Question
For the past few years I have been having issues with my eyes, I have been to several clinic doctors, eye doctors and the emergency room. No one can tell me what is wrong.
It happens first thing when I wake up in the morning. My eye (only one, not both, and now only the left one these days) will be red and watery and feel like there is something in it. It burns and waters like there is no tomorrow. I have noticed that when this does happen, my sinus is plugged up on that side of my face. It will water and burn and then settle down for a few minutes, then act up again. I have tried creams and drops in all varieties, but the only that that really worked was freezing drops. Then I can't feel anything, love it! This does not happen every day. Usually once a week or every couple of weeks. Then it might stop for a few months and then come back.
I would really love to know what is going on as this is extremely frustrating. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Regards - Watery in Vancouver.
Answer
Dear Kristina,
Sounds like an allergic reaction, which usually is irregular and may be involving settled dust (even though you may not see it but the dust mites in the pillow etc). the commonest reason for watery and red eyes in the morning is that whole night you have slept on something which you are allergic too. Just to note that it may help to keep this in mind.
Second common reason is sinusitis itself., If prone to sinus attacks (again could be triggered by dust allergy), then the symptoms you face seem to correlate.
Steam inhalation at night will help. Avoid the air condition draft from hitting your face at night, this helps too. Avoid things that you are allergic to or if you do not know start noting down what events happened, anything you ate, did which may trigger this.
the treatment in your case seems to be finding the cause and treating that.
the drops etc you use will be temporary and 'freezing drops' if something like local anesthetic drops, not good for long term use as it will case a reaction on the surface of your eyes as it causes the nerves to go numb.
If the drops are safe lubricating eye drops, then it is fine.
Anti allergy eye drops like Patanol are also ok, as they are safe and avaialble over the counter.
Abny other eye drop will have some long term effect.
So, in summary, you have to by trial, see what is the root cause and treat this.
Hope this helps,
Best Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff, MS (OPHTH), FICS
www.shroffeye.org
