After lipodermoid removal

Posted by Rush on August 25, 1999 at 13:24:06
I am a 23 year old male, I was born with a dermoid in the corner of my right eye. Because the dermoid appeared to be growing my doctor chose to remove it when I was 13. I now have scarring where the dermoid was removed. My tear-ducts were damaged during the procedure, my doctor gave me artificial tears to use, but this does not reduce the apperance of the scarring. The scarring is usually a light pink color, but some days I`ll wake up and it will be nearly white and for the most part unnoticeable. But more often it can be quite red and noticeble. Because of the variation I suspect that it may be controllable. I have used Visine occasionaly which makes the scarring much less noticeable, but after several hours due to the reflux of the vasoconstriction the scarring will become even redder. I also build up a quick tolerance for visine and the effects become shorter and shorter. My doctor prescribed an eye drop called Patanol by Alcon which is a allergy medication for the eye, but it does not help my condition at all. Does anyone have a similar condition and may be able to offer me advice on any procedures or medications I could try.

Posted by hfhs md - ni on August 28, 1999 at 00:55:13
I am not aware of a medication which will eliminate the redness without having possible side effects.  As you noticed, medications with vasoconstrictors can have rebound redness.  Topical steroids used chronically can have many side effects.  I am not sure if Patanol will help unless there is an underlying allergic problem.  Artificial tears for lubrication is reasonable.  You need to keep follow-up with your ophthalmologist.  It is difficult to comment further without seeing you.
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