mouth? any arthritis? thyroid symptoms? do you take antihistamines/birth control? i was not aware lacrisert is coming off market- i suggest you contact the company. not familiar with accutane causing severe dry eye. i think you should other things ruled out, depending on your age and other symptoms. do you have dry mouth? any arthritis? thyroid symptoms? do you take antihistamines/birth control? i was not aware lacrisert is coming off market- i suggest you contact the company.

]]> By: Shelly http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/comment-page-1/#comment-4718 Shelly Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:22:44 +0000 http://eyedocnews.com/?p=542#comment-4718 Hi. I just got prescribed this last week. I have had dry eyes ever since taking Accutane. I never had a problem in fact was very lubed in my eyes prior. I curse it daily. Now I have red, dry, ugly eyes:( ANYWAY...I'm very concerned. I went to fill my script for this medicine after trying the trial box for a couple of days. I hate putting them in and have a hard time getting them to drop off of the applicator. I feel like my eye might be being scratched in the process, but worse yet, they told me this is being TAKEN OFF THE MARKET! I finally find something that helps after restasis and plugs that did nothing, and no pharmacy had the, for me to fill. I had to travel a county away to get their last box. That is it. I have 60, well 58, and then what? Are you telling me it's been around for 25+ years..I come around and now this product is no longer? WHAT IS LEFT? I'm a young mother with twin toddlers, and 2 other children. I would rather die then live in this hell forever. I have other problems to. Does anybody else know what is going on with the Lacriset company? I can find nothing online, but in NY here this is what I was told, though my doc. was clueless. Hi. I just got prescribed this last week. I have had dry eyes ever since taking Accutane. I never had a problem in fact was very lubed in my eyes prior. I curse it daily. Now I have red, dry, ugly eyes:( ANYWAY…I’m very concerned. I went to fill my script for this medicine after trying the trial box for a couple of days. I hate putting them in and have a hard time getting them to drop off of the applicator. I feel like my eye might be being scratched in the process, but worse yet, they told me this is being TAKEN OFF THE MARKET! I finally find something that helps after restasis and plugs that did nothing, and no pharmacy had the, for me to fill. I had to travel a county away to get their last box. That is it. I have 60, well 58, and then what? Are you telling me it’s been around for 25+ years..I come around and now this product is no longer? WHAT IS LEFT? I’m a young mother with twin toddlers, and 2 other children. I would rather die then live in this hell forever. I have other problems to. Does anybody else know what is going on with the Lacriset company? I can find nothing online, but in NY here this is what I was told, though my doc. was clueless.

]]> By: Heather http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/comment-page-1/#comment-4704 Heather Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:57:32 +0000 http://eyedocnews.com/?p=542#comment-4704 I have only been using Lacrisert for two days. It appears to help my right eye but not my left. My left eye remains bone dry. Therefore, I have to continue using eye drops as much as I have been prior to using the Lacrisert. I called the customer service number, but they were no help to me whatsoever. Any advice, help, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! I have only been using Lacrisert for two days. It appears to help my right eye but not my left. My left eye remains bone dry. Therefore, I have to continue using eye drops as much as I have been prior to using the Lacrisert. I called the customer service number, but they were no help to me whatsoever. Any advice, help, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

]]> By: Louise http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/comment-page-1/#comment-4428 Louise Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:12:35 +0000 http://eyedocnews.com/?p=542#comment-4428 I have been using Lacrisert for several years now, and it is really the only product that helps me through te day without red, painful eyes. Unfortunately, the product can not be delivered to any Dutch pharmacy anymore. I have a huge problem now, as there is no alternative product available. I have been using Lacrisert for several years now, and it is really the only product that helps me through te day without red, painful eyes. Unfortunately, the product can not be delivered to any Dutch pharmacy anymore. I have a huge problem now, as there is no alternative product available.

]]> By: Sweet Mary http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/comment-page-1/#comment-4331 Sweet Mary Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:19:53 +0000 http://eyedocnews.com/?p=542#comment-4331 I have been using Lacrisert for several years now. At first it was very difficult to insert the pellets into my eyes. My eyes are very small and the lower pockets are not very deep. That said, if you follow the directions exactly it makes it easier to insert the pellets. After the pellet is inserted the trick is to LOOK DOWN while keeping your lower lid pulled away from the eye. Then release the lower lid while still looking down. This should drop the pellet into the lower lid for you. I have been using Lacrisert for several years now. At first it was very difficult to insert the pellets into my eyes. My eyes are very small and the lower pockets are not very deep. That said, if you follow the directions exactly it makes it easier to insert the pellets. After the pellet is inserted the trick is to LOOK DOWN while keeping your lower lid pulled away from the eye. Then release the lower lid while still looking down. This should drop the pellet into the lower lid for you.

]]> By: LDF http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/comment-page-1/#comment-3771 LDF Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:58:38 +0000 http://eyedocnews.com/?p=542#comment-3771 I stumbled across Lacrisert on the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation website yesterday. Sjogren's is an autoimmune disease, and two of the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and mouth. I have had punctal occlusions since 2000 when I had Lasik surgery performed as my eyes became very dry. They were very helpful for several years, but in the meantime I've finally been diagnosed with Sjogren's. I also tried Restatis after Lasik but the drops burned my eyes. Lacrisert is a product mentioned on the Sjogren's website as a treatment for dry eyes. I happened to take my daughter for her annual eye check up today, and spoke with her doctor about this product. He had heard but didn't know much about it. He promised to call me on Monday after doing some research this weekend. We'll see where this goes. I believe I would get more relief from Lacrisert than having the punctal occlusions inserted, although I understand you can have four, not just two, inserted. If those worked, it would be much less of a hassle, except that it is difficult to tell if/when they fall out. Thanks for all your comments as it is very helpful as I do my research. LDF I stumbled across Lacrisert on the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation website yesterday. Sjogren’s is an autoimmune disease, and two of the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and mouth. I have had punctal occlusions since 2000 when I had Lasik surgery performed as my eyes became very dry. They were very helpful for several years, but in the meantime I’ve finally been diagnosed with Sjogren’s. I also tried Restatis after Lasik but the drops burned my eyes.

Lacrisert is a product mentioned on the Sjogren’s website as a treatment for dry eyes. I happened to take my daughter for her annual eye check up today, and spoke with her doctor about this product. He had heard but didn’t know much about it. He promised to call me on Monday after doing some research this weekend. We’ll see where this goes. I believe I would get more relief from Lacrisert than having the punctal occlusions inserted, although I understand you can have four, not just two, inserted. If those worked, it would be much less of a hassle, except that it is difficult to tell if/when they fall out.

Thanks for all your comments as it is very helpful as I do my research.

LDF

]]> By: Carole http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/comment-page-1/#comment-3757 Carole Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:46:51 +0000 http://eyedocnews.com/?p=542#comment-3757 Lacrisert is much more effective than I had expected. I have been using Lacrisert for one week as a sample from my optometrist. Because my right eye is much dryer than my left, I have been using it only in the right for comparison. I would have judged it a resounding success if it had simply given me the comfort of my good eye. The right eye now feels better than the left. Thanks to all for practical comments about how to manage using Lacrisert. Now that I know how much a script will cost, I will stick to the right eye only and see whether I can get by with half an insert. It's too bad that the drug company is so backwards about marketing a very effective product. If they sold more, profits would go up and the price could come down so they could sell even more. They could hire the people who comment on this board as sales reps. Lacrisert is much more effective than I had expected. I have been using Lacrisert for one week as a sample from my optometrist. Because my right eye is much dryer than my left, I have been using it only in the right for comparison. I would have judged it a resounding success if it had simply given me the comfort of my good eye. The right eye now feels better than the left. Thanks to all for practical comments about how to manage using Lacrisert. Now that I know how much a script will cost, I will stick to the right eye only and see whether I can get by with half an insert. It’s too bad that the drug company is so backwards about marketing a very effective product. If they sold more, profits would go up and the price could come down so they could sell even more. They could hire the people who comment on this board as sales reps.

]]> By: Robin http://eyedocnews.com/00542-lacrisert-for-dry-eye/comment-page-1/#comment-2906 Robin Sun, 20 Feb 2011 16:18:57 +0000 http://eyedocnews.com/?p=542#comment-2906 Lacrisert has also become a lifesaver for me. I am at a computer all day and do find by mid-day I get quite a headache from the blurred vision. But, I still prefer that over dry burning eyes. I have a triple whammy.. I had LASIK 9 years ago, was on accutane in my early 30's , and now in mid-40's appear to have developed Sjogren's syndrome. Restasis and plugs didn't seem to help although I continue with them. I get frequent blepharitis from the dryness. I have at times become so despondent over this condition I have wondered if life is worth living. My tear break up time at last check was 1.5 seconds (normal is 8 seconds). I don't know what I would do without Lacrisert. It seems they would be very difficult to cut in half but I'm going to try! I wonder if a razor blade wouldn't work better than a scissors? They don't seem to do anything for me at night. To me it seems the act of blinking is what keeps them activated I seem to wake up with the same amount of dryness whether I use them or not. However , I only get about 6 hours out of them most days and then they get dry or sticky so sometimes have to use another pair the later part of the day. I am so thankful for this product. Lacrisert has also become a lifesaver for me. I am at a computer all day and do find by mid-day I get quite a headache from the blurred vision. But, I still prefer that over dry burning eyes. I have a triple whammy.. I had LASIK 9 years ago, was on accutane in my early 30′s , and now in mid-40′s appear to have developed Sjogren’s syndrome. Restasis and plugs didn’t seem to help although I continue with them. I get frequent blepharitis from the dryness. I have at times become so despondent over this condition I have wondered if life is worth living. My tear break up time at last check was 1.5 seconds (normal is 8 seconds). I don’t know what I would do without Lacrisert. It seems they would be very difficult to cut in half but I’m going to try! I wonder if a razor blade wouldn’t work better than a scissors? They don’t seem to do anything for me at night. To me it seems the act of blinking is what keeps them activated I seem to wake up with the same amount of dryness whether I use them or not. However , I only get about 6 hours out of them most days and then they get dry or sticky so sometimes have to use another pair the later part of the day. I am so thankful for this product.

]]>