Sore dry eyes

[Maisie79]

Good morning folks. I’ve been switched from Latanoprost to Monopost drops for both eyes. Bilateral NTG. I was getting a lot of headaches, eye pain and swelling around my right eye and a duty A&E ophthalmologist suggested I could be reacting to the preservatives in the Latanoprost drops. I’ve been on Monopost for almost 3 weeks or so now. Those symptoms have subsided thankfully but my eyes are red & sore a lot of the time. I’m using lubricating drops 5-6 times a day. It feels like all I do is put drops in!

Has anyone else had trouble with preservatives in Latanoprost or dry eyes due to Monopost. Does it settle down after a while? Can’t seem to find a balance at the moment.

Thanks 🙂

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello. It does sound very uncomfortable for you.

It isn't often but sometimes people can still react to preservative free drops. I think the three weeks is a good trial period, which you have tried on Monopost. Your drops need to be comfortable for you, or you may end up not wanting to put them in your eyes.

Contact the eye secretary at the hospital to get them to relay a message to your eye specialist, asking if you can have a different preservative free drop.

Having dry eyes doesn't help but you have been using them regularly. An artificial tear eye drop gel at night may help but don't suffer in silence and get a solution from your eye specialist. I hope things will improve for you.

[Maisie79 in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks for your advice Helen. I’ll ask about a gel for night time use. I’m trying a different lubricating drop at the moment. Something will work I’m sure.

[Samueltree]

Hi Maisie,

I have experienced very similar to you.

I have high eye pressures, both eyes.

I have primary angle closure and iop ocular hypertension.

I was prescribed LATANPROST to lower pressures.

Took for a year. Did not really lower pressures but pressures remained stable, in the low 20’s.

However, I developed dry eyes and was constantly rubbing my eyes, felt scratchy and sore,

Saw a consultant and told preservative was causing itchiness and had damaged surface of my cornea.

Swopped to preservative free Monopost.

Doubtless far more expensive, hence rarely offered initially.

Symptoms cleared up immediately. Awaiting appointment to see what eye pressures are now with new preservative free Monopost. Have been taking since Christmas.

As with all eye drops, I do have difficulty administering. There really should be a more effective, precise way, of administering drops. I miss often and the drop runs down my face. Depending how hard you press on unit, it varies how big a drop is administered.

Frustrating . I try not to worry too much.

I would suggest if you have any concerns, speak to a consultant. I have been given very incorrect, misleading advice from others!

Good luck. Philippa

[Maisie79 in reply to Samueltree]

Good morning Philippa,

Thanks for your reply. Yes I imagine Monopost is much more expensive. I struggle a bit administering too. Sometimes I’m not even sure if any has gone in & other times it’s all over my face. It is frustrating. I think as long as something has gone in it’s doing its job.

The symptoms I was having with Latanoprost cleared up within a week or so. The difference was huge.

I’m trying two different types of preservative free lubricant drops to see if I can get a handle on the irritation from the Monopost. Pressure-wise it seems to be doing it’s job.

I hope they’re working for you too. Thanks for the advice.

[Samueltree in reply to Maisie79]

Hi Maisie,

Might I ask what two drops you are using to control the irritation?

There appears to be quite a few different drops on the market and unfortunately it is a question of trial and error. It also depends on one’s consultant etc.

Getting conflicting advice is very frustrating, to say the least.

Having had to accompany my mum for over 30 years with her eye conditions, now my dad at 97, and also myself, I am very wary of what I am told and query lots of the advice.

I always go with a sheet of questions, only to find that I have another condition etc, which I was not expecting. Not always ready with my questions then! It at least correct ones.

I do hope you find the correct drops soon.

Good luck .

Philippa

[Maisie79 in reply to Samueltree]

I tried Thealoz Duo for about 3 weeks. They do seem to help but it’s 5-6 times a day. A bit tricky to put in. The bottle isn’t particularly user friendly, you really have to squeeze it.

I’ve switched to Xailin Plus today. 3-4 times a day. The bottle is much easier to use. I’ll let you know how I get on.

Both are preservative free. It has been suggested that I use a gel at night. That might balance things out? I have found that even with the drops my eyes are dry & sore at night.

Best wishes

[Samueltree in reply to Maisie79]

Hi Maisie,

Unfortunately I am not aware of either of those eye drops.

If I were you, I would phone your eye hospital department and explain the situation. Ask for advice/ and / or see a consultant.

Our eyes are precious and we must look after them. You need peace of mind and no pain in your eyes, day or night.

I also take Macushield for my eye health and a homeopathic remedy too.

I have macular degeneration too. This is stable and possibly even improved since taking these two items.

Wishing you well.

Philippa

[Maisie79 in reply to Samueltree]

Thanks Philippa,

My consultant recommended both types of drops. I’m just testing them out at the moment. I have been told it is lots of trial & error with these things. So it’s early days I guess. I have seen Macushield. I might try that.

Best wishes

[Samueltree in reply to Maisie79]

I highly recommend Macushield.

Both my consultant and Boots,optician, who is also a Consultant at eye hospital, recommend Macushield. It is expensive. I buy when buy 2 get 1 free.

Either Boots or Holland and Barrett have best deals.

Wishing you all the best.

Philippa