Extremely dry eyes with some blurriness

[April2]

Hi. About a year and a half ago I had an eye exam and noticed just a gradual blurriness in my right eye. It wasn't too bad. They told me I could just get reading glasses so that's what I did. The last year or so I've really noticed my eyes are extremely dry to the point they really bother me. I feel like grabbing a glass of cool water constantly and just pouring it over my eyes. That's how awful they feel. They just burn all the time. Also, I noticed the blurriness is a little more with both eyes but mostly the right eye (the one that started out that way to begin with).
I'm not going to be able to see the eye doctor again for another 6 months since our insurance only covers eye exams every 2 years. Is there any suggestions that can help with these terribly dry eyes and any ideas why the blurriness is a lot more noticeable lately? Seriously, I envision pouring water over my eyes over and over they feel so bad! What can make them feel better? And what's causing this? Anybody know?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Use the search feature and read the many posts about the cause and treatment of dry eyes. I suggest you use your health insurance rather than visual care insurance and there is no time limits on it.

Also see an Eye MD ophthalmologist not a non MD optometrist.

Find an Eye MD at www.aao.org

JCH MD

[April2]

Thanks. :) That was my health insurance, actually. They only authorize eye exams every two years. I will see what I can find out. Thanks for answering.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[April2]

I got to thinking, I was diagnosed with Crohns a few years ago but was told I was in remission. However, I've been having some symptoms that makes me wonder if it's back. I've been told Crohns can affect the eyes too. Have you heard of this? Could that be what is going on?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Chron's disease can be associated with dry eye or inflammatiion with the eye Uveitis or Iritis.
JCH MD

[April2]

Thank you, doctor. I guess I'll have to see my gastroenterologist as well as an eye doctor.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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