Tweet
Like almost all of you I have had to pursue other physicians to get a diagnosis. I was hesitant to do this as my ophthalmologist literally saved my eyes in 1988 when I had a severe case of Stevens Johnsons that would have left most people blind. To this day ophthalmologists are amazed at the condition of my eyes considering I had the worst case of Stevens Johnsons my allergist and dermatologist had ever seen.
I will be forever grateful to my ophthalmologist but for my current problem he did miss something and I am aware that no person is perfect. But I saw 2 other ophthalmologists in his practice, 2 optometrists and they all missed an important part of my diagnosis. In fact I asked one of the new young ophthalmologists as he could give me no definitive answers if I should be referred to a university as my case was so complicated. He actually told me that there was no need for that and they could not do any more for me. That is total arrogance. The mistake that physicians make is that if they do not know, they should help the patient seek additional consultations to work with the patient to get the best results.
It was very interesting that Rebecca wrote that it takes the average dry eye syndrome patient seven different physicians to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
The new ophthalmologist I went to has known the ophthalmologist who saved my eyes for 20 years and they consult frequently with each other and she said he would not be insulted and sent him my new information. I was worried about this as I went on my own but she assured me he would not be insulted.
She found I had the following:
ocular rosacea
Superior Limbic Keratitis (SLK)
and mild dry eyes through Schirmers test appropriate for age
My medications were changed and further testing for thyroid was advised. I have already had autoimmune testing which has been negative.
One interesting thing I found out for all rosacea sufferers is heat on the eyes is not always advisable. I have found that myself as I changed my protocol just 5 days ago and my eyes were the best they have been for months when I went to my appointment. Refrigerating the eye drops though have been very helpful.
I have not been using heat but have been cleansing my face and eyes frequently with the fairly new product Rosacea Relief gel cleanser from Eucerin which can be purchased at CVS or Walgreens not Target or Wal-Mart.
I found it very soothing and my eyes did improve dramatically. I stopped the heat treatments on my own as I was really overdoing the heat and my eye lids were becoming sore and more irritated. This doctor who specializes in Rosacea and who is in your dry eye directory for Illinois said for me heat on the eyelids was not good. She had never heard of this product and was impressed with my hygiene and has her own method of cleansing which is on the Rosacea foundation in Barrington Illinois website and I will now be trying.
Reference: www.rosacea.org/rr/2006/winter/article_2.php
She also loves and carries The Dry Eye Remedy book for her patients by Dr. Latkany listed recommended reading on Dry Eye Zone.
My medications have been changed, but until I see how they work I will not mention them.
Again, thank you Rebecca for this site as it does give hope and encourages people to try different physicians for different opinions and to not give up!
brudni
I will be forever grateful to my ophthalmologist but for my current problem he did miss something and I am aware that no person is perfect. But I saw 2 other ophthalmologists in his practice, 2 optometrists and they all missed an important part of my diagnosis. In fact I asked one of the new young ophthalmologists as he could give me no definitive answers if I should be referred to a university as my case was so complicated. He actually told me that there was no need for that and they could not do any more for me. That is total arrogance. The mistake that physicians make is that if they do not know, they should help the patient seek additional consultations to work with the patient to get the best results.
It was very interesting that Rebecca wrote that it takes the average dry eye syndrome patient seven different physicians to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
The new ophthalmologist I went to has known the ophthalmologist who saved my eyes for 20 years and they consult frequently with each other and she said he would not be insulted and sent him my new information. I was worried about this as I went on my own but she assured me he would not be insulted.
She found I had the following:
ocular rosacea
Superior Limbic Keratitis (SLK)
and mild dry eyes through Schirmers test appropriate for age
My medications were changed and further testing for thyroid was advised. I have already had autoimmune testing which has been negative.
One interesting thing I found out for all rosacea sufferers is heat on the eyes is not always advisable. I have found that myself as I changed my protocol just 5 days ago and my eyes were the best they have been for months when I went to my appointment. Refrigerating the eye drops though have been very helpful.
I have not been using heat but have been cleansing my face and eyes frequently with the fairly new product Rosacea Relief gel cleanser from Eucerin which can be purchased at CVS or Walgreens not Target or Wal-Mart.
I found it very soothing and my eyes did improve dramatically. I stopped the heat treatments on my own as I was really overdoing the heat and my eye lids were becoming sore and more irritated. This doctor who specializes in Rosacea and who is in your dry eye directory for Illinois said for me heat on the eyelids was not good. She had never heard of this product and was impressed with my hygiene and has her own method of cleansing which is on the Rosacea foundation in Barrington Illinois website and I will now be trying.
Reference: www.rosacea.org/rr/2006/winter/article_2.php
She also loves and carries The Dry Eye Remedy book for her patients by Dr. Latkany listed recommended reading on Dry Eye Zone.
My medications have been changed, but until I see how they work I will not mention them.
Again, thank you Rebecca for this site as it does give hope and encourages people to try different physicians for different opinions and to not give up!
brudni
Comment