Does expressing the oil glands reduce the eyelid swelling?
Dry Eye Patient
Does expressing the oil glands reduce the eyelid swelling?
Dry Eye Patient
I haven't found it so.
My top / left eyelid is the more sensitive; when I express the glands on that side, I find the lid tends to swell a bit more because of the pressure.
Dry Eye Patient
Does the eyelid swelling ever go down for you?
Dry Eye Patient
No, the eyelids are always swollen but I've had this condition for so long now that I have forgotten what they looked like when they were `normal'.
I would describe their appearance as being more `puffy' than swollen (following gland expression) and that tends to improve within a few hours
Dry Eye Patient
Ok. I do sometime experience the puffiness in the morning but what really bothers me is the fact that all eyelids are swollen and they tire my eyes. Are your glands blocked? Because for me oil comes out if i press but my eyelids are always swollen...
Dry Eye Patient
My eyes make me feel constantly tired; there is a heavy, dull ache around my head all the time.
Yes, the majority of my glands are blocked and the lids are inflamed; blood vessels are prominent (on the lids) although the white of the eyes is reasonably OK.
My consultant doesn't recommend expressing glands too often and I'm trying to follow his advice - but now and again I stray......! On balance, I think they are better for not expressing too much. It's difficult to know what to do because a consultant I had for years (with NHS) suggested I do the expressions regularly.
Dry Eye Patient
You could try cool compresses to reduce swelling.
Also steroids are for inflammation. I often used my steroid drops on my lids (not in the eye). In fact, most of the time when I needed my steroid drops, it was because my lids were painful, hot, swollen, etc. I started putting the drops on my lids and lid margins. It's worth a shot.
Dry Eye Patient
So since you have tried both not to express them and to express them you reckon that your lids are better with the former?
Dry Eye Patient
Hi spmcc did the swollennes went away after the steroid drops?
Dry Eye Patient
It may help reduce swelling. There is no guarantee. But it's worth trying especially if you're wary of steroid drops IN your eyes. My doctor recommended putting it on the lids too.Originally Posted by Pearl25
Dry Eye Patient
Steroid drops on the eyelids. . . interesting. I was wondering if anyone found that the steroid drops get rid of the bubbles in the tear film. I have been noticing this more and more lately, although I am feeling a little better and my glands are producing more and more oil.
Dry Eye Patient
spmcc
Also steroids are for inflammation. I often used my steroid drops on my lids (not in the eye). In fact, most of the time when I needed my steroid drops, it was because my lids were painful, hot, swollen, etc. I started putting the drops on my lids and lid margins. It's worth a shot.
I forgot to mention that I actually do that but not as routine because I have had to rely on steroids for years for anterior iritis - a recurring condition. Doctors don't think there is a link between the two conditions and regard is as bad luck more than anything else.
I am currently treating the upper left lid with Prednisolene p.f. - I will tailor that off in a few days.
Hopeful2
I haven't noticed any decrease in `bubbles'.
Dry Eye Patient
Hopeful2
I am sorry for my ignorance but what do bubbles in the tear film mean? Because I noticed that I have them too..
spmcc
I always consider steroid to be my last resort..do you know of any other alternative methods that would help decrease the swelling?
Dry Eye Patient
By bubbles - I assume Hopeful2 meant frothy tear film - you can perform general internet searches on the term to get images.
In my experience, steroids reduce inflammation which in turn brings down the swelling a little - but this is only evident on the underside of the upper lid. I use a steroid to help with inflammation (rather than swelling) because the discomfort and pain can be very distracting.
At times, I use a cold compress to help with swelling; it depends how self conscious it is making me feel. Alleviating discomfort is my priority.
Dry Eye Patient
Thank you irish eyes for your answer so are bubbles a sign of dry eyes?
I don't think my eyelids are inflamed because they are not red although sometime they are red on the underside but they are always swollen. I saw this progressing because before I could touch the eyelids and feel the eyeball underneath but right now I cannot feel it because there is an edema. It has never gone down in months..it doesn't worsen or improve...it s always the same
Dry Eye Patient
Pearl25
Bubbles in the tear film are a sign of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Sometimes the bubbles are so small and yet so plentiful that they look like foam along your lower lid. I just notice the odd bubble when I blink. And yes, MGD, usually goes along with dry eyes.
Dry Eye Patient
Hello Hopeful2 How are bubbles a sign of MGD? How are they produced? If I haven't experienced foam does it mean that it is not that severe?
Dry Eye Patient
Bubbles are a sign of MGD. There are a couple of theories as to how they are caused. One theory is that bacteria in the meibomian glands break down the lipids, so what is released is inflammatory. The other theory (that I know of) is that with dry eye, the ocular surface is inflamed and it is the interaction of the lipids with the inflamed ocular surface which causes the bubbles. In any case, the bubbles are irritating, much the way soap is irritating to the eyes.
I would guess that if you haven't experienced foam in your tear lake, and only some bubbles, then the MGD is not as serious. You would of course need to check with a doctor in order for your severity of MGD to be assessed.
Dry Eye Patient
You could look up the terms saponification or foamy tears.
Dry Eye Patient
Thank you Hopeful2 and spmcc for your quick answers! Unfortunately I still haven't found a doctor who is knowledgeable enough and that can diagnose what I have. Most of the doctors that I have seen tell me that there is nothing that they can do for me.
Dry Eye Patient
Rebecca has some resources for this problem:
* How to get better care from your doctor
* How to find a better doctor
* How to get a better diagnosis
* When you think you've tried everything...
The links above can also be accessed from the main page of The Dry Eye Zone (http://www.dryeyezone.com/)
I hope there's something there to help.
Dry Eye Patient
Thank you for your kind help spmcc!
Dry Eye Patient
When applying the steroid drop directly to the lid, how long before you typically notice an improvement in swelling? Thanks!
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