Inflammation

[LaDiva]

I have ocular rosacea, MGD and aqueous deficiency. My eye doctor says the oil glands are now all open, but that the quality of the oil will not improve until the inflammation dies down. We have used/use steroids, Pataday, Restasis and Azasite. I do warm compresses three times a day, and use preservative free drops. I also do scrubs once a day and rinse with saline after each compress session. The inflammation persists. Does anyone have good advice for getting this inflammation in hand? Every once and awhile, things look good, but not for very long, and never for an entire day. This has been going on a year and a half now... Thanks!

[kitty]

Are you taking any medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants or oral contraceptives? Are you taking frequent blink breaks while working at the computer? You might try using a humidifier in the room(s) where you spend the most time, especially during the winter months. Think about environmental causes of your ongoing inflammation. Are you taking Omega 3's, at least 2000 mg of fish oil per day? You might also try consuming an anti-inflammatory diet.

[LaDiva]

Thanks Kitty! Yes to some, and no to others. I take Omega 3s, and Benadryl at night. Have been trying to eat anti-inflammatory food, and it does make a difference. The eye doctor seems to think once the inflammation goes down and the oil stabilizes, that the problems won't be so on-going. I hope he is correct. You are right about environmental factors. Just not sure what to do about them or which ones they might be. Thank you for the information.

[kitty]

Benadryl can be very drying to the eyes, resulting in increased inflammation. If you need a sleep aid, you might try Tryptophan, an amino acid, melatonin or some other non-antihistamine product. Consult your doctor for more options.

[LaDiva]

Thank you!

[EllMitcho]

Hi - one thing I found out after 2 yrs was that the warm compresses did not help me - in fact they flare up my inflammation

Could be worth a thought for you?

[LaDiva]

Hi EllMitcho,
Yes, I have wondered about the compresses. What do you do to keep the glands open? No magic gloop yet, I am afraid! Know how you feel! Thanks for the info.

[sazy123]

I am in the same situation. My glands are open but the oil is thick and is lacking because of inflammation. Unfortunately I cant give any hope- i have not got control of the inflammation after 6 years!

But i would say- alot of people have found relief from fish oil- (oil not tablets) nturalnordics high strength along with other supplements listed on this forum, doxycycline, altering their diets and removing allergens from environment (get the allergy tests etc).

I dont use hot compresses for 4 years because they never helped. And my glands have not closed up - they are still open like they were 7 years ago when all this started.

Where is your inflammation located in your eyes?

[LaDiva]

Hi Sazy,
The inflammation is inside the lids, top and bottom. Every once and awhile it disappears, but not for long, and never for an entire day. My glands were plugged, but after IPL they are all open, or were as of last month. I do take fish oil, and try to watch the food chain. Thanks for the info. and am happy to know yours are still open, even if inflamed! Really sorry it has been six years. On your side! Darling photo of you, BTW!

[sazy123]

We seem to have a simular issue. My problem is that i have bad inflammation inside the lids- top and bottom too (which is stopping my glands producing quality oil). The majority of eye doctors have told me allergies- but I had the allergy tests (not allergic to much), tried to eliminate dust, perfumed products, and ive tried all the allergy eye drops going with no luck. One thing i need to do is up my fish oil (2000mg a day at least and high quality oil) ive never taken this much.

What do you think your cause is? did you wear contacts/ go on any medication.

(right now im still thinking that contact lenses caused ocular rosacea to set in, UNLESS i can still pinpoint an allergy down)

And have you ever noticed that your dry eye feels better when you are sick/another health issue going on? my eyes feel great when im sick- inflammation goes right down.

Very interested in your progress, if your docs can figure it out, coz are problem is simular.

Oh BTW- i had IPL- but before i even had it he said 90% of glands were open- after IPL eyes didnt feel much better coz IPL didnt treat the inner eyelid inflammation causing thick oil secretions. He put me on allergy drops but no luck.

[UGH_my_eyes]

It is my understanding that cold compress helps with inflammation. That is what my O.D. recommended for me.

I do both, and the warm compress is supposed to improve circulation and open glands - but to my knowledge does not help in reducing inflammation.

I wish I knew how much of this stuff I do and take actually makes a difference. There are too many days where I feel like all this stuff is a big waste of time.

[UGH_my_eyes]

And have you ever noticed that your dry eye feels better when you are sick/another health issue going on? my eyes feel great when im sick- inflammation goes right down.

.

Absolutely! Getting sick for me is now a good thing, lol.

[LaDiva]

Moving slowly today! Will keep you post Sazy. I've had rosacea on my face, but the eye business was new. I think it all started from being under a great deal of stress. I had PRK about five years ago, and no real problems after the surgery and have never worn contact lenses. When my dry eye problems escalated, the doctor ran a bunch of tests. The rheumatoid factor came back very high, and so they did further tests, but I do not have RA. I am guessing the RA test measures inflammation in the body, and boy, it must all be in my eyes! Not sure about being sick and noticing eye improvements as I cannot remember being sick recently. Hope you feel better Sazy!

Hi Ugh! I have tried cold, and do think it helps. Just need to be more regular with the cold treatment. Thank you for suggesting this. It is very helpful. I know what you mean about wondering what really works. A friend who has this told me it took her about two years to really feel better, but she did and does feel better. Hope it is just a matter of time for all of us. Best wishes.

[Hopeful2]

Sazy and LaDiva,

MY doctor tells me my eyes are inflamed. I have looked at the insides of my lids and I don't know if I see inflammation. I looked at my hubbies eyelids and his actually look redder than mine. I do see some fine red veins on the inside lids.

I will try sending some pictures and maybe someone can comment on what they see?

I hope this works!

[LaDiva]

You are looking good Hopeful2! Mine looks like raw meat. Sorry to be so graphic, but that is a pretty accurate description. Hope you are doing well. Your eyes look good!