Concern Regarding My Left Eye
I am a 52-year-old woman, standing at 5'7" and weighing 190 pounds. I identify as White and do not have any underlying health concerns. I don't take any prescribed medications and only use over-the-counter ibuprofen occasionally. I've maintained a clean lifestyle, having not engaged in alcohol or drug use for over a decade, and I quit smoking cigarettes more than four years ago. The situation I’m addressing has persisted for eight days now. Approximately a week ago, while tweezing my eyebrows, I experienced a frustrating incident when one of the hairs snapped off while trying to remove it. After a few unsuccessful attempts to pull out the remaining part, which was level with my skin, I decided to leave it be. When I woke up the following morning, I noticed my left eye was slightly swollen and sensitive, so I opted for warm compresses throughout the day. By night, I sensed some improvement, so I cleaned the area before heading to bed. Unfortunately, upon waking the next day, I found my left eye significantly more swollen and in greater discomfort, accompanied by the loss of most of the eyebrow hair on that side. Additionally, the skin on my eyelid began to peel. Due to my lack of insurance, I resorted to warm compresses and ointments for treatment. Over a week has passed, yet my eyelid remains puffy, and all the hair from my left eyebrow has fallen out. The skin where my eyebrow used to be feels tough and resembles scar tissue. Observing myself in the mirror last night, I discovered a concerning red, swirly vein on the white part of my right eye, along with what appears to be a bump filled with clear liquid. Based on my research, I suspect it may be a cyst. Upon retracting my upper eyelid, I noticed a straight red line on the surface of my eyeball, concluding with what looks like a mark akin to a blackhead. As an additional concern, at my age, I'm also experiencing those pesky black floaters that intermittently appear in my vision. I am reaching out to inquire if anyone has insights into what might be happening with my left eye. It’s surprising to witness my eyebrow losing hair independently like this. While I recognize that consulting a doctor would be the best course of action, I currently find myself unemployed without health insurance and on the brink of financial difficulties due to unforeseen expenses.
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 12:50:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a series of concerning symptoms related to your left eye and eyebrow area, which have persisted for over a week. The swelling, sensitivity, hair loss, and changes in the skin around your eyebrow, along with the new issues in your right eye, warrant careful attention.
Explanation:
The swelling and sensitivity you described could be linked to several factors, such as trauma from tweezing, an infection, or an inflammatory response. The peeling and toughness of the skin suggest a possible reaction or irritation, while the loss of eyebrow hair could indicate skin trauma, infection, or another localized dermatological issue.
The new symptoms in your right eye, particularly the appearance of a red vein and a bump, may also suggest a need for careful observation. The floaters you're experiencing are common and can occur as we age; however, they are best monitored in conjunction with any other eye changes.
Next Steps:
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Continue Warm Compresses: Maintain the use of warm compresses on the affected areas (left eyebrow and left eye) to reduce swelling and promote healing. Use this twice a day for about 10-15 minutes.
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Keep the Area Clean: Ensure that any ointments you’re using are sterile and try to avoid any additional irritation to the area. Clean your hands before touching your face or eyes.
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep an eye on the changes in both your left and right eye, as well as any new symptoms. If symptoms worsen—such as increased pain, swelling, redness spreading, or changes in vision—reinstate a need for urgent attention.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Options: If you have discomfort, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (which you’ve used) can help, but be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
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Soothe Irritation: If dryness or scaling continues, consider using a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer or ointment around your eyebrow area to promote healing.
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Explore Community Resources: Since you mentioned financial constraints, look into local health clinics or community health organizations that provide low-cost or sliding-scale services. They may offer assistance for eye concerns.
If you see any further deterioration or develop new symptoms, such as vision changes or severe pain, please make it a priority to seek help, even if it means visiting an emergency room or urgent care where they can provide necessary interventions. Remember, you are important, and seeking help when needed is key to your health.
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