Chronic Giant Papillary Conjuntivitis (For almost 2 years)...Please help!

[amandarhim]

Hi there. I've been dealing with chronic (16 months) GPC (basically an eye allergy from contacts+allergies). To cut to the chase, I've tried and have been diagnosed with almost everything in the book- GPC, blepharitis, dry eye, etc. After a plethora of steroid medicine, allergy shots, blood tests, and dry eye treatments such as punctal plugs and lipiflow, I decided to give my eyes a break. After about 3 months with no treatment, the dry eye had disappeared, but I still have a foreign body sensation in my eyelids.

The ophthalmologist I am currently seeing suggested that I have chronic GPC, and that the GPC may have adapted to my eye's environment and thrived, which is why it's still there even though I haven't worn contacts in over a year. However, the immuno-suppresent medicine he prescribed me hasn't really helped my eyes.

Does anyone out there have any ideas on how to relief this pain? It's very tiring and I just want my eyes to feel relief.

[Rebecca Petris]

Hi there! Yikes, that's rough. - I had some GPC issues years ago, thankfully it eventually resolved since I have to wear scleral lenses to see and GPC really messes with that. I used a mast cell stabilizer drop for awhile and that helped more than other things, but I also adjusted my lens wear time. When I was diagnosed, though, two very good MDs had completely different opinions about what was going on. I wish I knew what the answer was for you. Working on getting some more doctor participation in the forum!

Just an off-the-wall question for you: Did your MD flip your lids? I have an OD who, among other 'pet' diagnoses, clued me in a couple of years ago to the issue of calcium deposits some people get in their lids that can cause a lot of discomfort. Just thought I'd mention, on the off chance!

Is there anything you've tried that brings any temporary relief to the FBS?

[m4shore]

I have a similar issue (amongst others), and it's challenging, especially with scleral lens comfort.

Rebecca, what eye drop did you use as a mast-cell stabilizer?