I have issues with my eyes called ocular rosacea. Issue cause causes my eyes to be extremely dry and they often times burn. My doctor put me on steroids drops but he can't keep me under the forever because they also hurt harm my eyes. I take fish oil vitamins and a couple other vitamins for my eyes but they don't always help. I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of this problem or if anyone has any suggestions as to what I can do or take to reduce the inflammation in my eyes? My doctor wants me to get rid of my dog, because the information in my eyes is caused by my severe allergy to my dog. I will not get rid of my dog I've had her for 8 years and I love her so much. I just cannot be around her all day because it causes a problem to be ten times worse. I'm at a complete loss and I don't know what else to do
Eye problems - need some help
- Thread starter ManiaStar
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Hi Maniastar,
I've had problems with dry eyes for several years and here are some things I've experienced:
1. I don't know if you wear contacs, but I had to stop wearing them completely. I was not happy about this at all, but I have no choice but to wear glasses now.
2. Beauty products, if you wear them, can really irritate your eyes. I wear foundation because of acne scars, but so far I've only found one brand and one specific formula within that brand (Clinique) that doesn't seem to bother my eyes. I can't wear eye makeup at all, except for maybe to church and even then, the irritation really isn't worth it. I've also noticed terrible reactions to things like hairspray, styling products, and perfume, though I do still use them in small amounts.
3. Like you, pet hair definitely seems to make my eyes worse. Is there anyone who would be able to care for your dog that you would be able to visit in order to see your dog often?
4. I've noticed that caffeine (tea, cola, coffee) and sugar definitely makes my eyes worse so I've been trying to cut back on those things.
5. Has your doctor recommended preservative-free eye drops for you? If you're using any other over-the-counter drops in reusable bottles, they have preservatives that can actually make your eyes even more dry and irritated. Preservative-free drops come in individual vials like this and you can find them anywhere:
They're quite expensive compared to other eye drops, but yet inexpensive compared to the steroid drops (I used to be on drops that cost $40 for a 10-day supply; these drops cost about $20 for 30 days, at least for me.) These drops are different from standard things like Visine because they come in individual vials, and once you open the vial, you can save it and use it throughout the day (I use the same vial several times per day and use up every last drop from every vial I open.) After 24 hours, you'll want to throw away any opened vials because without preservatives, bacteria may start to grow.
I often have to use 2-4 vials per day, depending on how badly irritated my eyes are on any given day. I don't know what your doctor will recommend, but mine told me I can use these drops as often as I need (sometimes every half hour because I'm around tons of dirt, dust, and debris at work) and they have really been a life-saver. I carry them with me everywhere I go.
I've tried all the brands I can find in stores, and the Refresh brand is the only one that works well for me. I've tried other kinds and they just don't help as much.
Ask your doctor just to make sure... But I hope some of these tips will work for you! Let us know how it goes.
I've had problems with dry eyes for several years and here are some things I've experienced:
1. I don't know if you wear contacs, but I had to stop wearing them completely. I was not happy about this at all, but I have no choice but to wear glasses now.
2. Beauty products, if you wear them, can really irritate your eyes. I wear foundation because of acne scars, but so far I've only found one brand and one specific formula within that brand (Clinique) that doesn't seem to bother my eyes. I can't wear eye makeup at all, except for maybe to church and even then, the irritation really isn't worth it. I've also noticed terrible reactions to things like hairspray, styling products, and perfume, though I do still use them in small amounts.
3. Like you, pet hair definitely seems to make my eyes worse. Is there anyone who would be able to care for your dog that you would be able to visit in order to see your dog often?
4. I've noticed that caffeine (tea, cola, coffee) and sugar definitely makes my eyes worse so I've been trying to cut back on those things.
5. Has your doctor recommended preservative-free eye drops for you? If you're using any other over-the-counter drops in reusable bottles, they have preservatives that can actually make your eyes even more dry and irritated. Preservative-free drops come in individual vials like this and you can find them anywhere:
They're quite expensive compared to other eye drops, but yet inexpensive compared to the steroid drops (I used to be on drops that cost $40 for a 10-day supply; these drops cost about $20 for 30 days, at least for me.) These drops are different from standard things like Visine because they come in individual vials, and once you open the vial, you can save it and use it throughout the day (I use the same vial several times per day and use up every last drop from every vial I open.) After 24 hours, you'll want to throw away any opened vials because without preservatives, bacteria may start to grow.
I often have to use 2-4 vials per day, depending on how badly irritated my eyes are on any given day. I don't know what your doctor will recommend, but mine told me I can use these drops as often as I need (sometimes every half hour because I'm around tons of dirt, dust, and debris at work) and they have really been a life-saver. I carry them with me everywhere I go.
I've tried all the brands I can find in stores, and the Refresh brand is the only one that works well for me. I've tried other kinds and they just don't help as much.
Ask your doctor just to make sure... But I hope some of these tips will work for you! Let us know how it goes.
Hi,
Thanks for your reply/tips.
I initially had tried using hypoallergenic soap, bodywash, shampoo and even foundation/blush. My doctor told me I should notice a change within a couple of weeks. Well, I used those items for several months and noticed no change. I'm assuming it's because of my dog. My doctor also told me to get an air purifier and I have that in my bedroom. Is it helping? I really don't know because my dog stays in my room with me.
What type of Clinique makeup is it that you use? I've heard of Clinique but I really don't know anything about it or, if they have more then 1 type of makeup.
As for eye drops, I have tried Refresh and I've tried, I can't think of the name of them but they start with an S i think. Anyways, I did try them both and, nothing, for the refresh, sometimes they burn my eyes and I've tried a few different of the refresh kinds that they have. For the other brand I've tried, although it feels good most times, it just doesn't have any lasting effect. My eyes still are dry within 5-10 min after putting the drops in.
I actually do wear contacts too but, not all the time. I only wear them when I'm going to be going out to do an activity. I just cannot wear my glasses when I'm doing an activity as they hurt. Well, my glasses usually hurt me anyways so I try not to wear them much at all if possible.
I feel like I'm stuck btwn a rock and a hard place because I can't wear contacts too often and I can't wear glasses as both bother me to no end but, there's nothing else for me to see better. I am not a candidate for lasik because the end results of lasik will make my eyes even more dry and could cause me to get even more eye problems or go blind. I don't want that at all.
I've even tried going to healing rooms at a church for my eyes but, nothing has helped.
The steroid drops do help but again, not always. They only have helped IF i have gotten a good night sleep the night before. If I didn't, they don't do anything.
The last time I saw my doctor, a few weeks ago, he told me to only take the steroid drops once a day. I Had tried that for several days but, I got to the point of not being able to bear with the deep burning my eyes were feeling so, I started on the twice a day again without calling my doctor and now, since I started using the drops twice a day again, my eyes feel so much better.
As for my dog...... I just cannot part ways w/ her. I can't do it. I always look forward to coming home, having her greet me at the top of the stairs, I love holding her when on my laptop (she considers herself a laptop at 45 lbs lol). I just love her company. I can't imagine not having her here w/ me. I know 90% of my eye problems are because of her.
I should've realized that after I adopted her, but I had no idea. After my previous dog passed away in 2005 (today actually marks the 10 year anniversary of him passing away -- boy do I still miss that dog terribly too), but, after 2005, I didn't adopt my current dog until 2008. During those 3 years, my eyes weren't as dry and felt fine and I was able to basically wear contacts w/o much of an issue. But, I never put 2 and 2 together. After adopting my current dog, the issues w/ my eyes got worse. My original eye doctor told me I just had dry eyes and put me on Restasis. I was on Restasis for over a year and they did nothing to help me. Waste of money. Then I started seeing an eye specialist and he took one look at me and told me I had ocular rosacea. Which is when he first started treating me, trying me with the preservative free eye drops at first and then some oral medicine and other things and had me see an allergist. Found out I was highly allergic to dogs, dust mites and cockroaches --- don't have any roaches around here thankfully lol. But, have tried everything except for getting rid of my dog.
My dog is 8 years old. I am hoping she lives for many more years however, I'm already thinking about my next dog, looking into large non-shedding/hypoallergenic breeds as I just cannot live w/o a dog in my life. They mean so much to me.
Thanks for your reply/tips.
I initially had tried using hypoallergenic soap, bodywash, shampoo and even foundation/blush. My doctor told me I should notice a change within a couple of weeks. Well, I used those items for several months and noticed no change. I'm assuming it's because of my dog. My doctor also told me to get an air purifier and I have that in my bedroom. Is it helping? I really don't know because my dog stays in my room with me.
What type of Clinique makeup is it that you use? I've heard of Clinique but I really don't know anything about it or, if they have more then 1 type of makeup.
As for eye drops, I have tried Refresh and I've tried, I can't think of the name of them but they start with an S i think. Anyways, I did try them both and, nothing, for the refresh, sometimes they burn my eyes and I've tried a few different of the refresh kinds that they have. For the other brand I've tried, although it feels good most times, it just doesn't have any lasting effect. My eyes still are dry within 5-10 min after putting the drops in.
I actually do wear contacts too but, not all the time. I only wear them when I'm going to be going out to do an activity. I just cannot wear my glasses when I'm doing an activity as they hurt. Well, my glasses usually hurt me anyways so I try not to wear them much at all if possible.
I feel like I'm stuck btwn a rock and a hard place because I can't wear contacts too often and I can't wear glasses as both bother me to no end but, there's nothing else for me to see better. I am not a candidate for lasik because the end results of lasik will make my eyes even more dry and could cause me to get even more eye problems or go blind. I don't want that at all.
I've even tried going to healing rooms at a church for my eyes but, nothing has helped.
The steroid drops do help but again, not always. They only have helped IF i have gotten a good night sleep the night before. If I didn't, they don't do anything.
The last time I saw my doctor, a few weeks ago, he told me to only take the steroid drops once a day. I Had tried that for several days but, I got to the point of not being able to bear with the deep burning my eyes were feeling so, I started on the twice a day again without calling my doctor and now, since I started using the drops twice a day again, my eyes feel so much better.
As for my dog...... I just cannot part ways w/ her. I can't do it. I always look forward to coming home, having her greet me at the top of the stairs, I love holding her when on my laptop (she considers herself a laptop at 45 lbs lol). I just love her company. I can't imagine not having her here w/ me. I know 90% of my eye problems are because of her.
I should've realized that after I adopted her, but I had no idea. After my previous dog passed away in 2005 (today actually marks the 10 year anniversary of him passing away -- boy do I still miss that dog terribly too), but, after 2005, I didn't adopt my current dog until 2008. During those 3 years, my eyes weren't as dry and felt fine and I was able to basically wear contacts w/o much of an issue. But, I never put 2 and 2 together. After adopting my current dog, the issues w/ my eyes got worse. My original eye doctor told me I just had dry eyes and put me on Restasis. I was on Restasis for over a year and they did nothing to help me. Waste of money. Then I started seeing an eye specialist and he took one look at me and told me I had ocular rosacea. Which is when he first started treating me, trying me with the preservative free eye drops at first and then some oral medicine and other things and had me see an allergist. Found out I was highly allergic to dogs, dust mites and cockroaches --- don't have any roaches around here thankfully lol. But, have tried everything except for getting rid of my dog.
My dog is 8 years old. I am hoping she lives for many more years however, I'm already thinking about my next dog, looking into large non-shedding/hypoallergenic breeds as I just cannot live w/o a dog in my life. They mean so much to me.
Hi Maniastar,
I've had problems with dry eyes for several years and here are some things I've experienced:
1. I don't know if you wear contacs, but I had to stop wearing them completely. I was not happy about this at all, but I have no choice but to wear glasses now.
2. Beauty products, if you wear them, can really irritate your eyes. I wear foundation because of acne scars, but so far I've only found one brand and one specific formula within that brand (Clinique) that doesn't seem to bother my eyes. I can't wear eye makeup at all, except for maybe to church and even then, the irritation really isn't worth it. I've also noticed terrible reactions to things like hairspray, styling products, and perfume, though I do still use them in small amounts.
3. Like you, pet hair definitely seems to make my eyes worse. Is there anyone who would be able to care for your dog that you would be able to visit in order to see your dog often?
4. I've noticed that caffeine (tea, cola, coffee) and sugar definitely makes my eyes worse so I've been trying to cut back on those things.
5. Has your doctor recommended preservative-free eye drops for you? If you're using any other over-the-counter drops in reusable bottles, they have preservatives that can actually make your eyes even more dry and irritated. Preservative-free drops come in individual vials like this and you can find them anywhere:
They're quite expensive compared to other eye drops, but yet inexpensive compared to the steroid drops (I used to be on drops that cost $40 for a 10-day supply; these drops cost about $20 for 30 days, at least for me.) These drops are different from standard things like Visine because they come in individual vials, and once you open the vial, you can save it and use it throughout the day (I use the same vial several times per day and use up every last drop from every vial I open.) After 24 hours, you'll want to throw away any opened vials because without preservatives, bacteria may start to grow.
I often have to use 2-4 vials per day, depending on how badly irritated my eyes are on any given day. I don't know what your doctor will recommend, but mine told me I can use these drops as often as I need (sometimes every half hour because I'm around tons of dirt, dust, and debris at work) and they have really been a life-saver. I carry them with me everywhere I go.
I've tried all the brands I can find in stores, and the Refresh brand is the only one that works well for me. I've tried other kinds and they just don't help as much.
Ask your doctor just to make sure... But I hope some of these tips will work for you! Let us know how it goes.
I've had problems with dry eyes for several years and here are some things I've experienced:
1. I don't know if you wear contacs, but I had to stop wearing them completely. I was not happy about this at all, but I have no choice but to wear glasses now.
2. Beauty products, if you wear them, can really irritate your eyes. I wear foundation because of acne scars, but so far I've only found one brand and one specific formula within that brand (Clinique) that doesn't seem to bother my eyes. I can't wear eye makeup at all, except for maybe to church and even then, the irritation really isn't worth it. I've also noticed terrible reactions to things like hairspray, styling products, and perfume, though I do still use them in small amounts.
3. Like you, pet hair definitely seems to make my eyes worse. Is there anyone who would be able to care for your dog that you would be able to visit in order to see your dog often?
4. I've noticed that caffeine (tea, cola, coffee) and sugar definitely makes my eyes worse so I've been trying to cut back on those things.
5. Has your doctor recommended preservative-free eye drops for you? If you're using any other over-the-counter drops in reusable bottles, they have preservatives that can actually make your eyes even more dry and irritated. Preservative-free drops come in individual vials like this and you can find them anywhere:
They're quite expensive compared to other eye drops, but yet inexpensive compared to the steroid drops (I used to be on drops that cost $40 for a 10-day supply; these drops cost about $20 for 30 days, at least for me.) These drops are different from standard things like Visine because they come in individual vials, and once you open the vial, you can save it and use it throughout the day (I use the same vial several times per day and use up every last drop from every vial I open.) After 24 hours, you'll want to throw away any opened vials because without preservatives, bacteria may start to grow.
I often have to use 2-4 vials per day, depending on how badly irritated my eyes are on any given day. I don't know what your doctor will recommend, but mine told me I can use these drops as often as I need (sometimes every half hour because I'm around tons of dirt, dust, and debris at work) and they have really been a life-saver. I carry them with me everywhere I go.
I've tried all the brands I can find in stores, and the Refresh brand is the only one that works well for me. I've tried other kinds and they just don't help as much.
Ask your doctor just to make sure... But I hope some of these tips will work for you! Let us know how it goes.
Do you know that sunshine can make it worst too??
I think in this case you must avoid the trigger.. its no use for eye drop (steroid for your inflammation), and any others drugs.. its just help for a short time.. i believe your doctor already told you this..
I know you love your dog soooo much.. i have 12 years old cat and i wont throw her away just because of that.. huftt..
and as for soap, try natural handmade soap.. which is chemical free.. 100% olive oil aka castle soap is very mild for your skin.. i wouldnt suggest you wash your face using soap.. and using foundation and blush i'm afraid it will make it worst too..
I think in this case you must avoid the trigger.. its no use for eye drop (steroid for your inflammation), and any others drugs.. its just help for a short time.. i believe your doctor already told you this..
I know you love your dog soooo much.. i have 12 years old cat and i wont throw her away just because of that.. huftt..
and as for soap, try natural handmade soap.. which is chemical free.. 100% olive oil aka castle soap is very mild for your skin.. i wouldnt suggest you wash your face using soap.. and using foundation and blush i'm afraid it will make it worst too..
Hi ManiaStar,
I used Clinique Even Better foundation. It's the only one I've found that seems to have minimal impact on my eyes. Clinique makes several formulas of foundation, and I've had problems even with their other kinds--this seems to work the best for me so of course I hope they never discontinue it!
Just out of curiosity, have you specifically tried the individual eye drop vials? I'm guessing the other brand you've tried is Systane. I've tried just about every brandsyou can find in the stores... The individual vial drops are different than the ones in the bigger reusable, bottles, which do dry your eyes out even more with repeated use. Maybe the individual vial drops won't work for you but if you've never tried them, I highly recommend them.
I understand that having these kinds of problems with your eyes really, really stinks. I've given up swimming because I can't see at all without some kind optical aid and as I said, I can't wear contacts at all (and the chlorine in pools--even just the smell--makes my eyes 10 times worse.) Unfortunately, switching to glasses full-time has meant I've had to give up some things I love.
As for soaps, I've done pretty well with Neutrogena and a brand called Simple. You can find these brands in any Walmart, drugstore, target, etc. Simple especially seems to have products without fragrance, which is very helpful.
I've attended all kinds of prayer groups as well but to no avail. I guess it's one of those things I have to wait to be healed from in heaven.
I really hope you find some relief. I know very well that this condition can interrupt your life on a daily basis and even be quite painful. Wish you all the best!
I used Clinique Even Better foundation. It's the only one I've found that seems to have minimal impact on my eyes. Clinique makes several formulas of foundation, and I've had problems even with their other kinds--this seems to work the best for me so of course I hope they never discontinue it!
Just out of curiosity, have you specifically tried the individual eye drop vials? I'm guessing the other brand you've tried is Systane. I've tried just about every brandsyou can find in the stores... The individual vial drops are different than the ones in the bigger reusable, bottles, which do dry your eyes out even more with repeated use. Maybe the individual vial drops won't work for you but if you've never tried them, I highly recommend them.
I understand that having these kinds of problems with your eyes really, really stinks. I've given up swimming because I can't see at all without some kind optical aid and as I said, I can't wear contacts at all (and the chlorine in pools--even just the smell--makes my eyes 10 times worse.) Unfortunately, switching to glasses full-time has meant I've had to give up some things I love.
As for soaps, I've done pretty well with Neutrogena and a brand called Simple. You can find these brands in any Walmart, drugstore, target, etc. Simple especially seems to have products without fragrance, which is very helpful.
I've attended all kinds of prayer groups as well but to no avail. I guess it's one of those things I have to wait to be healed from in heaven.
I really hope you find some relief. I know very well that this condition can interrupt your life on a daily basis and even be quite painful. Wish you all the best!
I am not sure what benefit it would be for dry eye, but colloidal silver is good for itchy eyes from an allergy. If you would like to read more about it here is a link. Using Colloidal Silver to Heal Eye Infections. It's good for a lot of problems.