Mucous Fishing Syndrome

[Rebecca Petris]

(Just fyi... we had two new users post in this thread and I moved their posts to the Open Forum for more visibility. Sorry, I know the forums can be difficult to navigate.)

[Isis]

I get mucus buildup in the corner of my eyes about 3-4 times a day. It blurs my vision sometimes so I just gently remove it with a q tip.

[Delilah]

Hello Everyone

I usually post on the daily check in but I got an e-mail from someone that is suffering from the same thing as I have been for 5 years now. It's extremely embarassing and it's a hassle having to pull the strings out, blocking your vision and making you feel like your going out of your mind. When I first got it in 2003 I thought I was losing my mind and found this site. Next year will be 5 years that I've been dealing with this B.S. and I've done just about everything there could be done for it.

The only thing I use now is preservative free eye drops and muro 128, it burns but it gets rid of the mucus strings for awhile. I got a perscription for "fish oil eye drops" from the eye doctor and he sent them in to Leiters Pharmacy in California and they ship them to you. It worked for 3 weeks and it was nice but then it came back. I also had tried another eye drop that is suppose to melt the mucus strings but doing research I found out that it causes your eyes to be more dry and I can't think of the drop right now it's been so long that I've used it.

The compounding pharmacy can make many kinds of eye drops for you, so do some research on-line, Leiters Pharmacy. I know that not many suffer from the mucus strings, it's mostly dry eye which I suffer from as well and it makes it worse when there is the mucus strings. I have become use to my problem and just deal with it, I know it's hard when it first starts and you think your losing your mind but the only thing you can do is keep trying drops that work for you. Feel free to ask me any questions or even vent, having this now for 5 years I've become a bit of an expert lol. D

[Delilah]

NAC Eye Drops

N-acetyl-L-cysteine eye drops are the drops that I tried for my mucus strings, it dissolves the mucus but makes your eyes extremely dry and it didn't help at all, I found that it didn't really dissolve the mucus but only made my eyes even more dry. You also have to have these drops compounded as well. Those were the first drops I tried before the fish oil eye drops, the fish oil drops worked like I said for only 3 weeks, it's been years since I have tried them again. I hope this information has been helpful to all of you that are suffering from the mucus strings. D

[EyEcU]

I never had the mucus 'strings' associated with Dry Eye; I had the constant white mucus globs for over 5-years on the inside corners of my eyes. I am now fixed though.

Background: I had really bad GPC from 15-years of contact neglect and my contacts drove me crazy. Also had constant mucus at the corners of my eyes and ended up getting Intra-Lasik to try to fix both my eye sight and the mucous problem. After surgery, my sight was great but the mucous was still there a year later.

After countless of hours of internet research and a fantastic eye doctor who listened to my findings and worked with me on trying new things, here's what worked for me:


1. Eye maintenance: I had neglected proper cleansing around my eyes for my whole life (I use a face wash but apparently that's not enough) so now I use Ocusoft Eye Foam every morning. HIGHLY recommended. This was key as I had to get my eyelids cleaned up first in order to treat the GPC. Can buy online.

2. Lotemax to get my GPC under control. Need a doctor's prescription. This step eliminated a good portion of the mucous, only leaving a small discharge throughout the day. Still way annoying though in social situations as it was constant, just in smaller portions.

3. Optivar for allergies. I've used Alaway and a few others but they did nothing to get rid of the mucus. With Optivar, I saw results immeditately. Unfortunately, it is by doctor's prescription as well and expensive but after 5+ years of becoming an introvert due to my mucus problem, it has given me a new lease on life. I can go out and socialize again without the constant worry of wondering if there is mucus in the corners of my eyes.

[Schlem]

Schlem

OMGosh!

I can totally relate to all of you when it comes to eye "schlem". That is what my friend who is in medical school calls my eye mucus. To lay it out there plain and simple:
1) It is SO disgusting and SO embarassing
2) I have tried a number of treatment plans to no avail (eye plugs, restasis, optivar and am now on pataday, prednisolone and minocycline)
3) Most Opthamologist don't seem to take much of an interest in this HUGE problem.

And I don't remember who said it, but I totally know what you are talking about with the mucus "triangles" - lol! It is seriously such a huge, daily problem for me (and you). I sit in class, in the car, on a date, etc....and pick eye "bugers"/schlem/mucus (whatever you want to call it) out of my eyes. I seriously thought I was a total freak since I personally do not know anyone who suffers from this. I was up late last night and deceided to google "fishing eye discharge" and it got me here! My doctor had told me they call it 'fishing'. And when they first told me it is a combination of severe dry eye and an allergic reaction to whatever I thought they were nuts. I know I have dry eyes but I have never had allergies. I do not take claritin, I have never been to an allergist, I mean when I say no allergies - I mean what is wrong with my eyes! Okay, I'm rambling. Back to my schlem for now...

[locky]

conjuctivitis

I have read all the posts concerning mucus discharge i too have this problem and i have real self concious issues. Mucus discharge is a result of inflammation or allergic exposure i.e blepharitis, mgd, dry eye, allergy etc you require testing if you have a mucus discharge the most common testing are as follows. Blood IGE testing (skin prick test) R.A.S.T blood test, tear IGE test (lacrimal test) to identify allergys , if your blood IGE is negitive and your tear IGE is possitive you still could have allergic conjuctivitis my advise get all three tests carried out then your doctor can determine the right tratment for you. Blepharitis can cause bleapharo-conjuctivitis , if your eyes react to irritants, chemical exposure, smoke ect you are likely to have this form of conjuctivitis. Claymidia can also cause conjuctivitis and requires testing ,viral or bacterial is unlikely if your mucus is chronic these are some forms of conjuctivitis....

LOCKY

[blondee028]

string white mucous , finally gone

This must be one of the most embarassing conditions people suffer. I have had this for many years and have tried to get help from several eye specialists. The last time, a few months ago, the doctor told me that this was a very boring condition for eye specialists - much like a neurologist would find epilepsy not as interesting as other neurological diseases.

Each time I have been, they send me off with a different eye drop to try and of course I know I should not touch my eyes. Nothing has worked. Even when I have tried very hard not to touch my eyes for months, the mucous is still there and I feel it. I feel I must produce so much more than most people. I am very self consious and would feel embarrassed if people saw mucous in the corner of my eyes - so I remove it. I started using a tissue as I think of the germs on fingers.

This is not something I can talk to anyone about. I really suffer from having to live with this. When I went to the specialist I printed off a net article about how a guy was helped. He was given an agent to decrease mucous production, etc and he was gradually helped. The doctor dismissed this info even though it was from a reputable journal. It is not as simple as using eye drops or stopping the removal. I need help and I don't know what else to do. Over the years, my condition seems to have just got worse. Even using an eye bath doesn't help - the mucous seems to heavy to be moved by the saline liquid.

Even though I know I am damaging the surface of my eye and could possibly end up with droopy lid syndrome, I can't stop this. I can barely even bring up my issue with a doctor let alone anyone else. My partner is supportive but gets sick of me doing it of course. It must be very unattarctive to others.

I wish there was support from others suffering as I know they must be out there. Maybe someone who has gone through this could provide advice. My eyes always look tired. Even though the mucous only looks tiny, it feels like a heavy weight on my eyes. I am at my wits end with this.

I know what you are going thru especially if someone is watching you ( they think your crazy) I have been going thru this for years and years. Doctor after doctor. Well this past week something happened but I couldn't put my finger on it. All of a sudden my eyes were clear, no slime, at all. Even when I wake up in the morning. ( thats when its usually the worst) Well I started taking these vitamins for the hair, seemed like my eyes cleared up two days later. So I read the ingreidents , they are for hair , bones and skin. I notice they had silica in them > so I did some research after intense reseaching I found where it says silica stops the production of excess mucous in your body. So I went to the store and got another bottle of just silica and added that to my hair, skin and bones vits. I have not had any white stringy mucous in my eyes since. First time in 15 yrs. Seems like your body requires this and for some reason my didn't. I am happy its finally gone.

[ringo]

acetylcysteine, NSAIDs, restasis and mucous filaments

Hello everyone. What you describe is called filamentary keratitis, and besides being a symptom of worsening dry eye, it unfortunately becomes the reason for fast deterioration of all the markers of the disease, especiall the condition of the cornea and its sensitivity, which in turn increases dryness and inflammation.....and there you have a snowball that is so hard to stop....

I have been suffering from this condition as well. What helped me initially was the frequent use of restasis, which seems to "precipitate" the mucous strands out of their hiding places onto the surface or in the corner of the eye. Contrary to what most doctors will tell you (not to touch), it is essential that these visible (tangible) filaments be removed. You can do that in front of the mirror, using the tip of a tissue paper which touches only the filament, not the surface of the eye.

Next, you need to instill 4 times a day a potent NSAID drop like Xibrom or Voltaren. It has been shown in clinical experience to resolve the mucus filaments after about 28 days, especially when combined with a mild steroid.

You need to instill Acetylcysteine drops as well, as they might be the single most important medication which can resolve filamentary keratitis. Like with the other medications, results are not seen immediately, adn it might feel like the pain and dryness increases; but that is just becoz these drops really sting, especially in the beginning. If you persevere, at least for about 20 days, you will notice the difference.

In addition you will need to take Acetylcysteine by mouth. I recommend the dosage that helped me, which is minimum 1500 mg a day. It reduces inflammation, normalizes immune function, dissolves mucus, and does a myriad of other things, which lead to dramatic alleviation of eye pain and discomfort.

You might want to try instilling saline solution 5% in your eyes, 4 times daily. That helps too.

[skygoddess]

I have been to so many specialist, multiple contact allergy tests, and not one of them thought to mention to me that if you are allergic to latex, or rubber, you are also most likely allergic to bananas, avocados, kiwi, and chestnuts.

I only mention this here because when I stopped eating these foods, and putting avocado oil on my hair for a conditioner,
NO MORE MUCUS STRINGS!

I was eating a banana almost every other day. Our free company clinic physicians assistant warned me about the danger when I dropped in for a conjunctivitis episode. I had eaten a banana that morning.

I spent thousands of dollars on tests, and a free clinic helped me the most.
Figures.

If I do have an exposure, I put myself into a diphenhydramine hydrochloride induced coma for a night,
cold compresses, and it is usually over by the next morning.

Also try sitting on your hands, till the benadryl kicks in

[Lucy]

Skygoddess, I got a good hilarious hoot out of your post. A free clinic indeed. I'm glad they helped you! We have one in our town and, fortunately, I do not need it at this point, one never knows. My daughter is on the last half of her COBRA from the job from which she was eliminated. The cost is $450 a month and this is paid from her unemployment. Due to Type I diabetes and an insulin pump, it's important she have insurance as long as possible. I'm happy such clinics exist and am a supporter when the occasion rises. Keep up with your good humor.

Blondee, can you tell me which "hair vitamin" you are referring to? I have just started taking Biotin as per my rheumatologist. My hair is thinning and fragile from my Sjogrens and fibro meds.

[nobigdeal]

I totally relate to what you have all described you have experienced physically with this issue and I thank each of you for sharing so that I now know I am not the only one who has this condition. I don't use glasses or contacts.

I have to say however, I do not relate to the feelings of shame, going crazy, frustration, etc. *shrugs* I guess because how it has been for me is that I have lived with it since I can remember (over 2 decades at least) and it is what it is. I figure my body knows best and is producing mucous to remove whatever is bothering it and/or if my eyes are dry, it is trying to help... and that if it didn't do this, my eyes might be damaged or my sight may become permanently impaired... thus I am rather thankful my body is this smart... since there are so many allergens, contaminants, dust, etc... in our air today.... I am not at all surprised that this happens to people.

I don't feel embarrassed by it as much as I feel annoyed. I see no reason to be embarrassed. So what if someone sees a little gook in the corner of my eye - I don't want them to see it, but it isn't the end of the world. I see people with all kinds of issues - e.g. dandruff, a boogie in their nose, something on their teeth, their fly being undone, etc. and I think it's no big deal. If anything, I am usually one of the people to tell them if it is something they can remove. There are people with coldsores, bad acne, balding, white heads, moles, etc that are permanent issues that they can't hide... we are lucky compared to them. I guess I don't see what the big deal is. I just deal with it by checking in the mirror every time I use the washroom or if it is blinding me by going across my pupil, I pull out a mirror and remove it and/or go to the WR to remove it.

I try not to use my fingers for fear of germs and I feel a finger is just too large to get at it properly. I would never use tweezers! Ack! I find that cheap brands of toilet paper are the best as they are firm and dry enough that the mucous can easily stick to it. I feel it is better than kleenex as some have moisturizers and they don't help at all as it can't stick to it if it is too soft of moist. I wash my hands, roll a corner into a tip and then gently pull down my lower lid and gently move the tip of the paper to along the rim of my lower eye until I catch the mucous at one end and then I just pull it straight out. What I find even more annoying is when people stare at me and comment like, "OMG, are you ok?!" because they pass judgement that I must be crying... or that something must be terribly wrong for me to be inserting a piece of toilet paper in my eye. I think their reactions are rather ridiculous but I guess they don't have the issue and just can't relate... but again, I don't care if they don't get it. I assure them I am not crying and that I just have something in my eye and that's it. I find it even more annoying if they pry and ask about it... it is none of their business. I think people need to get a life if they are so wrapped up in what another person is doing in the WR in the mirror - LOL. So I don't relate to their BIG reactions and I am rather dismissive.

Sometimes I have to do this numerous times and it can get annoying... especially if I can't get it and the film keeps crossing over my field of vision. I, like others, have tried to do nothing but eventually the build up goes over my pupil and blinds me and thus doing nothing, is no longer an option... and it is especially bad if I am driving.

I am sorry to hear of doctors that have discounted people's experiences and not been able to help them... and since it is so common, I am surprised a company hasn't invented a special eye drop to work as they would probably make millions off it. I personally would never put fish oil into my eye = ew... and I would be very careful as to what chemicals are in drops.

The most annoying time this has happened is when I am on a date but a quick trick I learned is that if I just rest the back of my finger against my open eye, I can sometimes get the glob to attach to my finger and it can be gone in a second... but if not, I just excuse myself to the WR and remove it. I mean really, people don't have x-ray vision to be staring at every eyelash on our face, every minor flaw... and to discern something like a little bit of mucous. Unless it is a romantic moment and we are gazing in each other's eyes... I am really not that worried and I hope my sharing will help others to not think of it as such a big deal... not to minimize your feelings but to help you feel better about it.

I have even seen it in glamour magazines... a bit of mucous in the corner of a model's eye... and it is even coloured as I guess their eye make up has got into it... so it happens. They normally airbrush out every single flaw or hair, or blemish in those pictures... but I guess at times, even they miss this tiny thing... thus if super models can have a bit of guck in their eye in ad campaigns that cost millions of dollars... why on earth should I care.

[borobundy]

7 years of Hell -- Contagious?

First off... a huge thank you to my old 43 year-old friend from high school for sending me the link to this thread. BTW... that's my 43 yr. old. HS drop-out friend, who has been a movie aficionado all his life, as well as a music lover, music maker, and in recent years an "event planner" and has brought us Alice Cooper, at least twice. After 5 years of no answers form Dr.'s -- I gave him all my symptoms, as I broke down and finally told someone about all this, other than a "professional."

That was 11:00am EST 3-13-10. Eight hours later he called to tell me to check my email for this and 4 other links, perfectly describing my disease... every horrible and intolerable aspect of this misery. He said it took him about an hour to find it all and put together an email.

WHY CAN AN UNEDUCATED HS DROP-OUT GIVE ME A PROPER AND DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS IN LESS THAN 8 HOURS USING THE INTERNET, and these "professionals" in these fields have let me down every step of the way for 5+ years?? Hell... some of the info was from 10-2000!! WHY DO THE DAMN DR.'S NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS??

I believe this disease is possibly contagious -- human/animal cross contaminate -- close casual contact transfer -- touching eyes -- the big spreader is likely sneezing -- how many of you have been sneezed on by your animal directly in your face with your open mouth nose and eyes?

I've had enough. But I am finally _____________? I just really don't have the words as to how mentally relieved I am to just know... FINALLY... be handed a definitive and proper diagnosis of this horribly debilitating disease. I have done nothing but cry, off and on for the last 26 hours when a friend of mine sent me an email with a link to this thread. I am crying as I type now... although ecstatic to have an answer... I have had enough. I NEED A CURE! And those who know, I must do a bit of fishing now, due to the tears breaking a line free...

... a moist q-tip works good; but I am certainly an expert with my finger by now, without doing damage. According to the ophthalmologist 3-06-10, my eyes are fine, just my ducts a little dry... as she offered no other tests or suggestions, as I nearly broke into tears telling her it is a medical issue and needs Rx drugs, and all the other symptoms and connections I can offer and left, because I was expecting to get an answer and some help this time.

I quit seeking "help" 2 or 3 years ago for this MAJOR affliction. DO YOU HEAR ME AND US, ALL YOU DR's WHO DON"T TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY?? I NEED A F'n CURE!!!

And not one Dr.... in 5 tries... over 5 years... and 4 different Dr.'s (2 Ophth.)... not a one would ever take a culture. All I ever got from them ALL was, {I don't see anything} -- I, of course, would tell them (ALL) I could rub my eye and break one free -- the answer every F'n time... {No... that's ok. It's probably just an allergy -- OR -- it's probably just debris in your eye -- OR -- maybe it's a delusion (he was surely joking, but said nonetheless)}

Forgive me if I am delusional, but is it even possible to diagnose this (or most any) condition/disease without seeing the problem in action, first hand?

Oh... right... the answer is ACTUALLY yes; but you need to see an "event planner" for that apparently (refer to 1st paragraph). I have suffered and am suffering many of the symptoms and problems associated with this and being described here. The strings of mucous... even going as far as referring to "the big daddy" as I have to "go back for more"... feeling it is "spiraling" out of my eyeball, one string at a time... it went on for 7 hours recently after I finally got the last Dr. to take a sample, to at least amuse me and put it in a petri dish. I think he only put it on a slide and blew off the dish... which is SPECIFICALLY why I made the appt. I want to rule everything out, with all tests... please? Your getting paid. I wonder how long these ones will keep their money. To continue... the feeling of going crazy, yet knowing I am fully aware and 'awake' and 'sane' to everything around me... not wanting to go out... sore/red eyes at lid conjunction... I may also suffer 'phantom' joint pains from this; no reason for it to ache horribly, but it does, but only for about 15 sec. after waking mid-sleep. it used to be my hip... then gone... then moved to my knee... now gone... now to...?

AND 3 OF 4 OF MY CATS HAVE IT AND MY FRIENDS DOG HAS IT, whom I frequently walk, play and wrestle with. WILL A G.D. DR. PLEASE LISTEN TO THAT G.D. FACT I HAVE BEEN TELLING YOU ALL ALONG. I NEED A CURE!!! WE NEED A CURE!!!! INCLUDING THE ANIMALS!!!

I have good reason to believe this is a CONTAGIOUS DISEASE, and not simply a "condition." I see a few vets have chimed in. Long ago, a cat of mine was diagnosed with 'conjunctivitis' (aka non-std chlamydia). He told me to be careful because it could be cross-contagious to humans. I told him then that I thought I had it. The meds never really worked for them and I was only to give them apps at a few days in a row, so it is a continual reoccurring condition. And the Dr's never gave me an answer for my problem. I can't do it anymore. The above noted cat is dead (hopefully, that was due to age). I do not believe the diagnosis is correct for my cats, and have told the vets this and explained why. I get no help from anyone. We are officially in Bizarro World.

I now "fish" the exact same strings of elasticized mucous from the cats, on occasion, one in particular and I KNOW he is dealing with the exact same misery as I pull it from under his eyelid. A very difficult task without snapping the line and leaving it behind for further psychosis inducing misery in my little friend.... and strings pulled from the dog, every few days. But the animals can't touch their eyes to break them free and force extraction daily... they just work to the inside corners naturally... and likely extremely uncomfortably for them. But there is always still a little bit left to pull from under the lid, just like mine.

I try not to touch or rub... so damn conscious about it I cannot function... made it to 7pm today, as noted above. Then I caught my limit. (6 in an hour is the limit, right? I'm in PA) lol

The cats have been given ointments -- Terramycin (oxytetracycline hydrochloride) -- works ok with little side effect but only apply 2-3 days at a time, as directed and it is no longer available. The other is Vetrachloracin (chloramphenicol) -- I don't like it for the cats -- turns some eyes a cloudy greenish/yellow and another of mine gets 'rings' around the outside of it's eyes from this somehow seeping its way out that far, against the grain of the hair. But she has many other issues.

I was so bad off one night that I did test, then use, the Vetra. -- it definitely eased the burning that night and I woke with a good crust, but I was out of that misery. That was the only night it ever got that bad, which was about 3-4 weeks ago.

The humor is the only reason I've survived. I've been thinking lately about cutting my right eyeball out with a knife (it is the worst of the two). If these health care "professionals" can't and won't help, nor even listen, I am left with little hope. I can't keep doing this.

Oh... btw... hypothetically I'm looking for a job, and am highly qualified in many areas. You hire for your company and now want to hire me. As an honest person and not wanting to endanger others, I inform you of my stringy mucous condition and that I may need to get to a mirror every 15 min. or so to pull some out... just depends on the day. Don't mind the screams of frustration while I'm in there. Everything is fine. And, oh, btw... I'm not sure if it's contagious or not, but I think it is and the Dr's refuse to take it seriously...

... so... when do I start? Monday?

I didn't even give you 1/2 the negligence I experienced in this matter with these "professionals." I already left a message with my lawyer. If a class action is somehow in order, I will certainly let you all know here. This needs a cure. I can't do anything anymore... except talk to myself. It is just very liberating to finally have a diagnosis. Let's get to a SURE cure, please. I will try a prior reply noting natural silica and/or the one below it with all the Rx drugs.

The only other theory I can offer, which holds just as much weight as any theory any of these "professionals" has given me is the New Age - Ascension line of thought to where the planet is evolving to a 4th and 5th dimension and our DNA is going thru changes due the the change is earth vibrations (schumann resonance) and evolving our DNA.

No... I don't believe that. But, it is just as valid as everything else I have been offered.

That's all I got for now...

[borobundy]

A couple more suggestions

Without going into detail, yet, as to why... I suggest seeing an E/N/T and see if they can help. I have yet to go, but was waiting, SPECIFICALLY, for a referral to an E/N/T today --- and that is all I will comment on that for now, sorry, because it is actually important. But, please, trust me. If you're out of options, one more "specialist" can't hurt (but, then again... lol). I would feel horrible to not at least inform you of that possible avenue to relief (HAS ANYONE TRIED THIS ROUTE YET??)


The other "wacko" theory someone threw at me today was the whole "chem-trail" conspiracy. Again... I am not subscribing to it... but it is just as valid as anything I've been offered thus far.


I just want answers and a cure. And some simple common sense and logic should not be too hard to ask for. A simple 'expected level of quality' of 'good' or 'service' being 'purchased' is all I ever ask. I really don't think my expectations are all that high and I am not being 'unreasonable' in those expectations.

Here's a suggestion, Doctors... instead of sending me all over from one to the next and continue to pass me off... how about using the release form I signed to collaborate on your patients problem he/she came to you all with, in order to diagnose and get treated, if not cured? Is that not what people are being payed to do... their jobs? What is this... the CIA, FBI and the rest of the 'alphabet agencies'? No... as stated loudly and emphatically to someone earlier, it's my life. It's the lives of others suffering this affliction. It's the lives of all the house pets out there, and (insert your belief here) only knows how many other animals.

[borobundy]

Contagion proof?

Proof enough, imo, to help solidify my theory of a close, constant, casual contact contagion factor... my friend who owns the dog also has the same problem, just not as bad as me. IMO, it is early in the stage of his contagion and he wasn't really aware of it because he is still a "novice."

A sneeze from your dog or cat to your face with open eyes, likely mouth... a touch to clean some 'gunk' from the corner of your pets' eye, followed soon after by a touch to your own eye... simply throwing out my opinion on transfer here, folks, but I need answers and I need some collaboration. Now, please.

He also witnessed me pull a glob from the inside corner of HIS dogs eye this morning with a q-tip -- being VERY careful not NOT SNAP THE LINE, in order to make comparisons w/ me, and my cat(s), AND MY HUMAN FRIEND, whom I very regrettably had to inform this morning that he has it, but at least he knows early.

Of course, as I've said all along... I pulled it out and it does EXACTLY the same thing. Animals' collect on inside corner, but if you pull/clean quickly, it snaps and you would never even notice. You need to latch onto it with a moist q-tip, gently pull and roll the q-tip to "reel in the line" -- BE CAREFUL NOT TO SNAP IT BECAUSE IF LEFT UNDER LID IT IS VERY AGGRAVATING, surely to the animals, as well. Remember, you're "fishing," have patience. To get the full "string" without breaking, you need to see where it is coming from and almost "walk it along the bank" of the eyelid (upper/lower) where you have it "snagged." I know... they are difficult to even see sometimes. You'll usually need 4 hands to do an animals eye to keep it open to help not snap it. Experienced self-anglers can go ahead and try solo on your own animals, if you see the problem/affliction/disease/condition/issue/whateverthe#@%$youwanttocallit.

I find that my 'fishing line' of mucous comes in various "tests." (Oddly, I can get none done at a doctors office).
By that I mean EXACTLY like fishing line. I'm only an experienced angler from the 'never-ending pool' of my eye, but compared with say a 50 pound test line... to a 20 pound test line... to a 5 pound test line, I assume the difference is mainly thickness and of course strength. Point being, I have about (4) sizes of 'string' on the 'spool' I used to call my right eye. You know you're an EXPERIENCED angler when you can get the 1 pound test without breaking. You DON'T want to break those, as they are brutal to relocate. If you do break one, just try to give up for an hour and hit it with some eye drops or eye wash before going back to the 'hole.'

Please, don't forget to tip your bartenders!

ALL HUMOR ASIDE -- I AM NOT LOUIS BLACK UP ON STAGE HERE IN FRONT OF EVERYONE AT 'THE CHUCKLE HUT' JUST TRYING TO GET A LAUGH -- WE NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!