Will my eyes ever improve
Posted , 21 users are following.
I have had this problem for several weeks and it has got worse not better. The hospital suggested blepharitis and I have been faithfully following the cleaning regime but these are the symptoms. It started with constantly watering eyes, now my eyelids and lowerlids are sore and swollen (looks awful), slightly itching and slightly sticky in the morning but only recently. Is this blepharitis as the nurse suggested and will the symptoms improve or do I have to put up with them as it is a chronic condition so I am told?
2 likes, 109 replies
janmin jo_86268
Posted
It sounds to me like Blepharitis. I know it sounds like there is no light at the end of the tunnel but you will get control of it. Do keep up the cleaning and try the heat pack I get great relief from that. Keep trying different things until you find what works for you. This is what I use.
Microwave heat pack
Hylo forte drops every day
Maxitrol drops when flare up
Maxitrol ointment when flare up
Bicarbonate of soda for cleaning
Good luck with it.
Janet
libralady13 jo_86268
Posted
but it does take time to sort out what works for you. What cleaning regime have you been advised to do? Janet has listed things you can try. I can especially recommend bicarb for cleaning I changed over to this from baby shampoo a few months ago and the improvement is considerable. The microwave heat pack is
recommended by many and they swear by it although It did not work for me. You can get one on line. Make sure you are thorough and regular with the cleaning as this is the key. It is a chronic condition although some on here say they have cured it so de read all the posts. You can control it though. Good luck and let us know how it goes. There is a lot of advice on this forum so always ask any questions you may have. Carol
lynda79 jo_86268
Posted
I was able to kill the Blepharitis. If you are not allergic to shampoos, detergents, handwipes, fabric softeners or lanolin you may want to give it a try.
A friend used a facial scrub with Benzethonium Chloride in it and killed her Blepharitis. When I went to buy the product it had been reformulated so I looked online to see what else had that in it and found WET ONES, antibacterial handwipes, had Benzethonium Chloride in them.
I tore each wipe into 8 sections and cleaned each eyelash area and eyelide margin. I did it 2 times. I used a total of 8 sections (wrapped around fingertip) each time and did it 4 times a day for a week or little more. After that, I went down to 3 times a day as eyes felt so much better. After a month, I went down to 2 times a day for 2 months. Some people who work did it only 2 times a day and worked for them.
Honjon, on this site, used the wipes in the UK with Benzalkonium Chloride in them and had similar results. Both of these are Quats. Blepharitis can be caused by staphylococcus. These Quats kill staphylococcus.
Found this information out after I killed it.
There is more info if you are interested posted on this site discussing this. There is a little machine BlephEx that cleans the same areas as the wipes and uses Tea Tree oil.
Hope this info gives you some hope.
Lynda79
davina6 lynda79
Posted
lynda79 davina6
Posted
I mean the eye lashes. There is a litte space on the bottom that gets it too just above the eyelashes. Your fingertip is all that you cover with the wipe. I tore it into 8 strips and the wipes are small. I think we are describing the same area.
Hope this works for you.
Lynda79
davina6 lynda79
Posted
janmin davina6
Posted
Can I ask where u are? I am in Ireland and the ones available here are .097%also. My neice brought me some of the stronger ones from oz at Christmas and I am using them with great success. Had a little flare up after Christmas but back I. Track again now. I even wore full make up all over Christmas it was great !
Janet
davina6 janmin
Posted
Yes I'm in Belfast, they come in a blue packet. Not had any irritation at all with them. Going to see if I can get stronger ones today. My eyes don't look too bad, just itchy, irritated and constantly blinking. I can't wait to get my eyes back to normal. x
lynda79 davina6
Posted
I would not recomend using the eye bag first. Someone said it irritated her eyes. The heat opens things up. Just going off what someone else said to me on doing it that way.
You would have to ask a chemist to compare the amount. The .3% Benzethonium Chloride took a long time to kill it so I don't know if less would do.
You can check Honjon, on this site, as he used the wipes in the UK and they had Benzalkonium Chloride. He had great results too. I don't know the amount in those either.
The Quats (Benzethonium Chloride and Benzalkonium Chloride) can take up to 10 min to work. That is what I read in researching this. After that, you could wash your eyes off. It may lesson the drying effect.
I only used the wipes 4 times a day for just the first week and a half. I then went down to 3 times a day. The last 2 months were 2 times a day. I had the terrible itching. I felt the relief in the first week.
My eye doctor said that the heat helps to get thing going. I do it 3 0r 4 times a week now. I use flax too. Fish oil when I remember. It is hard to do it all.
Just be careful as some quit when they feel better but it does take over 3 month to kill it. Please check with your chemist for that answer. Let me know how that turns out.
Hope this helps.
Lynda79
libralady13 davina6
Posted
(glaucoma and 2 cataract ops in addition to the bleph). I would not know which one to use anyway here in the uk. If the wipes work for you and maybe you don't need to use the hot bag a opthalmologist will tell you as only they can see what is going on under the slit lamp. Good luck to you.
davina6 libralady13
Posted
Do you use cotton pads with your cleaning solution then? Do you do this after a hot flannel?
Thanks
libralady13 davina6
Posted
Hope this helps.
davina6 lynda79
Posted
Started using Wet Ones (Blue packet) yesterday. They don't irritate my eyes but wondering if they'll work as they have only a small amout of the BC. I've check household BC wipes and they contain 0.5% but I suspect this would be too strong?
Also, any idea where I can find Honjon? Do I just need to go through all the discussions or is there a search facility to find him?
Thanks x
davina6 libralady13
Posted
I've a private apppointment in 2 weeks, can't go on like this.
Dx
libralady13 davina6
Posted
Carol
lynda79 davina6
Posted
I suspect that he is well and moving on as not heard from him in a while.
The .5% Benzethonium Chloride is the strongest amount allowed in products used on the face. Read that in a tox report.
My friend used a facial scrub and killed it in 3-4 days she said. It could have been that strong.
I can only tell you what worked for me and how long it took. Using store brand ones which are cheaper may have more detergents etc. in them. They have less of the Benzethonium Chloride in them.
I hope this info can help you.
Lynda
davina6 lynda79
Posted
I've been using the WW with 0.0975g in 100g of dosed liquid from Monday. Seeing zero improvement, though my eyes feel slightly soothed after wiping them. Seems to be a vicious circle, lids very oily today and white flakes at the very tips. Eyes permanently bloodshot. There is one large blood vessel in my left eye that doesn't budge. They look a little clearer first thing, ironically. Get worse through out the day. I hate this as I've always had bright, clear eyes, so much so they were the best feature in my face. Along with the discomfort it is making me miserable. Finding it hard to focus and my self esteem taking a huge whack. x
sandra40102 davina6
Posted
davina6 sandra40102
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libralady13 lynda79
Posted
Some people seem to say they cure the condition. I am in Greater London. Thanks a lot.
libralady13 lynda79
Posted
sandra40102 davina6
Posted
lynda79 davina6
Posted
Dear Davina,
Just got this today. The Uk wipes I believe are called Wet Ones. Honjon realized that they had a different Quat in them (Benzalkonium Chloride) and yet he had the same success. I started to do some research on that information.
I don't know the amount in the UK ones. You can order online the Wet Ones from a chemist or we call it a pharmacy or drugstore site.
I would not the household one.
I think Honjon is well and moved on.
Please order online so not to use something too strong. Plus, I don't know what other ingredients are in the household ones. Better to use the ones that have been tested on people like me.
If you are allegic to detergents or shampoo or fabric softeners, etc. don't use these. There is lanolin in them and some are allergic to that too.
I highly suggest using the .3% as that takes 3 months or a little more to kill it and less might not do the trick.
Hope this helps,
Lynda
lynda79 libralady13
Posted
My friend used and antibacterial facial scrub and killed her Blepharitis. I had the terrible itching. When I tried to buy that product it was reformulated and no longer had Benzethonium Chloride in it.
I looked online to see what else had that in it. I had the Wet Ones, antibacterial handwipes, in my house.
I went to town using them. I did not look up anything until it was gone and people asked questions on sites that I had posted on.
I used mascara and killed it too. The secret to that is throw away wands, one for each eye. You need new mascara and never double dip into it.
Now that my Blepharitis is gone I still don't double dip. I use 1 wand for both eyes but use a clean wand each time.
Someone on this site said she took the wipes to her Cornea Specialist and he looked at them and told her if it was helping she could continue to use them.
Look online the causes of Blepharitis. I found it was mentioned staphylococcus was a cause. The Quats (Benzethonium Chloride and Benzalkonium Chloride -UK ones) kill staphylococcus.
Mine has been gone for over 1 1/2 years.
What do you have to lose if you are not allergic to the items such as shampoo or detergents or the handwipes or fabric softener. Even spermicidal jellies too or lanolin.
You have quite a few of human testing here on this site that it has helped.
Hope this information is enough if not, let me know.
Lynda
lynda79 davina6
Posted
Dear Davina,
You can order the .3% Wet Ones online from a chemist or we call it pharmacy or drugstore site.
That sounds like it doesn't have enough to do anything. If the .3% took 3 months or more you may want to do that one as anything less may not work.
You do have several people who have used this at this amount of .3% Benzethonium Chloride and have had result.
Why not go the extra mile and order them. I felt relief the first week. i went down the next week to 3 times a day and then after that 2 times a day as felt so much better.
One girl, Jill, said her lashes grew back in. She had Blepharitis for over 20 years and the doctor did not think they would come back. She used the wipes and was very happy.
Hope this helps you,
Lynda
libralady13 lynda79
Posted
Thanks Carol
sandra40102 lynda79
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janmin davina6
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I am in cork. I just discovered that the blue ones I using are. 0.97 % my niece wasbuying the red ones but so bigger packs in blue and bought those instead! The red had .3% I now have 400 wipes that are prob of no use! I will ask her to send me one or 2 packs of the ref to see how I get on. I am using the blue for the moment and it is keeping things under control. My eyes are very dry though. I think the main thing is to keep using he lubricant drops I use hylo forte. If I feel my eyes getting dry and I don't use the drops quickly my eyes started to itch.
Janet
lynda79 libralady13
Posted
Are you allergic to the Benzalkonium Chloride (preservative in eye drops) because that is the same family as Benzethonium Chloride. Both are quaternary ammonium salts. Don't use the wipes if you are allergic to the preservative.
About 16.5% of 959 people were allergic to quats. That means about 80% of people are not allergic. Read this when looking up the Quats.
I read on-line a Review of Ophthalmology and it mentioned about anterior Blepharitis caused by the staphylococcus on the lid margin of the eye. They also said that they used AzaSite on the lid margin. They called it "off label use" of an antibiotic. You could check into using an antibiotic on the eyelash area instead of in the eye.
If these wipes can kill it topically then there is an antibiotic that can do the same.
I am close to your age so know what you mean. Before you try this make sure you are not allergic to quats. You will get contact dermatitis if you are allergic. Not sure of that spelling.
I can only recommend the ones I used, the .3% Wet Ones. Honjon, used the UK ones.
I hope this is enough info to help.
Lynda
lynda79 janmin
Posted
The wipes you bought are great for bathtub and stove.
You can use them on door handles if flu is in house too.
I tried to buy bendable straws and ended up with 500 that were not bendable and bought 400 of the right kind so know what you mean.
Lynda79
janmin lynda79
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Janet
janmin lynda79
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The .3% don't seem to be available I'm uk or Ireland . I have ordered them from amazon.com. I had to search a few times to get ones that would ship to Ireland Amazon.co.uk didn't have them. I have ordered 4 tubs of them so if u have anyone in cork or Dublin let me know and I might be able to send you a tub !! I am sticking with the blue for now as they are def helping.
janmin
Posted
davina6 janmin
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davina6 libralady13
Posted
So I had a private appointment today. The professor I saw says that he doesn't see any blepharitis and that my eyes look quite clear (they're definitely not as clear and bright as they once were). He thinks that I have dry eye syndrome and that is causing the inflamation. He said it's common for dry eye sufferers to get some bleph but this isn't the over riding cause of my discomfort. He's recommended steroids. He also said it's unlikey I ever be able to wear contact lenses again. Actually devastated about this. Getting married soon and definitely won't be wearing glasses on my big day bad eyesight or not. LOL. Should I be taking what he says as gospel you think? xx
libralady13 davina6
Posted
light sensitivity blocked oil glands and dry eyes. So I don't know if Dry eyes come first or on their own or blepharitis first or on its own. I suppose every one is different. Sorry I can't be of much help to you. I am sure you will have a wonderful day for your wedding glasses or no glasses. You might think I am making light of it but I suppose at 67 although I wear glasses just for reading I would not mind if I had to wear them all the time
but when I got married in 1969 at 21 I would have felt the same as you.
I wish you all the luck in the world for your big day.
sandra40102 davina6
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susan7777 lynda79
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Thank you for all the time you spend helping us ...
I started the wet ones a week ago. Too early to say how things are going yet, but the wipes haven't been irritating, so that's good.
So glad you had success in getting rid of the blepharitis- your above post says "I do it 3 or 4 times week now." (meaning the heated washcloth?) Is this for maintenance?
Blessings,
Susan
susan7777
Posted
Dr. Oz says you can wipe off the top layer, use alcohol to kill bacteria, or freeze overnight to kill viruses and bacteria.
Can I sharpen "blephed" eye pencils and then clean with a WW to use again?
Interesting my opthamologist (and his med tech.) along with my optometrist- all said it's "not necessary to throw away the makeup". (!)
I can't use bleach to clean washcloths since they are all colored cloths.
I think I read that the heat of the dryer is what kills the bacteria.
What about re-nuking them after use?
Thanks for any replies...
And blessings to all of you...
Susan
lynda79 susan7777
Posted
I used the wipes 4 times a day for the first week and a half then went down to 3 times then 2 times for several months.
I don't use anything special on my eyes except for the preservative free eye drops for dry eyes.
As for cleaning your makeup, I threw all mine away and used throw away applicators. I used 1 for each eye. I still use a throw away wand for the mascara but I use 1 for both eyes as the Bleph is gone but I don't want it back from bacteria.
If you want to use your pencils, you will have to wipe really well with the antibacterial handwipe before and after you use them.
Hope this helps,
Lynda79
janmin lynda79
Posted
I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help. I have been using the red wipes since around January and I am so happy! My eyes are not perfect but I am able to wear eyeliner and shadow again. I only use mascara occasionally but once I can use eyeliner I don't mind that
I use the wipes morning and night and hylo forte drops. I thought I'd never get a handle on the bleph but thank god it seems to be dormant for now anyway. Thanks again for sharing !
susan7777 lynda79
Posted
Two quick questions...
When do the puffy pink eye lids start of go away?
I'm on my 10th day of the wipes...so far so good. Eyes feel better.
As far as the wipes go- on the top lash line, do you used them with eyes opena dn stroke upward? Or close eyes and go downward? Do I have to cover all the lashes??
sorry if you've already answered this a thousand times... I just don't know if I'm applying the stuff correctly.
Thanks again for all your help and patience,
Susan
lynda79 susan7777
Posted
I rubbed my lashes by using a small sectionof the wipe on my fingertip and rubbed as I went along. It was a back and forth method as I had the itching.
I also, wiped them on an upward motion sometimes. I did both lash areas twice each time. That way I used 8 strips for both eyes.
As for the puffiness, I did not have that.
I can tell you an experience of someone who did. A young girls came over and she had bad acne. She kept putting her fingers on it. One section was really bad on her face. I had her press an antibacterial handwipe (folded) on the area and then turn over after 10 minutes. Then another clean section for a total of 30 minutes. That section of her face was so much better when I saw her the next day.
She came over a week later and had the puffy eyelid. I was pretty sure how she got that. She even told me her fingers are on her eyes a lot.
I gave her a bos of wipes and throw away mascara wands. She used the wipes and felt a little better. A few days later her swelling was down. She is continuing the program.
Her problem was caught right away. This may depend on how long a person has had the issue as to it taking longer to kill. I am not sure.
The wipes I used were US ones. It may depend on which wipes are used too.
Try the rubbing method and see if it gets into the lashes better. I felt better in about 10 days and cut down the number of times I used them after that.
Hope this info helps,
Lynda79
lynda79 janmin
Posted
Are you using them on a regular basis or hit and miss? I did not miss a day but did go down to 2 times a day the last couple of months. If you keep at it this can be killed. If you miss days it will come back. Even after over 3 months, once or twice in that first 2 week perioid my eyes itched. I jumped on them with the wipes for 2 days each and then it was gone. This gets deep into the lashes and other areas of the eyes from what I have read from people on this site.
Wish you success,
Lynda79
susan7777 lynda79
Posted
Are the wipes recommended for Meibomian blepharitis?
The blocked glands causing the eyelids to swell.
The hot compresses only help temporarily.
I'm hoping the wet ones will cure of the bacterial part of all this.
The whites of my eyes are far less red than they were.
Itching has gone away for the most part, but it was never severe like yours.
I just wondered if the wet ones are good on all types of blepharitis?
Do they help unblock the glands along with the hot cloths?
I don't have an infection so I don't know how long to use the wet ones...
Thank you for your input and dedication to helping us all!
libralady13 susan7777
Posted
The opthalmologist at the glaucoma clinic which I am under told that it is very important to do it so that the melted oil is spread into the eye. I do find it helps and keeps the eyes from getting too dry (also use pf eyedrops). I sometime think I don't do it correctly and from what I can make out there are different ways pinching all along the eyelid edges or pulling the lids taunt and swooping finger or cotton buds across the lids
I apologise if I am saying things you already know and do. It is a horrible
condition but I do have mine under control now but still do have flare ups from time to time. All the best Carol
susan7777 libralady13
Posted
I don't used flannel, just a hot washcloth. Then massage for 20-30 sec. as the dr. told me.
Then I wait a bit and apply the wet ones.( I think it's been 2 weeks since I started). With so many having success, I am hoping and praying for that too.
You're able to control it with just the hot cloths/massage/drops? Since it's under control do you have to continue with the the regimen daily?
Blessings,
Susan
libralady13 susan7777
Posted
shampoo which I found sometime would sting. I hope you have success with the wet ones and you can try the bicarbonate of soda if they don't work for you. I realise everyone is different and what suits one does not suit another. The eye drops I use are celluvisc pf originally prescribed by eye clinic. I am praying my blepharitis will not flare up as I am due to have laser treatment on the left eye for early glaucoma next month. This is being offered because I have trouble with the glaucoma eyedrops which cause red sore eyes which what you don't need on top of blepharitis. I am praying the laser will work for a few years of not I will have to have eyedrops and side effects to protect my sight. Sorry I have gone off the subject. Hope you find do a combination that will work for you. Take care and let us know how it goes.
Best Wishes
Carol
lynda79 susan7777
Posted
Honjon, on this site had the oily problem and he used the UK wipes. He had success too.
I used the wipes for just over 3 months. The last 2 months were 2 times a day. I went down as I felt better.
Someone who has had success can, perhaps, help you with that question beyond what I know.
The swelling that a young person I know did go down and she said she rubbed on the eyelash area.
I did use the wipes for 4 times a day for just the first about 10 days.
One person mentioned that they could be put on the end of a cotton cuetip (cotton bud) too. I just used a small piece over my fingertip so as to not get in the eye or on the skin around the eye.
Hope this helps,
Lynda79
susan7777 libralady13
Posted
Thanks for your helpful response...
With the massaging part I sweep downward over the top eyelid and
upward on the bottom ..does that make sense?
The doctor said the glands are long and to start sweeping downward (an inch or so) away from the lash margin.
Then apply pressure along the lash line also.
I honestly don't know if I'm doing it adequately.
I haven't tried the cotton buds with bicarbonate of soda.
I hope your laser treatment goes great next month and blepharitis is kept at bay too.
Blessings,
Susan
libralady13 susan7777
Posted
Like you I never know if I am doing the massaging correctly. Yes I sweep down over the top lid and up on the bottom as well as pulling the eye lid taunt and sweeping across. I apply pressure along the top line but am never sure if I am doing in correctly if I press too hard I end up with sore lids.
I am not looking forward to the laser treatment although I have been told the actual laser bit only takes 10 to 15 mins. I am praying it works for a few years then I can avoid the eyedrops side effects for a bit longer. After having 2 cataract surgeries in 2012 and 2014 the first went well but the 2nd was very painful but I can see well which is what is important. As you can imagine after this I am anxious about having anything done to the eyes.
Hope things continue to improve for you.
Carol
susan7777 libralady13
Posted
I am going to try the soda water treatment. Maybe that will help with swelling...? I'm not sure of the ratio but will try 1/4 t soda in 1/4 c of boiled cooled water.
I think it's the diluted shampoo that causes by eyes to hurt more (stabbling pain)
I can understand your anxiety but I'm glad to see (pardon the pun) that you're a praying woman...
God has it all in His hands.... just trust Him with it all.
Praying for you too,
Susan
libralady13 susan7777
Posted
I hope you have some success with this method do let me know how you get on.
Carol
Kitty1992 janmin
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Kitty1992 sandra40102
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becky_60526 libralady13
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libralady13 becky_60526
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Carol
wenyee lynda79
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I hope you are in good health. Thanks for your sharing!
Can I know do you wipe it on your lid margin as well at the same time when you are wiping around the lash area.
lynda79 wenyee
Posted
Yes I did. Just be careful to not get on other skin areas or in the eyes. I put a few drops of lubrication for dry eyes if I did get it in or splashed with water. People have complained that it is drying on their skin.
Hope this helps,
Lynda79
jo38261 lynda79
Posted
I've been reading post about wet ones and was hoping you can answer my question.
Back in December 2015, I got a viral eye infection on both eyes that lasted for 1 month. My eyes are still red, veiny, and at times dry and burning. I rarely wear contacts, only on weekends.
On Wednesday, my right eye was noticebly red so I went to see the opthalmaologist who told my she saw clogged pores on both upper and lower lashes and asked me to do hot compresses twice daily. I have also been using baby shampoo.
I was prescribed Fluoromothone 0.1, an eye steriod for the inflammation which I will use for a month, each week with a lower dose.
Do you suggest I try Wet ones. I'm a little nervous about it since I've never heard of it being used anywhere near the eyes, but I've heard such great results.
Also, I don't really have itchy or swollen eye lids...Just redness. I do have a hx of getting stye twice in my life.
P.S. You use the Wet Ones in the red box?
I would appreciated any adivce.
Joanne
lynda79 jo38261
Posted
I do know that several people who had red eyes were helped by the wipes. I used the wipes in the red box. They are called singles. My daughter used the wipes on her stye and it was gone in 2 1/2 days but she used them for 4 days to make sure she said.
You have to make sure you are not allergic to Quats. Can you use all detergents and fabric softeners? Sensitive skin people are having problems with the wipes.
I knew in a few days that it was working as started to feel better.
I did not have the pore problem.
I used the wipes on the outer part of the eye and not in the eye. It appeared to be a staph problem and the wipes killed it for me.
You should know in a few days if you feel better or not. Staph in the glands would require, I think, an antibiotic directly rubbed into them. Just dropping into eye may not be enough to get into the gland. That is what I would.
I do know that taking the antibiotic 3 times in my eye did nothing for my problem. Mine was on the lashes.
You need to use throw away applicators for make up and never double dip into your new mascara.
I, also, took my makeup off as soon as I came into the house. I used a water based mascara too.
I hope some of this helps you,
Lynda79