Blepharitis and infections

[Sufitzy]

since being on 2 lots of combination drops for my eye pressure I it has reduced . But also dry eye worsened , developed blepharitis now and had to have steroid drops for infection a few time. Is this something others have also experienced? It’s getting me down as a few month don’t seem to go by before someone at work spots that the whites of my eyes are looking red or saw

[mrswaffle]

Hi Sufitzy, I have been using Azarga (Brinzolamide/Timolol) twice daily and Bimatoprost once daily for 9 years now, and a few years ago, a consultant recommended that I use Blephasol and it really helps. It doesn’t just clean the eyelids, but also soothes them. A couple of years ago, I developed dry eyes and, for months, I had no idea that’s what the problem was! It was so bad, it affected my balance. But unfortunately, it was during the first lockdown so the chances of seeing a GP were zero. I had to figure it out for myself. So now I have dry eye drops as well! I have found my eyes are better in the warmer months, when I’m outdoors more, maybe because I blink more. I hope this helps. Good luck.

[Sufitzy in reply to mrswaffle]

Thank you I have ordered some of the wipes and will give it a go. I find 3 daily drops quite upsetting sometimes just wish I could have been stabilised at the night time drop . I guess you experienced the same ? Then having a course of then needing 2 additional drops a day plus cream plus dry eye drops it just feels like I do nothing but stick stuff in my eyes and the thought of this being the rest of my life if I am lucky enough to to stabilise is quite distressing sometime .

[mrswaffle in reply to Sufitzy]

Yes, I do know just how you feel. It can be very demoralising. I was diagnosed 15 years ago and have gone through various moods, from anger to abject misery via depression. However, now I look back and think “I am 72 and I’ve managed 15 years; what’s to stop me having another 15?” Given my family history, I don’t really expect to live to 87, anyway! Sorry, I have a very warped sense of humour, which has been a great comfort to me! Keep going, who knows what will turn up? 🤞🏻

[Nonswimmer in reply to mrswaffle]

Hi, I use Celluvise 0.5% three times daily for dry eyes, and a smear of doublebase gel on my lids for bleparitis, this with bleparclean wipes has helped my sore eyelids.

[muddledme]

Hello Sufitzy,

I agree sore eyes can be a real problem and I am still learning what can improve them.

Many eye drops still contain preservatives ( even lubricants ! ), these can irritate eyes and it is worth looking on the package information leaflet to find out if your drops include these chemicals.

When you see the medics always mention your sore eyes, they may be able to swap you to an alternative preservative free brand.

Long term preservatives may adversely effect the outer eye layer, so it is important to mention discomfort.

Since having shunts fitted in both eyes now my dry eyes can also be a problem. I do find that regularly instilling lubricant drops even before I feel I need them does help quite a lot.

You would have to fit in the lubricant drops around your glaucoma drops carefully.

Theoloz Duo UD lubricants seem to be very long lasting for me.

Hopefully you will find the soreness easier to manage in time, and Glaucoma UK has some very usefull information, webinars and leaflets available on line.

Best wishes

[Longwalks3]

I found seeing a dry eye specialist (privately) very helpful. He identified that I had inflammatory dry eye and I now use an anti-inflammatory drop called ikervis twice a day. This is non-steroid based so can be used long term. I also use a lipid replacement called Hylo Dual 3 times a day and this has made an incredible difference to the comfort of my eyes. I have meibomian gland disfunction and I simply do not produce enough oil to maintain a healthy tears. You really need to find out what is causing your dry eye in order to treat it effectively.

[Stairs10]

Hi

Yes I also found that as drops increased so did the sore eye problem. And sometimes it is worse than other times but I don't know what the trigger is.

I hope you find the lubricating eye drops that give you relief. I'm using thealoz duo.

Best wishes