How do you know if BAK has caused permanent damage to your eyes

[jack1988]

I was using a redness reliever for like 6 years (2012-2018) I stopped in April due to it not working anymore. I am not currently using redness reliever anymore. I have been to the doctors about dry eye, had all the tests (slit lamp, eye pressure etc...). If my eyes were damaged by the BAK, would it have shown in these tests?

[SirDryEye]

Wow, 6 years that’s a long time, why were they red?

[Rebecca Petris]

Very sorry to hear that! I'm so glad you're not using those drops now.

I doubt there's any way to easily prove the connection... I know people who have, but with some top ranking specialists to be honest. (There's a ton of literature showing how toxic BAK is for long term use, but... that's different than figuring out cause and effect in an individual.) Also, the redness relievers themselves can cause issues even without the preservative part. sounds like a good time to focus on what's wrong now and how to right it as much as possible?

[jack1988]

Very sorry to hear that! I'm so glad you're not using those drops now.

I doubt there's any way to easily prove the connection... I know people who have, but with some top ranking specialists to be honest. (There's a ton of literature showing how toxic BAK is for long term use, but... that's different than figuring out cause and effect in an individual.) Also, the redness relievers themselves can cause issues even without the preservative part. sounds like a good time to focus on what's wrong now and how to right it as much as possible?

Hi Rebecca,

I meant, if there was anything wrong with my eye (i.e any damage by the BAK/redness Reliever) the tests I had with the slit lamp with yellow dye etc...would it show in these? I am not asking if the doctors could determine whether or not it was the BAK that caused any issues, but IF there was an issue (im not sure what the side effects of having BAK for 6 years would be) would they be able to see it?

Sorry for the confusion

[Guest]

Hi Rebecca,

I meant, if there was anything wrong with my eye (i.e any damage by the BAK/redness Reliever) the tests I had with the slit lamp with yellow dye etc...would it show in these? I am not asking if the doctors could determine whether or not it was the BAK that caused any issues, but IF there was an issue (im not sure what the side effects of having BAK for 6 years would be) would they be able to see it?

Sorry for the confusion

If it’s nerve damage, they would need another test to determine that beyond your slip lamp evaluation. I have pain/sensation that is not visible with any dye or examination. So that’s possible, yes.

[Guest]

If it’s nerve damage, they would need another test to determine that beyond your slip lamp evaluation. I have pain/sensation that is not visible with any dye or examination. So that’s possible, yes.

What sort of test is it? like do you know what it is called, or maybe can you tell me the process?

[jack1988]

If it’s nerve damage, they would need another test to determine that beyond your slip lamp evaluation. I have pain/sensation that is not visible with any dye or examination. So that’s possible, yes.

Thanks

What type of test is it? If you can't remember the name can you tell me what the process involves?

Thanks

[Guest]

Confocal microscopy can show nerve damage. You could still have nerve pain and no signs, but that’s usually more rare and referred to as centralized pain. Meaning is starts in the brain, kind of like phantom pain.

[jack1988]

Confocal microscopy can show nerve damage. You could still have nerve pain and no signs, but that’s usually more rare and referred to as centralized pain. Meaning is starts in the brain, kind of like phantom pain.

Thanks for all your help, buddy!

I'm not sure if the NHS perform this, but I can ask

[Guest]

Thanks for all your help, buddy!

I'm not sure if the NHS perform this, but I can ask

Good luck Jack, I hear the NHS can be a pain sometimes. Sorry you’re in pain, hope you find a solution.

[jack1988]

Good luck Jack, I hear the NHS can be a pain sometimes. Sorry you’re in pain, hope you find a solution.

It's more discomfort. Like, when i first wake up, and for a few hours after, my eye feels sensitive, like a menthol feeling.

[Guest]

It's more discomfort. Like, when i first wake up, and for a few hours after, my eye feels sensitive, like a menthol feeling.

I know for me personally, I sleep with my eyes open and that was my issue. Waking up with burning gritty eyes. One I protected my eyes at night, things got better. Try ointment, gel, goggles, tape. Whatever keeps those eyes moist at night and see if that helps. It’s an easy way to rule out the problem. Do you sleep on your stomach/side? Do you snore?

[jack1988]

I know for me personally, I sleep with my eyes open and that was my issue. Waking up with burning gritty eyes. One I protected my eyes at night, things got better. Try ointment, gel, goggles, tape. Whatever keeps those eyes moist at night and see if that helps. It’s an easy way to rule out the problem. Do you sleep on your stomach/side? Do you snore?

I sleep on my side. I put in hycosan at night before bed it kind of annoys my eyes tho, but still better than it feeling gritty/sore

[Guest]

I sleep on my side. I put in hycosan at night before bed it kind of annoys my eyes tho, but still better than it feeling gritty/sore

Try sleeping on your back for a week see if that helps...if you can do it, I know it’s hard. Sometimes when you rub your face into the pillow, it open the eye while you sleep.