I was recently diagnosed with Conjunctivitis, or what’s commonly known as Pink Eye or Red Eye. Pink Eye is inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelids caused by either infection or allergic reaction. I am not sure if I got it due to the presence of contacts (foreign objects) in my eyes or because I’m actually allergic to them.
About eight years ago I had this problem; I had a severe break out of bumps under my eyelids that scratched my left eye; I could not sleep because me eyelids would close over my eye ball and irritate it. A sticky form of mucus had dripped from my eye because of the irritation. My eye doctor had me use steroids and an eye cream to solve the problem
This week, My Optical Doctor prescribed me Alcon TobraDex eye drops. TobraDex is a steroid that contains Tobraycim and Dexamethanson and is used to treat infected and inflamed eyes. Alcon is the largest ophthalmic pharmaceutical company worldwide and their products are engineered to treat eye conditions and diseases such as glaucoma, infections, inflammation, and allergies. Alcon also makes surgical equipment like the INFINITI Vision System as well as consumer products like Opti-Free Contact Solution and Systane Rewetting Drops.
TobraDex is pretty expensive; the price range is approximately $50, $100, or $150 for the 2.5, 5, or 10ml eye drop bottle. That comes out to be about $1 - $2 dollars per drop. TrobaDex also is available in a 3.5gm tube, as an ointment, for around 100 dollars. I went to CVS to get my prescription filled, and the total cost was right around $100 for the 5ml solution (I used Epocrates RX on my iPod Touch to get the prices). Thankfully, my Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Savings Account (HSA) got me around $20 off the total price.
Medical products are expensive; back in high school my parents bought my prescription so I had no clue how much it cost. All I have to say is at $100 this stuff better work and fast.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Your blog is interesting!
Keep up the good work!