Seeking Insights and Experiences, Not Diagnoses
Hello, everyone! I’m a 21-year-old man who has been experiencing recurring issues with my eyes for nearly two years. After numerous consultations with healthcare professionals, I still have not been able to pinpoint the problem. I’m reaching out in hopes that someone might have encountered similar symptoms or could provide some guidance. ### Symptoms (intermittently, approximately 80% of the time): - Extensive mucus accumulation in my eyes, resulting in a stringy discharge beneath the eyelid, which causes significant discomfort when blinking. - Noticeable redness; sometimes the entire eye appears vividly red, while at other times, the redness is confined to one area, such as near the pupil. - Irritation that can be painful due to the mucus or a sensation that something is in the eye. - Rare instances of light sensitivity during severe flare-ups. - A delayed response (around an hour) following exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes or vaping (I don’t partake in smoking), triggering similar symptoms. ### Investigations & Measures Taken: - No bacterial or viral infections were detected (this has been confirmed by my doctor). - A conjunctival swab was conducted, yielding normal results. - Intraocular pressure readings are within the normal range (13-14 mmHg). - Antihistamine eye drops have shown no effectiveness. - Antibiotic eye drops have not alleviated the condition. - Currently using Monodex (Dexamethasone eye drops), which provides limited relief, but the issues recur. - Maintaining excellent hygiene, not using contact lenses, and having not undergone any eye surgeries. ### Other Relevant Information: - My symptoms are persistent, unaffected by the season. - No allergic reactions have been identified based on current evaluations. - I have changed all my personal care and cleaning products (including detergent, deodorant, perfume, and soap) but have noticed no difference. - I keep a meticulous daily journal tracking my diet, weather conditions, and stress levels in an effort to discover any correlations. ### Recent Blood Test Results: I’ve recently undergone blood tests, and here are my findings: - **Erythrocytes**: 5.8 /pl (reference: 4.4–5.9) - **Hemoglobin**: 16.8 g/dl (reference: 13.5–17.5) - **Hematocrit**: 49% (reference: 40–53) - **MCV**: 85 fl (reference: 80–96) - **MCH**: 29 pg (reference: 27–33) - **MCHC**: 34 g/dl (reference: 31–36) - **RDW**: 12.8% (reference: 11.6–16.0) - **Leukocytes**: 4.1 /nl (reference: 4.0–10.0) - **Thrombocytes**: 147 /nl (reference: 140–400) - **Fasting Blood Glucose**: 134 mg/dl (reference: <126) - **Creatinine**: 1.0 mg/dl (reference: <1.3) - **GFR (CKD-EPI)**: >90 ml/min (reference: >60) - **Rheumatoid Factor (quant.)**: 9 IU/ml (reference: <14) - **Basal TSH**: 0.74 μIU/ml (reference: 0.40–4.00) - **Total IgE**: 161 kU/l (reference: <20 = gray zone) After more than 30 sessions with eight different eye specialists, plus visits to my family doctor, an eye clinic, and even a naturopath, I remain without clear answers. I feel quite frustrated and despondent about my situation. Any shared experiences, suggestions, or insights would be immensely appreciated. Thank you so much for your help! :)
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 4:10:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing persistent and distressing eye symptoms that have not been resolved despite numerous consultations and treatments. It's understandable to feel frustrated given the lack of diagnosis and relief. Here’s a breakdown of your symptoms and some actionable steps you may consider.
Key Points:
- You have ongoing eye discomfort characterized by mucus, redness, and irritation.
- Previous medical evaluations have ruled out infections and allergies.
- Current treatments have provided limited relief and you've engaged in numerous proactive measures.
Explanation:
Your symptoms of mucus discharge and redness suggest an eye condition that could be related to chronic inflammation or irritation, such as dry eye syndrome, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), or even a possible environmental trigger. The delayed response to secondhand smoke exposure indicates a sensitivity that could also contribute to your symptoms. It’s crucial to keep exploring these avenues.
Actionable Steps:
-
Consider Environmental Triggers:
- Continue to avoid irritants such as smoke. Look for any patterns in your journal that might correlate with flare-ups, including pollution levels or specific environments.
-
Explore Lubricating Eye Drops:
- Over-the-counter preservative-free lubricating eye drops (also known as artificial tears) might help soothe your eyes, especially when experiencing discomfort. Use them regularly to maintain moisture.
-
Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene:
- Try warm compresses using a clean cloth for about 5-10 minutes twice daily. This can help alleviate irritation and aid in mucus drainage.
- Clean your eyelids gently with a diluted solution of baby shampoo or commercial eyelid wipes specifically designed for this purpose to reduce irritation from debris and bacteria.
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Review Medications with a Specialist:
- Since you have already seen multiple specialists, consider returning to an ophthalmologist who specializes in chronic eye conditions or ocular surface disease. Discuss the possibility of empirically treating for conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis.
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Discuss Systemic Conditions:
- With high levels of Total IgE in your recent blood tests, there may be an underlying systemic condition affecting your eyes. Discuss with your doctor the potential for comprehensive evaluations looking for autoimmune disorders or sensitivities contributing to your eye symptoms.
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Evaluate Stress and Diet:
- Continue to monitor stress and dietary impacts as they can exacerbate symptoms. If possible, consult a nutritionist to explore any dietary adjustments that could help reduce inflammation.
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Seek Support:
- Connect with others who have chronic eye conditions through support groups or online forums. Sharing experiences with those who understand can provide emotional relief and practical tips.
Lastly, it’s vital to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers, expressing your ongoing frustrations to ensure they consider all avenues. Be patient, as finding the right solution may require more time and perseverance. If you have any further questions or need advice on specific aspects, feel free to reach out.
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