What's going on with my eyes?!

Atreyu

Hello everyone.  I'm 22 months out from my last chemotherapy treatment; my last chemo treatment was July 15, 2013.  I had Carboplatin, Taxotere and Herceptin.  I have so much going on with my body still that it's so overwhelming that I just want to cry.  a lot...  I'm resorting to attempting to tackle one thing at a time to try to get back to as much "normal" as I can.  The topic for today is going to be my eyes.  They're bloodshot all the time.  I've seen a doctor and was referred to an ophthalmologist, who said that it looks like chronic dry eye and suggested I do warm cloths on my eyes twice a day, an eye scrub with baby soap once a day, an eye gel for dry eyes at night and systane-type drops (non preservative) during the day as needed.  I've been doing all of these things for quite some time, but I swear I still look like Darth Maul. 

Anyone else experienced this or know someone who has?  I'm at my wit's end. 

Suggestions, please.  Thank you.

slv58

hi Whisper, your post caught my eye-lol, my last chemo was may of last year and like you I have been plagued with bloodshot eyes. During chemo I had quite a few styes and it just seemed like this was a vulnerable area for me. I had been using moisturizing drops for the longest time and it did make my eyes feel better, but still bloodshot. Last week I started to experience slight itching so I went to my PCP. She examined me and gave me an RX for apo-olopatadine drops to use as she thinks it's eye allergies. I have used the drops for 4 days now and the itching stopped and my eyes are much less red. I'll have to see if this is the solution but at least they aren't itchy or as red. I hope you find some solution as I know how unsettling it is to look in the mirror and look stoned all the time!

Atreyu

Thank you so much for responding.   

I noticed that I had styes as well, and I still do on the inside part of my lower eyelid.  And my eyes are tender and itchy as well.  I will get with my PCM and see what they say about that possibility.

Thank you again, and take care!

Atreyu

Great point, Kayb!  Will do that right away!  Thank you so much!

Atreyu

I just discovered yet another stye in my eye under the lower lid (on the inside).  What does this mean?!

Monis

Styes and chalazions occur when the oil glands in our lids get plugged up and the oil can't get out.  This oil is an important component of our tear film, and without it our tears evaporate too quickly causing dry eye, burning, itching and redness.  Do hot compresses to your eyelids for 15 minutes, twice a day.  It really needs to be as hot as you can stand it, not just a little warm.  Use a wet washcloth and either wrap it around one of those gel packs you can heat in the microwave or put hot water inside of a ziplock sandwich bag and  lay the baggy on top of the washcloth on your lids.  Lay back and relax for 15 mins.!  The heat will help to melt and loosen up the plugged oil glands, getting the oil to flow better again, and in turn improving your tear quality.  Do continue to use artificial tears as well to keep your eyes well lubricated.  I work in an ophthalmology clinic, and this issue is very common, though extremely frustrating.  Hope your symptoms improve soon : )

slv58

hi again, I just heard something that may be relevant. Apparently rheumatoid arthritis often causes red/bloodshot eyes. I just saw a rheumatologist because I had ongoing joint, muscle bone pain since docetaxol (1year ago) he said that often chemo will make arthritis show. I will ask him about my red eyes when I see him in 3 weeks but maybe it is connected ?