Advice Re: Chronic Corneal Inflammation

I can really empathize with you as I have had cornea issues since my LASIK surgery at the end of September. My corneas look pitted and look like sandpaper/shattered glass, plus they hurt & burn all the time. I have bounced around from my optometrist and the MD who did my surgery. Together they have put in permanent surgical plugs, steroid drops, Restasis, BioTears,many over the counter drops/gels and now I am on an antibiotic with lid scrub called Aldox. I am trying to be patient, despite how upsetting it is because I have been told cornea issues do take several months to heal. I am getting better though because a few weeks ago I started driving at night again. I don't have any magic answers but hope you begin healing very soon!

Hi -- My sister has an auto-immune condition called sjogrens syndrome. One of its symptoms is dry eyes (which can lead to irritation and pitting) and dry mouth (which can lead to cavities). Sometimes, another early sign is an odd rash. So one option is to visit your primary care doctor for complete blood work; another is to consult with a rhuematologist.

Hope you're feeling betteby now!

A.

Dear Kate,

Your last doctor gave you excellent advice: consult a cornea specialist.

My husband had a cornea transplant June 20. His surgeon is very pleased with the progress. He should be able to have a corrective lens prescribed by January. As soon as Kaiser and the specialist are satisfied with the success of this transplant, my husband is going to have a cornea transplant for the other eye.

He is elated that he has better vision, even without the corrective lens, than he has had since he was a teenager.

It is amazing what can be accomplished today to correct eye diseases and various vision problems. A general practioner or internist does not have the special training or experience to help you.

Consult a cornea specialist. You will never be sorry that you did. But if you do not, you may regret it the rest of your life. You only have that one set of eyes. Give them the care they need.

Best,
M.

Hi Kate,

I don't know if this will help you like it does for me but it is something that can't hurt you to try.

I get Iritis. that is an inflammation of the iris. If it flairs up, I have to use steroid drops and keep my pupil dilated.

I have found that a nutritional drink/supplement that I take actually keeps the inflammation away. When I take a 1/2 ounce of Genesis every day, I don't have inflammation problems. If I go a week without Genesis, the inflammation in the iris returns.

Genesis has resveratrol (red grape), ellagic acid (pomagranate), aloe vera, apple and 14 other infused herbs. It is very good for all other health issues too! You just can't go wrong with trying it! You can check it out on my website at www.symmetrydirect.com/dhendon .

You will see that one ounce of Genesis has all of the health advantages of a whole bottle of red wine and a whole pomagranate. Those amounts are standardized and effective.

Please let me know if I can be of any help to you.

Victorious Living with Symmetry Direct,
D. Hendon, RDH,SMM
###-###-####
www.symmetrydirect.com/dhendon

It's hard to diagnose just by symptoms but since this has been going on for some time, it's best to get a second opinion and a corneal specialist would be the best way to go at this point and time. Unless the problem is actually diagnosed, it is difficult to solve the problem with the proper treatment. I take it "pitting" on the surface of the corneal is really dryness or superficial punctate staining but I guess it can mean many things. Getting a good pair of glasses is always a plus when healing a cornea and seeing a specialist can help to definitively diagnose the issue and get you going in the right direction. Best of luck in getting things solved and getting rid of the problem once and for all.

Hi Kate,

I am not a medical doctor, but I have several inches of medical research files!!! What you describe sounds like what my files say is a vit B2 and Vit A deficiency. (eyes:burning,dry,itchy,watery,bloodshot,sensitive to light) as well as : could have chapped, cracked or sore lips, crust or scaling around ears, eyelids, forehead.

Did you take fish oil- or Cod liver oil? I think they are different. Cod liver oil is the one that is high in Vit A. I think brown rice is high in B vitamins. Sugar in the diet depletes B vitamins, chromium, and copper.

Look for a good HOMEOPATH or Naturapath Doctor in your area!!! You find a good natural answer there!!!

Love, G.. :0)
http://stemcellforautism.blogspot.com/

"I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had some Autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin." ~ Jerry Newport

The condition is called corneal dystrophy...I've had it for years and I am also a career optician. What's worked for me is a otc drop called "Muro". It's basically a strong saline. Use it several times a day whether you are having symptoms at the moment or not. The extra salt will reduce the swelling which in turn will reduce the pitting..which will reduce the symptoms. You won't ever get over it, but it is manageable once you get it under control. Best wishes...R.

I am sorry you are have problems with your eyes today. It's especially hard when you have a young child that is keeping you on your toes.
Here is a link to a website that has many clinical studies and references for you to follow up on.
www.pharmanexmd.com

I am direct and independent distributor with Nuskin Ent./ Pharmanex. If you would like more information regarding Lifepak Nano let me know. The Junglemals would be a great addition for your little boy as would our G3 drink for your eye troubles.

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Sorry for the commercial but I know what we offer would be helpful for you for the long run.

P. McCoy

Hi there,
I actually do clinical research in the LASIK industry. I am not sure of your particular case, but keratitis or inflammation symptoms are made worse when the eyes are dry. Your doctor hopefully has already prescribed for you or told you to be taking supplements of oils that are good for the eyes. You said you have tried fish oil, but there are oil mixes with Vitamin E especially for eyes that may work for you. And unfortunately, they do take a while to work. By taking these oils and essential fatty acids orally it actually increases the lubrication of your tear film. My mother experienced keratitis after her LASIK and these supplements are the only thing that finally got the eyes moist enough to heal. Keep in mind that dryness is two parts- water AND lubrication/oil. This is why people with dry eyes ironically often have very watery eyes- the issue is that the tears do not have enough oil. I don't support any particular brand, but here is a link to Theratears at Walgreens if you want to see an example or just make sure you are taking a good blend of omegas including fish oil/flax oil, and Vitamin E. Or you doctor can prescribe special ones. He should have already though if he is a good ophthalmologist. (Make sure you are seeing an actual ophthalmologist (eye doctor; MD) and not just an optometrist; OD) Good luck, I know how frustrating it is!! Just try to think positively and know that corneal issues just take awhile to resolve. Winter time is worse too because of the dryness in the air-- so if anything, keep up hope because spring and time may bring relief if the oil supplements dont.
http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=304169&a...#