Ive been using systane for 2 weeks now. It was pretty good but lately it started to sting the eys a bit.

I dont mind the sting so much but ive lost many beautiful eye lashes trying to peel away the salty crust which forms the next day.

So I bought Genteal, B&L Moisture Eyes, and TheraTears.

The first one Im trying now is B&L moisture eyes.

The problem is that all these new ones are "single-use, dispose immediately after use"

That can get quite expensive as I like to put in drops often since i heard it is good for healing. Systanes vials are resuable.

has anyone already "tried them all"? can someone please give the pro's and con's of each of the drops?

I tried Refresh but i hated the vials. it took 2 or 3 presses to get the drops out - -meanwhile my eye is wide open waiting desperately for the drops. so that was out in a flash. with the systane vial, one push and the drop immediately is released.

thanks

Genteal gel worked best for me. My husband is a pharmacist and he felt the gel is better than the ointment (doesn't keep your vision blurry) and keeps eyes moister than just plain drops.

Good Luck,
Kelly

Do you still use the Gel? If so, when do you plan on stopping? Do you use eye drops by day? Which ones?

Hi, How has your recovery been?

Yes, I still use the gel. Right before I close my eyes for the night I put a large drop in. I still use reg. lubricating drops during the day, but not as much as I was. When I was about 5 weeks post prk I started to see improvements weekly. I'm still not perfect at 8 weeks post, but I now believe I'll get there.

Kelly

Do you think its necessary to ask my doctor before I put gel in my eyes....or it defintely cant be harmful?

I actually tried Refresh Nightime Gel and it worked great....Interestingly, the next morning the BOTTOM of my eyes were totally not dry (and it lasted throughut the entire next day, but the top of my eyeball was dry and thus i still needed tears) Presumably, this was because the Gel goes into the bottom of the eyelid. I wish there was a gel for the top too!! (although it does spread, it doesnt seem to be fully effective on the top part of the eye)

The recovery in terms of eyesight is very satisfactory. Its been consistently 20/20 since after the first week or so. Also, happy to say there is little or no glare/halos/ghosting thank G-d. But the dryness is still a problem.

Lane,

Try different gels/ointments. If it makes you more comfortable, ask your doc which one. Every product does not work the same for everyone.

I'm 8 weeks post prk and had dry eyes for about 5 weeks. They still feel slightly dry, but doesn't bother me. I've been using Restasis since Nov. Are you taking Restasis?

Good Luck
Kelly

I use the Alcon Tears Naturale Free vials. They are reclosable. They are a lighter formula than Systane, and don't leave as much of a crust. Since they are lighter, though, there is less lubrication of the eye. They work fine for me, since I am 10 months post Lasik, and I don't need as much lubrication at this point. (Yes, I still have dry eyes and need to use the drops at 10 months post op !!)

Dr. Holly's FreshKote drops are now available in the U.S by prescription. They had much better results in a double blind crossover against Tears Naturale. www.freshkote.com