Staphylococcus in Meibomian glands
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Hi! My son is 20 years old and has been struggling with dry eyes for a year and a half. We have been to numerous doctors. There was no definite diagnosis apart from the fact that the meibomian glands are “partially clogged”. Looking at the eyes there seems to be nothing wrong, they look healthy, there is no redness, they are not puffy or swollen, there is no debris or anything like that. Nevertheless, the symptoms are very extreme. During some periods, my son used artificial tears up to 30 times a day and still could barely look at a screen. Outside wind, cold, hot weather are also extremely rough, and he can’t go out almost anywhere. He also had to sleep with goggles or Press’n Seal. When gets up in the morning his eyes feel dry.
Six months ago, one of the doctors suspected that maybe the reason for the clogged glands are Staphylococcus epidermidis which have entered the glands and are disturbing their function. The doctor proposed a year-long treatment with antibiotic fucithalmic where we use antibiotics for a month take a break, then use antibiotics again and repeat. Six months have passed, and my son is feeling much better. He can look at a screen for many more hours and can sleep without Press’n Seal. Nevertheless, he is still far from cured. When we stop using the antibiotics for a few weeks, his symptoms start to worsen again. We cannot keep using antibiotics endlessly.
I would like to ask whether anyone has experienced something like this. Do you think the doctor is right? Any tips?
0 likes, 2 replies
Marina_Dee pav2021
Edited
This problem is almost becoming a worldwide pandemic and its all do do with screen/computer use. At 20 years old I guess he is using screens a lot and just forgetting to blink, so the eyes dont get washed with tears and so the meibomian glands, which produce an oily substance for healthy eyes, start to malfunction. First step is to regulate screen use to as little as possible...not easy I know in todays screen addicted society. Have a break at least every hour, walk away from the screen and blink rapidly. No phone/computer screen use late at night. He must keep away from air conditioning ,fans,open fires, breeze,wind,dusty atmospheres. If he drives he should keep all windows closed and turn off the air conditioning and heater blowers. Invest in some close fitting sunglasses. Preferably with foam around the eyepieces so that they fit close to the face.Lubricate all the time, dont wait until the eyes feel dry before the drops are used. Use a thicker lubricant at night. I am guessing that you may not be in UK. I have had this for 15 years and have gone through hell with corneal ulcers because of the problem. Dont ignore dry eye syndrome. It may take years before he finds a regime to suit him but he needs to get to grips with it now.
eva73861 pav2021
Edited
Hi there,
I believe that the cause of meibomian glands' blockage is the acarid Demodex brevis combined with bacteria. Demodex, namely, carries bacteria. They live in symbiosis and can induce blepharitis and conjunctivitis synergistically.
Whilst Demodex folliculorum produces the typical crusty debris at the bases of the eyelashes, Demodex brevis doesn't.
I would put manuka honey eye drops in my eyes and also apply manuka honey on my eyelids. Manuka honey has antibacterial and antiparasitic attributes.
Furthermore, I would also do an antiparasitic cure in parallel.