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WTF is up with my eye?

8 replies

NotQuiteCockney · 21/06/2007 06:03

For quite a while now, my left eye hasn't seemed to be draining properly. If it's windy, or if I have hayfever, I would end up with tears running down my face. (This has been this way for weeks, not years.)

This morning, my left eye was completely sealed with gunk. It looks a tiny bit bloodshot. No discomfort though. Is this a side effect from the eye not draining? Or something else?

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cornsilk · 21/06/2007 06:48

I know someone who had a blocked tear duct.

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NotQuiteCockney · 21/06/2007 06:51

Is the tear duct the bit that brings tears to the eye? Or takes them away?

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Imawurzel · 21/06/2007 06:51

My eye gunks up with conjunctivitis when i have hayfever. Does it feel gritty? Thats a sign of it.

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NotQuiteCockney · 21/06/2007 06:52

Oh, no, you're right, it is the tear duct that's acting up.

Ugh, I just read up about it, and the normal fix is an operation. No thanks!

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NotQuiteCockney · 21/06/2007 06:53

No, not gritty or dry. Just gunked up. I think the redness may be from the gunk.

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3littlefrogs · 21/06/2007 09:03

The tear duct drains the tears from your eye down into your nose. It can get infected either from an eye infection or a nose/sinus infection. Infection can result from chronic inflammation from allergies/hayfever. Prolonged inflammation in the tearduct due to allergy or infection can lead to scarring and blockage. So - I guess the next step is a trip to GP and or eye specialist.

HTH, and that you get it sorted out soon. It is a real nuisance.

(It is always worth keeping tabs on the age of eye cosmetics, and chucking the old stuff out regularly - especially mascara, as it harbours all sorts of germs).

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NotQuiteCockney · 21/06/2007 10:18

No eye makeup, so that's not the problem. I've not had pain in my tear ducts or any problem other than insufficient (or no?) drainage.

I should go to the GP, you're right.

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NotQuiteCockney · 25/06/2007 12:40

Ok, it's obviously insufficient drainage, as it's not running all the time. Went to the GP and got a) printouts of a useful page on teary eyes b) a scrip for eye drops, in case it's caused by an infection in the tear ducts c) advice to come back if it doesn't clear up.

Oh, and I can also tell it's insufficient drainage rather than none, as I can taste the eye drops in the back of my throat. Ugh.