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Here's my story
Forgive me, this is going to be long.
I wore contact lenses from age 13 to 30. At 30, they became so uncomfortable I had to discontinue using them. I went to glasses full-time. In Feb09, I had PRK. I love being able to see without glasses/contacts . . . however, I'm having trouble with a slight astigmatism remaining. It is apparent to my Dr (both at the laser place and a new ophthalmologist I'm seeing) that this is due to dry eyes.
Ok, here's the other part of the story. Ever since I was a teen, I've been bothered by the wrinkles under my eyes. My lower eyelids sit too low, and this makes the skin seem a little loose. My eyes are fairly prominent. The combination of all this makes dark circles under my eyes, but it is impossible to cover these with makeup since the wrinkles are so deep the makeup creases . . . blah blah blah, you get the idea. I HATE how I always look so tired (and people have no problem constantly pointing this out to me). I went to a cosmetic surgeon a couple years ago and he agreed the lids are too low (the lower lid should reach the iris, mine are a couple mm below that). $13K to fix. Fantastic. Obviously, I put off surgery to save the $$$.
Wait, there's more! So about 3 weeks ago the muscle below my left eye started twitching/vibrating continuously. GREAT! Googled it of course, ruled out the common causes (lack of sleep, too much caffeine, stress). Finally went to this new ophthalmologist, who said it could be due to my dry eyes. He said the irritation could be affecting a nerve in that muscle, causing the twitch. He prescribed a steroid eye drop. After the first dose that night, the twitching stopped. That is, until a couple days ago. (i'm still on the drops). It came back with a vengeance.
Yes I realize that stress/anxiety can make it worse, but I cannot help it that right now I am FREAKING OUT.
Why did the steroids work for a week and now the twitching is back?? And the big question - is this stupid constant twitch going to prevent me from having the surgery?? (The eyelid surgery, by the way, this new ophthalmologist said, would probably be covered by insurance b/c my lower eyelids really are abnormal -just what I wanted to hear about my appearance!!) He said the lower eyelids, because they are TOO low, increase the amount of the eyeball exposed, thereby contributing to the dry eye.
This is what I've been doing to help the dry eye:
Restasis for last 3 months
fish oil supplements
artificial tears
I was using warm compresses, but they make the twitch go CRAZY (the heat maybe increasing swelling?)
I am at the end of my rope. I have another appt with the Dr. in two weeks for follow up.
I realize you all aren't doctors and can't answer all my questions, but I just needed to share and maybe get some advice.
Thanks.
I wore contact lenses from age 13 to 30. At 30, they became so uncomfortable I had to discontinue using them. I went to glasses full-time. In Feb09, I had PRK. I love being able to see without glasses/contacts . . . however, I'm having trouble with a slight astigmatism remaining. It is apparent to my Dr (both at the laser place and a new ophthalmologist I'm seeing) that this is due to dry eyes.
Ok, here's the other part of the story. Ever since I was a teen, I've been bothered by the wrinkles under my eyes. My lower eyelids sit too low, and this makes the skin seem a little loose. My eyes are fairly prominent. The combination of all this makes dark circles under my eyes, but it is impossible to cover these with makeup since the wrinkles are so deep the makeup creases . . . blah blah blah, you get the idea. I HATE how I always look so tired (and people have no problem constantly pointing this out to me). I went to a cosmetic surgeon a couple years ago and he agreed the lids are too low (the lower lid should reach the iris, mine are a couple mm below that). $13K to fix. Fantastic. Obviously, I put off surgery to save the $$$.
Wait, there's more! So about 3 weeks ago the muscle below my left eye started twitching/vibrating continuously. GREAT! Googled it of course, ruled out the common causes (lack of sleep, too much caffeine, stress). Finally went to this new ophthalmologist, who said it could be due to my dry eyes. He said the irritation could be affecting a nerve in that muscle, causing the twitch. He prescribed a steroid eye drop. After the first dose that night, the twitching stopped. That is, until a couple days ago. (i'm still on the drops). It came back with a vengeance.
Yes I realize that stress/anxiety can make it worse, but I cannot help it that right now I am FREAKING OUT.
Why did the steroids work for a week and now the twitching is back?? And the big question - is this stupid constant twitch going to prevent me from having the surgery?? (The eyelid surgery, by the way, this new ophthalmologist said, would probably be covered by insurance b/c my lower eyelids really are abnormal -just what I wanted to hear about my appearance!!) He said the lower eyelids, because they are TOO low, increase the amount of the eyeball exposed, thereby contributing to the dry eye.This is what I've been doing to help the dry eye:
Restasis for last 3 months
fish oil supplements
artificial tears
I was using warm compresses, but they make the twitch go CRAZY (the heat maybe increasing swelling?)
I am at the end of my rope. I have another appt with the Dr. in two weeks for follow up.
I realize you all aren't doctors and can't answer all my questions, but I just needed to share and maybe get some advice.
Thanks.
Oh well. So anyway, you are correct that my state of mind does have a part in this whole thing.
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