Eye Drops causing crusting

[Lizzyanne567]

I have been using Fixapost eye drops for months now with no problems but last week consultant added Trusopt as well and I am finding that my eye lashes are getting crusty,l bathe my eyes every morning which does help but does not remove all , anyone got any ideas?

[Amandeep_GlaucomaUK]

Hi Lizzyanne567, 

A very common side effect of some glaucoma eye drops is dry eyes. This can present in multiple different ways, some patients experience redness and water eyes while others like yourself experience crusty eyelashes which is commonly known as blepharitis. You have a few options, you can try using eyelid wipes which are available at most pharmacies. You want to use it once a day until your symptoms start to improve. A popular one is called blephclean duo which can be used to clean your eye lashes every morning. If your symptoms persist you can mention this at your next glaucoma appointment and your consultant can prescribe additional dry eye drops to help keep your symptoms under control. I hope this helps! 

[Lizzyanne567 in reply to Amandeep_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you

[pinks223]

I get this too but mines from dry eye drops ( they make ur eyelashes a bit crusty . The steam from showering loosens it up then I rinse very carefully with saline water I’ve only recently been told I have dry eyes after trabs just one of those things I guess

[mrswaffle]

As Amandeep says, this is probably blepharitis- I used to have it but started using Blephasol, with those little round cotton pads that you use for taking off makeup. It cleans your eyelids and is very soothing. You can buy it from opticians and they will be happy to advise you how to use it. It seems very expensive but lasts for ages. Good luck!

[frankthebank in reply to mrswaffle]

I wonder is this blepharitis actually a thing, or is it simply the byproduct of Glaucoma meds, because I never had this in my life until I started Glaucoma meds, and now post op I take no glaucoma meds, and it's gone.

[Lizzyanne567 in reply to frankthebank]

I think you maybe right I've only had this since starting on Trusopt drops last week

[AlfredV in reply to frankthebank]

It is a thing, but blepharitis is just a convenient label used to describe a set of symptoms, and says nothing about what the cause might be. Personally I find the "catch all" term unhelpful. Glaucoma meds, and the preservatives in them are certainly contributers.

[frankthebank in reply to AlfredV]

Yes I agree it is a thing, but they make out like you have another disease that is chronic, when really in most cases with Glaucoma, it's just a standard skin irritation, and yes like you say a catch all label.

[Tokeh]

I agree, Its told it was Blepharitis (incurable!)and cleaning the eyes is quick and helpful, seems to come and go

[salla22]

I was told it is blepharitis. Web site tells to heat your eyes I use a face mask and then carefully Goe around with a cottonstick that has been soaked in salty water. There are these wipes that other people mention