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Acute but ongoing severe dry eye pain following facial surgery

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  • Acute but ongoing severe dry eye pain following facial surgery

    I've suffered dry eye syndrome (diagnosed) for the past 10 years, doubtless related to an ongoing thyroid imbalance. Tried Restasis for two years, but it didn't help. Now I'm using Systane over the counter preservative-free individual vials several times a day, and sometimes sleep goggles. I also have punctual plugs, and often use the Eyegiene Instawarmth system.

    Three weeks ago, I had facial cosmetic surgery--not on my eyes, though my eyes were taped. When I awoke during recovery, I was unable to open my right eye without excruciating pain when exposed to air and light. It was suggested by the attending nurse that most likely I'd suffered an accidental corneal abrasion somehow during or following surgery. Over the next few days as I used generous amounts of Systane drops and rested my right eye with an eye patch, the pain gradually lessened somewhat, but three weeks later it is still present, far more than before the surgery. The sharp bolts of pain several times a day are pretty much gone, but my eye still burns almost continually.

    One week ago, I consulted with an ophthalmologist, who after examining my eye said there appeared to be no corneal abrasion, but that my eye looked severely dry. He said to continue using Systane generously. He said his best guess is that my eye didn't remain fully closed during the four hours of surgery, even though taped, and that caused the severe dryness and resulting pain. While this was reassuring news, its disconcerting that my eye pain continues three weeks following the surgery.

    Just wondering if anyone else has ever endured anything like this, or has any thoughts related to my experience. Thanks!

  • #2
    was any of the surgery related to the eyelids, often time eyelid lifts or similar surgery can affect the meibomian glands and the lacrimal glands which lubricate your eyes.

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