Bleph and MGD -so many questions. Help!

[sabreflyer]

Hi all,

I have read learned a lot by reading this forum ( my thanks to all the many contributors) but as my condition has deteriorated I now need help.
I live in the uk. I was diagnosed with mild blepharitis and tried all the usual treatments over a two year period bit nothing had any long term effect.I then started to get red patches on my cheeks and so was sent to a dermatologist who gave me Isotretinoin to take (I now know this is accutane). After a while my eyes became very sensitive to light and sore. I stopped taking the isotretinoin and was given steroid drops to take for 3 weeks which finally sorted it out after 3 months of hell. I was then sent to an eye consultant at the same hospital (my local one) who said that any effect of the isotretinoin would be gone now and what I have is Blepharitis (although my GP said he had written MGD and Bleph). I have spent six months following his suggested regimen ( baby shampoo, cotton buds, hot compress- I use the MGD bag-massage eye lids; all this twice a day and viscotears 2-4 times). I saw the consultant again for my three monthly check up who said under the microscope he could still see some oily substance on my eyelashes and it was down to me to clear this. I told him that my left eye had become permanantly blurred and still is (over a month now). He said he could see no problems and it will get better.
I'm worried about the blurred vision. I'm feeling very low and feel like crying at times but I have no tears.
I'm wondering Should I spend the money to see a Moorfields' consultant ASAP to get a second opinion?
Any replies really appreciated.

[Bette40]

Please look at my recent long posts to give yourself hope. :-))

[sabreflyer]

Many thanks for your reply, Bette40. I shall read through your posts. There is so much useful information on here but the irony is, of course, that the eye problems means it is not a good thing to spend too much time looking at a computer screen. Any messages of hope are very welcome.

[glimmer-of-hope]

Dear sabreflyer,

If I were you I would definitely see another doctor and ask for a second opinion! You said your left eye had become permanently blurred and that your doctor hadn’t seen this!!! I mean this is quite serious!!! It can be anything and the sooner some doctor starts to treat it the better!

I was wondering have you ever had an eye injury or RCE (recurrent corneal erosion)? This could cause your blurred deteriorated vision. It’s my experience that my vision always gets worse after erosion. But it can be something else. Only doctor who thoroughly examines your eyes can tell.

PS: You mentioned you use baby shampoo for the lid hygiene. I know some doctors still recommend this but it’s pretty old-fashioned, and the shampoo is actually pretty harsh for sensitive eyes.

There are many products made just for eyes: Blephagel cleansing gel, Blephasol micelle solution, Blephaclean wipes, BlephaCura liposomal solution, and various lid scrub cleaners.

There is a study about baby shampoo and lid hygiene:

http://dryeyedigest.blogspot.com/2013/02/abstract-come-on-docs-that-baby-shampoo.html

[littlemermaid]

I told him that my left eye had become permanantly blurred and still is (over a month now).

Have you had regular vision checks? Do you wear spectacles? It doesn't have to be Moorfields but we have done much better in the big teaching hospital cornea clinics with specialists in ocular surface disorders.

[sabreflyer]

Hi and thanks for the replies. I'm sorry I have not replied until now but I have been away.
I have a consultation in London next week with a Moorfields eye hospital consultant. Paid to see him privately to avoid waiting any longer. I think it will be worth it just to put my mind at rest and if nothing else, I should get a clearer idea of my problems.
I have been back to the opticians who said the prescription is the same and the eyes look healthy (if not the lids) . So I guess that is a good thing. I will try to ensure I am prepared with the correct information and questions before I go. Will read this site for ideas. I'll let you know how the meeting goes.

[sabreflyer]

Hi,
An update. I was seen by a specialist and the good news is that he confirmed that the left eye looked in good health. He said that he thought the vision would improve as the tear layer improved and through a change of lens in my glasses. I did have my eyes checked in the opticians whos said there was no change and so will return to them again. He also prescribed FML drops and Opatanol drops. So I guess this covers inflammation and allergic reactions. One result I had before my visit was that I started to use Metrogel for redness on my cheeks. This has resulted in an improvement in the eyelids. I told the specialist who then prescribed the Opatanol. My concern is the steroid drops. I took maxitrol last August which worked wonders with no side effects but have read lots of warnings about using steroid drops and the original specialist was against using anything apart from the compresses/artificial tears treatment. So not sure which treatment plan to follow really!