ughhh eyes!

[jennfran]

I was dx with bleph but I think I have ocular rosacea, or both. My eyelids were the only things that bothered me before but lately it is the white part of my eyes turning somewhat red and glossy. I use lid scrubs and I use wetting drops but only use wetting drops when I feel them dry. I am frustrated as I always had compliments on my big blue eyes but now I am afraid they are going to get worse and I hate the way they look now. I do have lots of allergies so maybe that is doing it but I always have had allergies and never had this problem before. I know I should not use the drops that get the red out but would it be ok to use them if I was going out somewhere, just once in awhile?

Also if this is ocular rosacea is it ok to use allergy drops on the eyes? I want to see if it is allergies but dont want to make it worse if rosacea. I hate this darn disease...Jenn

[Melissa W]

Hi Jenn,

I'm sorry for all the eye trouble you're having.

First of all I would recommend using preservative-free rewetting drops very often. Like every hour to see if it helps. Once they feel dry it's sort of late in the game. Like when you get dehydrated you don't get thirsty till later.

Also, I recommend not to use drops that "get the red out".
Use cool compresses and preserv-free rewetting drops instead.

Also. do you take flax and fish oil supplements? It's supposed to be good for dry eyes.

As for allergy drops the one sure way to tell if it's allergy is they will be itchy. That's the #1 way to diagnose an allergy. But if you're not sure ask your doc to prescribe an allergy drop and see if it helps. Also, certain oral meds may dry out your tear film and exacerbate your eye symptoms. So check on that too.

Best of luck,
Melissa

PS Is the RLT helping at all?

[jennfran]

Thanks Melissa. I have been using the wetting drops but not all the time. I do wait until my eyes are dry, I will take your advice on that and do it every hour or two.

I do have bad allergies and my eyes do itch but I thought allergies is where your eyes water but then again mine never have.

I am still not using the RLT. I had more flushing so I laid off of it but I was doing it to close to my face and to long, so I am going to start tomorrow using it only 5 minutes and 8" away to start and see how that goes. I do not know if it was the red light because I was introducing some other new things to my face as well. I will keep you posted.

Thanks..Jenn

[Melissa W]

Hi Jenn,

Yes, do use the preservative-free rewetting drops very often. There is a good chance that will really help you. And it's non-invasive and homeopathic (natural).

As far as allergy goes if your eyes are itchy it sounds as if it's at least part allergy. You may want to consider (if the more frequent use of rewetting drops doesn't help enough) an allergy drop prescription.

As far as RLT goes do start slowly and cautiously. I'm pulling for you. I plan on starting in mid Oct when I get back from vacation. Fingers crossed for both of us!! :D

Best wishes,
Melissa