Concerns Regarding Recent Eye Issues
Hello everyone, this is my first time sharing on this platform about my concerns. I am a 31-year-old woman, standing 5'3" and weighing 269 lbs. My medical background includes type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), rosacea, anxiety, depression, and some seasonal allergies, particularly to the timothy hay at the animal shelter where I am employed. My current medications include the generic versions of Zoloft and Wellbutrin, Metformin, a multivitamin, low-dose Aspirin, Slynd for PCOS management, and generic Zyrtec for my allergies. What I am experiencing relates to issues that have been occurring intermittently over the last few years, well before starting many of these medications or developing some of these conditions. Recently, for about a week, my right eye has become noticeably red and painful. There is no swelling, but my eyelid appears droopier than the left, and occasionally it feels as though there’s something irritating it, even though I cannot see anything. Sometimes, the eye becomes very watery, although there’s no discharge present. The pain is not constant; it fluctuates, and when it occurs, it feels quite sharp, affecting my eye as well as the brow above it and occasionally the temple area. This discomfort has predominantly affected my right eye in the past, with the left eye occasionally experiencing similar symptoms, but rarely at the same time. I can go for months or even years without any problems, but it does return from time to time. I've consulted various eye specialists, urgent care providers, and the emergency room, and despite thorough examinations, nothing significant has been detected besides mild inflammation. On a few occasions, I was prescribed what I think were steroid eye drops, and during my ER visit, they applied numbing drops. These episodes eventually resolve on their own, sometimes leaving me symptom-free for extended periods, though I question the effectiveness of the steroid drops I've been given. In my last eye exam, my vision remained stable, and I should note that I have worn glasses since I was around nine or ten, without any significant changes in vision to date. Importantly, there was no evidence of diabetes-related damage to my eyes. I do need to schedule this year’s eye examination, but I struggle with the thought of visiting doctors due to my intense aversion to phone calls. Additionally, I am in urgent need of a new primary care physician since my previous one left the practice last September, but I’ve found it challenging to allocate time and energy for this among my work commitments and fatigue. I recognize that I need to prioritize my health more effectively, especially as my depression often leads to a lack of concern for my own welfare. I apologize for digressing, but I would be extremely grateful for any insights regarding my symptoms. Furthermore, over the past five years, I have been experiencing severe ear infections, a surprisingly new issue since I rarely had them during childhood. I do not swim, but I often find water getting trapped in my ears, which are also prone to excessive wax buildup. Although I'm unsure if this could be related to my eye issues, I have been fortunate not to have had an ear infection since I began taking Zyrtec daily. I'm curious whether there could be any connection, as both problems are in close proximity, affecting areas in the head.
Answers (1)
2/18/2026, 3:10:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing some challenging eye discomfort and you have a complex medical background. To summarize your main concerns: you have intermittent eye redness, pain, and irritation, mostly affecting your right eye, which has been a recurring issue for several years. Additionally, you've been experiencing severe ear infections recently, and you’re struggling with the logistics of healthcare appointments due to your anxiety and time constraints.
Explanation
The symptoms you're experiencing with your right eye could be indicative of a few possibilities, such as allergic conjunctivitis (especially since you have seasonal allergies), mild ocular surface inflammation, or dry eye syndrome, even if you don't have continuous symptoms. The droopiness and sharp pain could also stem from muscle strain in the eye or eyelid due to irritation. The fact that you've seen eye specialists and had examinations with no significant findings is reassuring but understandably frustrating.
As for your ear infections and wax buildup, there can be a connection in that allergies and nasal congestion can lead to Eustachian tube dysfunction, resulting in fluid buildup in the ears. This may lead to increased pressure or pain in the area, which you've experienced.
Next Steps
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Self-Care Strategies for Eye Symptoms:
- Cool Compresses: Apply a clean, cool, damp cloth over your closed eye for 5-10 minutes several times a day. This can help soothe inflammation and discomfort.
- Artificial Tears: Consider using over-the-counter artificial tears to lubricate your eyes and help wash away any irritants. Choose preservative-free ones if possible.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when your symptoms flare up and any potential triggers, such as exposure to allergens or environmental conditions. A symptom diary can be beneficial.
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Scheduling Appointments:
- Eye Exam: Since you mentioned needing an eye exam soon, consider using telehealth options that allow you to consult with an eye care professional without a phone call. Some practices allow online appointment scheduling.
- Primary Care Physician (PCP): Look for a local patient portal or hospital website where you can book an appointment online or call their office during a less busy time if that feels manageable.
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Addressing Ear Concerns:
- Keep Ears Dry: After showering, ensure to dry your ears carefully; using a hairdryer on a low, cool setting held at a distance can help.
- Nasal Care: Using a saline nasal spray might help to reduce nasal congestion, which can sometimes alleviate pressure in the ears.
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Mental Health Support: Given your anxiety and depression, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can assist you in developing strategies for managing health appointments and your overall wellbeing.
Remember that prioritizing your health is a vital step—not only for your eyes and ears but for your overall quality of life. You're taking a positive step by seeking advice and considering self-care strategies. Let me know if you need any further guidance or specifics on any topic!
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