Signs vs symptoms

[kimby2007]

I wanted to post a poll of signs versus symptoms. I am personally a case where signs don't match symptoms, I feel awful but eyes look normal through slit lamp and in person. Wanted to gauge how often this is the case. Thanks!

[Cabut]

Mine look dry to the doc , but to the casual observer, they look fine.
Meanwhile, they are driving me up a wall!

Cabut

[kitty]

I have a very low tear lake, visible with flourescine dye. Sometimes they are red, sometimes not. To the casual observer, they can't really tell anything is wrong other than my dabbing at the eye that is double plugged when the reflex tears get going.

[brd888]

Always different

Aug 2006 - Optometrist said I had a large dry spot on my eye with a slit lamp exam and it felt lousy.
Sep 2006 - Same Optometrist said spot was better but tear film didnt last long - still felt lousy but somewhat better.
Feb 2007 - Another Optometrist said both eyes had very poor tear film with quick evaporation. However only my left eye felt lousy.
May 2007 - Another Optometrist could see no signs or causes of dry eye, until the slit lamp which surprised him with dry eye. Eye still felt lousy
May 2008 - Optometrist No 4 (a Dr!). Said my eyes did not look too bad. He said my inside upper eyelids had inflammation similar to a contact lens wearer would have. Also said a meibomian gland looked blocked. However my eye felt just as lousy as ever.

All in all they say both eyes have poor tear film but no signs of serious inflammation or erosion. However only my left eye gives me discomfort. Oh yeah, and they look fairly healthy to normal people.

I conclude that the eyes are such sensitive organs that even minor defects in the tear film can result in many symptoms of discomfort to pain.

Regards,
Bruce

[rukapuka]

for me the signs and the symptoms are slightly the same..when I have a painful/itchy eye, my eyes look tired too..