red inflamed area around my eye

[Belladoodle]

hi there,

I use Latanoprost and Dorzolamide eye drops following a closed angle glaucoma last year. Recently the area around my eye has become very red and inflamed and itchy. Has this happened to anyone else? My doctor gave me steroid cream which has helped a bit. Thanks

[autumnlass]

Hello Belladoodle

I have been prescribed those eyedrops but they have changed them to other ones. It was Bitamoprost & Dorzolamide/Timolol.

Bitamoprost belongs to the same family as Latanoprost I believe. This one didn’t make my eye itch, inflamed & red, but it stained around the area brown. I wish I’d read to protect it from staining to use Vaseline on that area. I read that on this wonderful site. It still hasn’t resolved although I’ve stopped it for 2 weeks. 🙁 The upside to these drops is that your eyelashes become thick and dark! Hope the area gets better soon. 🌺💐

[Fudgewick]

I use Bimatoprost (same family) and Hycosan gel at night. I too have developed red, itchy areas around my eyes. I'm trying to work out if it is the Bimatoprost or Hycosan. I have been using the eye gel for the shorter time and was ok with Bimatoprost. I'd be interested to hear other comments and solutions.

[bakethat]

Hi, I have the same problem at the moment. I also have closed angle glaucoma in my right eye only, the left eye is completely fine. I have been on a variety of eye drops over the last 2 years, some didn’t reduce the pressure and some have caused inflammation. Last summer I became allergic to Cosopt after a few months and had a very sore swollen itchy eye which healed completely after the Cosopt was swapped for Fixapost. Then this April the dr added Iopidine to help lower the pressure which was fine until August when the eye became inflamed, sore itchy again. I have since had a week’s antibiotics, and 3 weeks steroid drops together with various eye lid washes etc and ceased the Iopidine and the problem still persisted. Last week I saw the consultant and he says I am now possibly allergic to all drops so I am on a 4 week holiday from everything and just using water, Vaseline and artificial tear drops to give my eye a complete rest and he will then see what the pressure does in that time. So, it’s now one week without anything and although it’s a bit better it’s certainly not healed as it’s still red flaky and itchy! He’s mentioned a Trab but I don’t want one and said so. He implied I’d have to put up with an inflamed eye if I continue with drops. I’m dreading going back now. Hope your eye improves, it’s not pleasant is it.

[Mel114 in reply to bakethat]

I could have written this! I wish you all the best as I know how unpleasant this is.

[Islandhome in reply to bakethat]

I am now, after 10 years, allergic to all the glaucoma eye drops. After 2 years of no treatment (covid and non glaucoma specialists not knowing what to do). It is a very long story! I saw a consultant who gave me acetazolomide tablets. They warn of bad side effects and don’t usually use long term but I am ok with them. I have regular blood tests as they can deplete potassium and damage kidneys but I have had no problems. My other options were trabs or vision loss so I opted for the tablets and so far so good.

[TVTech in reply to Islandhome]

I am getting that way after 4 years.Recently been on Monopost pf and Simbrinza.

Had the Acetazolomide a while back when having cataracts done.

Kept pressures down ok. Consultant won't put me back on them! Now on Dorzolimide pf and Tafluprost pf. Started steroid drops few days ago, immediate relief! On them for a couple of weeks.

These side-effects are a big shame. Hope we can all get sorted.

[Islandhome in reply to TVTech]

Good luck! There was a lot of reticence re acetazolomide but, as I tolerate them without noticeable side effects the consultant relented so long as I have regular blood tests. Minor inconvenience next to losing sight so I am hoping it continues.

[Mel114]

Yes! I’ve have had exactly the same experience. I wonder if something has changed in the Dorzolomide drops.

[Beecalmed]

Sorry to hear you are suffering. You don’t mention if you are using preservative free eye drops. Always worth asking about preservative free version of your eye drops if you are having constant problems with irritation. It will clarify if it is the preservative or the drop itself your body is reacting too.

Drs won’t rush to prescribe preservative free eye drops on the NHS as they are often a lot more expensive to prescribe than those with preservatives.

[Mel114]

I mentioned this problem to a relative who works in the pharmaceutical industry. She advises that if you experience any onset of side effects even after using medication for a period of time it is worth reporting to the manufacturer. There is usually contact details on the information leaflet. Hope this may help.

[Dolly2114]

I had a similar reaction to Latanaprost and my doctor gave me Monopost instead. I also use Thealoz Duo and Viscotears (recommended by the eye clinic) which have helped.

Cosopt had a nasty effect in terms of foul taste but after lens replacements in both eyes I am now off of that one! So many eye meds over the past 20 months. Most of which have various side effects - some worse than others!

For me, having started with pressures of 70, I am just pleased to still have my sight. I do hope you manage to get your meds sorted.

[Astilbe]

I had a really bad reaction to Dorzolominde. It got steadily worse over a few weeks until the whole area around my eyes including whole eyelids and under eyes became blistered, red and oozing. When I stopped Cosopt which contained it, my skin gradually cleared up.

[Notaduchess in reply to Astilbe]

Hi Astilbe. So glad your eyes cleared up. I currently have exact same problem. The area around both eyes bright red itchy, blistered with a constant burning sensation, oddly left eye worse than right. This could be due to failed endothelial graft and/or bandage contact lens in place until i eventually get re graft.

I’m using Fixapost and Trusopt. I am guessing it’s the Trusopt which contains the dorzolamide but after reading some of the posts it could be the Fixapost. I’ve stopped the Trusopt for 2 days now and have antibiotics to help heal the oozing blisters . Can i ask did you get prescribed an alternative to the dorzolamide and if so what was it. Did your eye pressure remain stable when you stopped it and are you ok now?

Photo of red sire skin around eyes