Belpharitis complications--what to do next?

[asriela]

Hi everyone! My name's Kirsten and I'm currently in my sixth month of having staph blepharitis. My current regimen involves Thermalon dry eye compresses at night, OcuSoft/Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash mixed together for my eyes, and Clear Eyes Cooling Eye Drops throughout the day as needed. Despite all this, my eyes are still fairly red (especially one particular area in each eye) and my eyelashes will regularly fall out (about two/day).

I went in for a doctor's appointment about 2 weeks ago and was told that my bacterial conjunctivis was present and I went back on Vigamox. For those seven days, my eyes were as white and moist as they'd ever been. But then I went back to my normal routine and I've been having problems ever since.

When I put in my eye drops or when I cry, I'll notice that discharge will still come out, as if my bacterial infection is still present. This may be a complication of not "washing" correctly, but I'm really concerned that this is doing damage to my eyes.

Unfortunately, my opthamologist tends to be pretty dismissive of me whenever I see him. He insists the persistent redness isn't a problem and I could start wearing daily contacts again, which I would love to do but really don't think is a good idea while this discharge is still happening. Is there any type of solution I could look into to help this and try to talk to him about?

I've noticed that the azasite/azithromycine ointment is often prescribed as a long-term antibiotic and I think it might be necessary in my case, but I don't want to jump to conclusions if there is a less invasive way, especially one that could make the bacteria on my eye stronger.

Thank you so much in advance!

[PotatoCakes]

I agree with you that you shouldn't be wearing your contacts right now. It could definitely make the problem worse.
You might consider a second opinion if you feel your physician isn't listening to you and addressing your concerns.
It is my understanding (and I'm not a doctor) that the azasite /azithromycine ointment is not good to use on a long term basis due to side-effects.
I wonder if combining an oral antibiotic with an ointment or drop might be helpful?

[PotatoCakes]

duplicate post

[asriela]

I agree with you that you shouldn't be wearing your contacts right now. It could definitely make the problem worse.
You might consider a second opinion if you feel your physician isn't listening to you and addressing your concerns.
It is my understanding (and I'm not a doctor) that the azasite /azithromycine ointment is not good to use on a long term basis due to side-effects.
I wonder if combining an oral antibiotic with an ointment or drop might be helpful?

Yeah, I'm wondering if I need consistent antibiotics too. I'm only worried about the bacteria getting resistant to it and making the problem worse.

I would definitely stay away from the Clear Eyes product. It has some harmful preservatives in there and you could potentailly make your eyes worse and eventually cause increased irritation and redness. Before you try the azasite, allow your eyes time to calm down from the toxic effects of the clear eyes and then you can try the azasite. You really need a different doctor.

Thanks for the input! Do you happen to know a different type of eye drop I should look into instead?

[HYPERHEAD]

Asriela just put some green teabags on your eyes for 15 mins as they are anti inflammatory and will really cool down your eyes and fight infection , then try some sliced cucumber for 15 minutes as well . You will be amazed by the results as they cleared up my infection

[littlemermaid]

Unfortunately, my opthamologist tends to be pretty dismissive of me whenever I see him. He insists the persistent redness isn't a problem and I could start wearing daily contacts again, which I would love to do but really don't think is a good idea while this discharge is still happening. Is there any type of solution I could look into to help this and try to talk to him about?

Asriela, He is trying to sell you contact lenses with a persistent eye infection? He should be talking about managing blepharitis. Can you find a nice ophth you can talk to and work with who's interested in bringing your eyes back to health, gently, long term, with skill?

We don't use fluoroquinolones in the UK yet, we're waiting to see what happens to you guys, but it looks like a bit of an evil brew. But the infection's back. As you say, why didn't he use a topical antibacterial as well? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moxifloxacin

I understand your thoughts about bacterial resistance and wondering why it isn't dead yet. My 'understanding' is most antibacs impede protein synthesis in bacterial development but our bodies' immune system finishes them off. So a mixed attack of antibacs might be good. Azithromycin, they say, penetrates and works longer but we are doing well on just chloramphenicol PF when we need it. Topical antibacs are also usefully a bit anti-inflammatory (PubMed), like oral. Has he actually swabbed and found a strain of Staphylococcus?

As Potatocakes and Chemia: Second opinion on treatment options would be good, someone who communicates. We use a combo of topical antibacterial + oral antibiotic + maintaining the tear film + getting the meibom normalised + keeping meibom moving + keeping the eyes clean. I'm thinking, trust your instincts and shop around for more doc opinion since it's been 6m now.

[LisaLis]

Hi Asriela, I would get a second opinion. Why would I doctor tell you to wear contacts when you have a bacterial infection. Doesn't sound right. Just my 2 cents.