Concerns About Eye Condition
Greetings, I'm a 26-year-old female, not engaged in smoking or alcohol consumption. My medical history includes asthma and I currently take daily medications such as Singulair, Zoloft, and Aviane. I stand 5 feet 8 inches tall and weigh 200 pounds. Earlier today, while preparing for a shower, my eye began to water profusely yet felt unusually dry. Upon inspecting it in the mirror, I suspected that one of my contact lenses might still be lodged in my eye, appearing to have shifted to the side. I had removed my contacts a few hours prior. I attempted to grasp what I thought was the contact lens, only to realize that it was in fact my eyeball that was protruding. I tried to capture some images, though I’m not certain the quality accurately depicts the situation. I should note that I have a diagnosed herniated disc in my back and have experienced pinched nerves in my neck, a result of a car accident I was involved in back in 2021. Although I haven't experienced sciatic pain or nerve discomfort in over a year, I’ve recently begun to suffer from acute sciatica in my left leg. This sensation has prevailed throughout the day, and along with it, I am experiencing a similar tingling and numbness traveling down my left arm. This was an issue I dealt with frequently but hadn’t encountered in quite some time. To address my eye issue, I washed it out with a saline solution and have refrained from touching it. The condition remains unchanged. My vision is unaffected, and I feel no discomfort in my eye. I am prone to allergies, and typically, during an allergic reaction, my nose runs and my eyes itch. However, I have neither symptoms of itching nor nasal discharge. Could this eye situation be linked to my existing spinal and nerve issues, or is it related to something entirely different?
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 3:21:11 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a concerning eye condition along with some discomfort linked to your past spinal issues. It’s important to address both the immediate concerns about your eye and the broader symptoms you mentioned regarding your back and nerve sensations.
Eye Condition Overview:
The watering and feeling of dryness in your eye, along with the worry about a contact lens, may be symptoms of a few different conditions, including:
- Dry Eye Syndrome: This can cause excessive watering as the eye compensates for dryness.
- Foreign Body Sensation: Giving the feeling that something is in the eye, especially after using contacts.
- Allergic Reaction: Can develop even without typical itchy or runny symptoms, especially if you are prone to allergies.
Since you've mentioned no discomfort or changes in vision, it may lean towards a minor irritation or dryness episode, but it's good that you're cautious.
Immediate Next Steps for Your Eye:
- Avoid Touching the Eye: Continuing to refrain from touching your eye is crucial to avoid further irritation or potential infection.
- Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help relieve dryness. Use them a few times throughout the day to see if it alleviates your symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye (literally) on your symptoms. If you experience significant changes, such as pain, vision changes, or continued watering, it may warrant a closer look.
Concerning Neurological Symptoms:
The tingling and numbness in your left arm and acute sciatica are concerning and could be linked to your spinal issues, especially given your history of a herniated disc and recent nerve symptoms.
Next Steps for Neurological Symptoms:
- Monitor Changes: Keep track of how these symptoms evolve over the next few days. Note if the numbness and tingling get worse or if there are any new symptoms.
- Posture and Ergonomics: Be mindful of your posture, particularly with activities that might strain your back or neck. Adjust your workstation or any position where you spend significant time.
- Consider Heat/Ice Therapy: Applying heat or ice to your lower back may help alleviate sciatica temporarily.
Important Consideration:
Even though your eye symptoms aren’t initially alarming, and your vision remains good, it’s essential to be attentive to possible changes. Since your neurological symptoms are concerning, if they don’t improve or worsen, it would be wise to seek professional evaluation, especially considering your herniated disc history.
Your health and comfort are paramount, so focus on monitoring your symptoms closely, and don't hesitate to seek further medical guidance if things do not improve.
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