Corneal Infections

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944fan

Original Poster:

4,962 posts

185 months

Friday 28th August 2015
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Went back to the eye clinic yesterday. They said there is still some infiltrate in the abrasion. He said it wasn't worth doing a scraping and sending to the lab as it is so small (< 1mm) and as I had been taking antibiotic drops it would probably come back negative. He said it didn't look like there was an active infection as there were no other markers of infection (red eyes, swollen lids, discharge).

He said give it another week and if not they will try steroid drops to assist the healing.

I said the drops were stinging and so he has changed them to something different. Only problem is they have the same preservative and it seems from the internet that the preservative is what causes the irritation.

Last two days have seen a bit of an improvement. Still some pain, photophobia and blurring of vision but less bad than before. Eye is also not very red now at all.

Sounds like it actually hasn't fully healed rather than RCE.

Bit happier now there has been some improvement and also I know now that I have another week of trying and then there is something else they can do.

944fan

Original Poster:

4,962 posts

185 months

Sunday 30th August 2015
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Last couple of days have been better. I would rate it as annoying discomfort rather than pain now.

Still sting a fair bit but much less severe. Photophobia has decreased as well.

Vision is still a but blurry. Can't tell if that is because of the problem or if my prescription isn't quite right. I couldn't find up to date glasses when the first happened so went for an eye test and bought new ones. As my vision was blurry anyway not sure if they got the right prescription.

Once this has fully healed if its still blurry will have to go for another test.

944fan

Original Poster:

4,962 posts

185 months

Monday 7th September 2015
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Argh this bloody thing.

Went back on Friday, was given the all clear. Infection has gone, some small swelling was causing the blurred vision but that will clear up on its own. Take the drops for a couple more days to complete the course and that will be fine.

2 days later is red and sore again. Same thing happened last time, get discharged , two days later it flares up again.

Continuing with the drops. If its still bad tomorrow morning will have to phone and get referred back.


944fan

Original Poster:

4,962 posts

185 months

Wednesday 9th September 2015
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Well this has taken a bad turn. Been back to the clinic today. Saw someone different. They are now suspecting acanthamoeba, which is potentially very bad news.

They did a scrapping today (most unpleasant) to confirm but have started treating for that. Could be months of treatment if it is and potentially badly affected sight after.

Been walking round with my left eye closed for a bit to get used to it :-)

944fan

Original Poster:

4,962 posts

185 months

Tuesday 15th September 2015
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Now taking PHMB, Brolene, and Oflaxacin every two hours. First couple of days after the scraping the PHMB and Brolene stung like hell, especially the Brolene. They are still unpleasant but don't sting as much.

Redness has gone, and photophobia is less pronounced. Still a bit of pain but not as bad.

Not sure what will happen from here. The consultant took scrappings but there wasn't a proper plate for detecting acanthamoeba. It "might" be visible under the microscope. If all the cultures come back negative they will just be treating on their best guess. Reading the stories about acanthamoeba on the internet it doesn't match with my experience, but I guess people only write about the really bad cases.

Was wondering if Hycosan is safe to use with the other drops as my eyes feel very dry, especially in the mornings. Guess I should wait and check with the Dr.

My vision is a bit blurred. This is making it hard at work as staring at a computer screen is giving me massive eye strain.


TheEnd

15,370 posts

188 months

Tuesday 15th September 2015
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Acanthamoeba is one of those rare things that turns up in text books more often than real life.

I think it's more a case of your epithelium just needing to get over the fragile stages of rebuilding itself, and once there, it'll speed right up through the healing process

944fan

Original Poster:

4,962 posts

185 months

Tuesday 15th September 2015
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I hope you are right. I had been swimming in contact lenses (with tight googles but still) and this is their basis for the diagnosis.

Would rather a definitive diagnosis either way. All they say at the minute is there is some infiltrate in there but can't tell what it is.

944fan

Original Poster:

4,962 posts

185 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2015
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Now been 5 days without symptoms (except very slight blurring of vision). Pain and photopohbia have gone completely.

That's the most time I've been asymptomatic since it started so hopefully its the beginning of the end.

Having a bit of trouble with the pharmacy and and GPs to get the repeat prescription for PHMB.

944fan

Original Poster:

4,962 posts

185 months

Monday 12th October 2015
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Have been symptom free for about 3 weeks. Last couple of days my eye was very red and upper eye lid swollen - looked like Rocky this morning.

Was back at the hospital this morning anyway.

They said the infection is clear and the redness and swelling is just toxicity from the drops. So good news.