My Horror Story - An Addiction to Eye Drops, and Forever Worsening Blepharitis

Around 2003, when I first started experiencing problems with my eyes, not a lot was known about Blepharitis by community doctors and the general public.
 
I turned (big regret!) to eye whitening drops as the only solution – my doctor even recommended I use them without limit! Sustained daily use of eye whitening drops for 12 years completely ruined my eye health. 

My regular blepharitis symptoms were:

Severe discomfort, and a “sand in eyes” feeling. A constant sense of having particles in my eyes and scratching against my eyelids, but never visible to actually remove. Often this was so bad I couldn't sleep and though the day was a constant reminder to me of my issues!

Severe redness. This was made worse by an addiction to eye whitening drops (used 5 or 6 times a day) that began to cause "rebound redness". This redness had the biggest impact on my self esteem and often people thought I must be high! I stopped looking people in the eye and found myself looking down more and more. The impact of Blepharitis on our mental health is often overlooked, but it's real!

Constant infections. At the peak around the 2004/2005 I found myself suffering from allergic conjunctivitis about every month or two. I would have crusts around my eyes and often swollen eyes. This resulted in regular prescription of steroid and antibiotic eye drops. EYE DROPS, EYE DROPS, EYE DROPS! Some were so strong I could even taste them in my mouth after applying!

Multiple Solutions, None of Them Worked!

Every bout of conjunctivitis brought with it a doctors visit, where I re-explained my symptoms. Alongside steroid drops for conjunctivitis, I was also prescribed various other  drops for my general redness. Repeatedly these drops made me look like even more of a freak (in my mind) and increased my self-consciousness.

I began to rely on over-the-counter eye whitening drops in 2003. Then there was less advice given against these drops, and when I asked my doctor if could use them for a sustained period and she said “yea sure, of-course you can!”, almost mocking my concern. I should have stopped when I noticed myself that these were making things worse, but I was ADDICTED. It was an addiction in every sense of the word, and I fear that there are many others out there stuck in that cycle.

I was even referred to the prestigious Opthamology Unit at Adenbrooks Hospital in Cambridge (in the UK where I lived at the time) and they correctly diagnosed the Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) or Blepharitis. This was my first correct diagnosis, but their recommendation of lid hygiene using baby shampoo and water just didn’t work, and the instructions given were not clear enough.

Finally Saved!

In April 2014 I went to the opticians in my usual heightened discomfort, but seeking nothing more than a pair of glasses. I was fortunate beyond words, as the optician I was seen by on this occasion immediately noticed my condition, and had herself long suffered from severe blepharitis. I could tell straight away that she would have the answer by her deep knowledge of the condition, and her crystal clear eyes which proved whatever she was doing was golden. This began my discovery of proper lid hygiene and management, which I have perfected over the years and fine tuned into the 4 Step Process available here.

Note: I’m not a medical doctor, and so none of my content including that shown here is to be taken as medical advice. I’m a fellow sufferer sharing what has worked for me! Please speak to your doctor or other appropriate medical professional for medical advice.