Inflammation Related to the Eye

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DebE13
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Inflammation Related to the Eye

Post by DebE13 »

If it's not one thing, it's another. Switched back to the eye doctor that originally suggested I may have thyroid issues years ago. Due to convenience I saw another doc in his practice but decided this time to see him. Glad I did. I gave up my dry eye treatment last year because nothing helped and the next step was steroids again (pill form). I rejected that at the time and just gave up. I've tried Lotemax, permanent punctual plugs (still have in), Restasis, and OTC lubricating drops (still use). I've had continued dry eye, redness, grittiness, burning, tired eyes, light sensitivity for over two years now. I have not worn my contacts since this developed which has been hard. I haven't been nearly as active lately but it sure was nice to ride my motorcycle without glasses and to kayak in the North woods with just a pair of sunglasses. Sometimes the little things do make a big difference.

Today I had my annual exam and didn't do that great with picking out the little flashing squiggles. That concerned me even though they said it was ok. My RX, of course, got worse and was warned that bifocals are in my future. He said they could be useful now but since I'm not having bothersome problems with reading it could be pushed off. He was guessing within six months. That comes with age I guess.

He wanted to start me on Lotemax again since my eyelids were inflamed. My appearance doesn't show puffy eyelids but it doesn't come as a surprise since everything else in my body seems to be fighting inflammation issues. He did a stain on my eyes and showed me pictures of little bumps on the underside of my eyelids that were the result of inflammation and showed me a picture of a normal eyelid and mine is much thicker due to inflammation which causes issues with lubrication. I have CC of the eyelid- haha. He compared it to the bumps one may get to poison ivy or a rash in general. Mine are effecting my eyes. He said that I have little flaps on my eyeballs that are continually being irritated and ripped every time I blink because of the inflammation. It was interesting to look at the whole row of abrasions causing the discomfort. He changed his mind about the drops that were tried once and were not effective. He also said the plugs were doing their job since he would normally find excess cells (some sort, I can't remember what he called them) on the eyeball if it were due to dry eye. Instead, he put me in contacts that should protect my eye from my eyelid. They feel comfortable now but I've only been wearing them for a couple hours. It's another change to get used again but hopefully will help. I have to go back in a week. I wonder that the next step will be because as with everything else, what if the inflammation doesn't go away. Will I have to resort to steroid use to protect my eye sight? Bummer.

I don't like the prospect of nearly tapering off entocort just to add another steroid to my daily routine. Eye sight isn't anything I want to play around with and wonder if I was foolish the first time when I refused the steroids. It keeps creeping into my mind that I may be one of those that have to accept the risks in order to prevent further damage.

My eyes are tired now because of the strain of the exam and getting used to the contacts. I took a Tylenol before the exam so hopefully my headache won't get any worse. It's too bad my body really dislikes itself and seems to be attacking it in numerous places. I think I may put this bod on Craigs List cheap and barter for a better model. :lol:
Deb

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
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Jeanemcl
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Post by Jeanemcl »

Ha! Don't do that....I'd be the fool that would buy it thinking the grass is always greener!! LOL

Happy Thanksgiving.
Jean
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gluten
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Post by gluten »

Hi Deb, Do you stop taking the "water kefir". Jon
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DebE13
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Post by DebE13 »

:turkey2: Same to you Jean! That sounds like something I would do.

Jon, I drank it for three days then stopped because of the itching. It could have been a coincidence but I'm not up to trying it again for now. I've suspected mast cell issues for quite some time and don't want to poke the bear. My body keeps reminding me that even though I think I'm in charge- I'm not. :lol: I have to have a colonoscopy next fall so I'm going to ask for the stain.

I still am entertained by feeding them. I've been saving the water and using it in my "greenhouse" in the basement. I've read of its use for plants but it was both good and bad. One being there was quick mold growth which is understandable. Nothing has wilted yet so I will keep diluting it and using it as plant food. They've plumped up a bit, there's more bubbles, and there's lots of up/down activity so I'll take that to mean they're happy. I recently left it go about five days (I think) and there was a growth comparable to the skin on pudding (oh, I miss that, yum) but clear with a snot-like consistency on the bottom with the grains. I was going to fish it out of the jar but when I pulled it out there were some plump grains I wanted to save so I left it be.

I'm sure that's not why you asked but I still am having fun with them. You've been drinking it too, right? Has it had a favorable effect? I haven't had anything close to Norman since my surgery so I'm trying to keep anything questionable far far away. I've been wanting to try eggs again but given my situation, it wouldn't be wise. The stomach ache I used to get before after eating eggs would last all day and sometimes into the next. Not worth it. Maybe for chocolate but not eggs (although the easy protein would be nice). :wink:
Deb

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
Rosie
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Post by Rosie »

Deb, I have shared a few ideas in the past about dry eyes, and have just found another one that helps. It has to do with inflamed oil glands (meibomium glands) in the eyelids. It can cause those little "bumps". Several years ago my optometrist told me I had blocked glands and suggested that I treat them with warm compresses and massage. I did that for a short while, but it didn't seem to help much and my eyes were feeling better anyway. But then a month or so ago they started feeling dry and irritated again. So I decided to take up the warm compresses and massage again. It helped a bit the first few days and then seemed to plateau, so I was somewhat disappointed. But the directions said that it can talk a few weeks to produce results, so I kept it up and now after a month I noticed a gradual but substantial improvement. My eyes feel much better and are noticeably less red. I can read for more than just a short period of time in the evening. I also have been using fewer eye drops. Here is the web site I used to get directions. It sure sucks to have irritated eyes........

http://www.dryeyezone.com/encyclopedia/lidtherapy.html

Rosie
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DebE13
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Post by DebE13 »

Thanks for the link Rosie, it's an interesting article. Who knew the eyelid had so many glands! It really caught my attention when he mentioned the thickened area of the under-eyelid causing the problem with moisture flow. I haven't comfortably worn contacts in over two years. Even then I had issues but put up with it because I didn't want to wear glasses. I've tried putting them in before and it was an immediate reaction. I've been wearing this pair since 9:30 this morning and they aren't scratchy at all. I can't believe it. My eyes are tired but feel more comfortable. It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow and the next day.

Irritated eyes are a pain. I wasn't asked to pay up front for the contacts so I'm hoping they'll be covered under my insurance as a necessity for healing in leu of drugs. That would be a perk. Daily disposables won't be cheap but if it offers some relief it will be worth it.
Deb

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
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Post by tlras »

Hi Deb,

I know kinda what you are going through. I just found out in September I have Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). This of course, clogs up the M. glands and so my eyes were feeling so dry and scratchy. Had to stop wearing my contacts about a year ago..couldn't figure out why they were bothering me. Now I know! But man, this stuff is hard to control...been 3 months of warm compress twice a day, had to buy a warm compress mask..they are the bomb! then clean lids with Occusoft, then Systane drops, use the gel ones at night. Now it's under control as long as I do this on a daily basis. Still may have one day a week with the pain/dryness but that's tolerable. Doctor says I'll have this forever...sound familiar? Just another thing to manage. I did ask my doctor if I had two conditions...dry eye and Blepharitis but he said dry eye syndrome is not common down here in the moist south. Whatever!

Hope you can figure out what's best for you...know you've been dealing with a lot.

Oh and interesting about the contacts!

Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
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sunny
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Post by sunny »

Another reason I love this group! I learn about things I didn't realize were a problem! I have very dry eyes that wake me frequently in the night and bother me when on computer & in evenings... Thanks so much ladies for this discussion and the link for compresses.
Sunny
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Post by Polly »

Thanks for the advice. I have also noticed increased problems from blepharitis and dry eyes. Currently doing just the Systame but need to do more. Terri, where do you find a warm compress mask?

Polly
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