I am a 46 year old healthy female. Ocular rosacea, blepharitis, severe photophobia and dry eye began in January. I had only mild dry eye in the past and I occasionally used Systane drops (nonpreserved). I wore eye makeup and enjoyed the outdoors (running, hiking, swimming, yard work, etc.) I have never had facial rosacea. My eyes are a mess and my cheeks are only slightly rosy. Three visits to the opthamologist, two to the dermatologist, a visit to an ENT and quite a few visits to this website have led me to this post.
Currently trying:
Doxycycline 100 mg 2 x per day (2+ months)
Spironolactone 50 mg 2 x per day (6 weeks)
Restastis (one month)
TheraTears supplements 3 per day (fish oil, flaxseed oil, E)
Lysine
MultiVitamin
OcuSoft Cleansing Pads
Erythromyacin ointment at night
Systane Ultra preservative free drops 3-4 times per day
Ambien
I use polarized climate control sunglasses (WileyX) when I must be outdoors, which I now limit. I no longer wear eye makeup, which I miss. I have gone for allergy testing and have mild allergies to oak, ragweed, dogs, cats, and feathers. I've been on Tobradex ointment and drops, but my ocular pressure raised and I don't think it helped anyway.
I do not drink alcohol or caffeine; I don't smoke, or eat unhealthy foods. I eat mostly vegetables and fruits, and have stopped dairy. I am looking at going completely wheat and gluten free. I eat very little bread or sugar now. I cannot afford to lose weight, as I already have a tall thin frame. I had my hormone levels checked with my gynecologist, as I am on Premarin 3 years post hysterectomy. Hormones checked out fine.
I go back to the opthamologist this week and the dermatologist next week, though I feel they have run out of options. I have switched lubricating drops twice, trying GenTeal and Refresh drops. I am considering trying Manuka honey on the lids or ionized silver drops as a last resort. I am also thinking about acupuncture.
What else can I try??? This has changed my quality of life drastically. I have supportive family and friends, but I don't go out much due to the way my eyes look and feel. Currently, I have irritated and red eyes and lids, very dry feeling, gritty at the inner corners, and a small irritated bump on the lower inner eyelid rim. Any advice (or a miracle!) would be greatly appreciated.
Currently trying:
Doxycycline 100 mg 2 x per day (2+ months)
Spironolactone 50 mg 2 x per day (6 weeks)
Restastis (one month)
TheraTears supplements 3 per day (fish oil, flaxseed oil, E)
Lysine
MultiVitamin
OcuSoft Cleansing Pads
Erythromyacin ointment at night
Systane Ultra preservative free drops 3-4 times per day
Ambien
I use polarized climate control sunglasses (WileyX) when I must be outdoors, which I now limit. I no longer wear eye makeup, which I miss. I have gone for allergy testing and have mild allergies to oak, ragweed, dogs, cats, and feathers. I've been on Tobradex ointment and drops, but my ocular pressure raised and I don't think it helped anyway.
I do not drink alcohol or caffeine; I don't smoke, or eat unhealthy foods. I eat mostly vegetables and fruits, and have stopped dairy. I am looking at going completely wheat and gluten free. I eat very little bread or sugar now. I cannot afford to lose weight, as I already have a tall thin frame. I had my hormone levels checked with my gynecologist, as I am on Premarin 3 years post hysterectomy. Hormones checked out fine.
I go back to the opthamologist this week and the dermatologist next week, though I feel they have run out of options. I have switched lubricating drops twice, trying GenTeal and Refresh drops. I am considering trying Manuka honey on the lids or ionized silver drops as a last resort. I am also thinking about acupuncture.
What else can I try??? This has changed my quality of life drastically. I have supportive family and friends, but I don't go out much due to the way my eyes look and feel. Currently, I have irritated and red eyes and lids, very dry feeling, gritty at the inner corners, and a small irritated bump on the lower inner eyelid rim. Any advice (or a miracle!) would be greatly appreciated.
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