Chronic Conjunctivtis- Still unknown cause

I have had conjunctivitis for about 5 months now. I was on Torbodex, Erythromycin, Patanol, and Doxycycline. One eye is much worse than the other - redness, no discharge. I have been going to a reputable eye center (Mass Eye and Ear) and have been seeing a corneal specialist.

My question is - while I was on the doxy and patanol it appeared my eye was getting slightly better - I had to discontinue the doxy after being on it for 2 months for stomach reasons. After getting off the doxy, I noticed at times my eye is slightly worse (not sure if the doxy was working or not). I am just wondering what I should do. My next appt is not for another month. Should I try and get a sooner appointment. Any ideas?

By the way, I first saw an optomertrist who prescribed the torbadex. Next I went to an ophthamologist who prescribed the erythromycin, and finally I am at the Mass Eye and Ear and this ophthamologist prescribed the doxy and patanol.

Thanks!

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

To be honest - if your doctor is at Mass Eye and Ear, he is probably very good.  I don't have much to add other than the possibility of trying ocusoft plus or sterilid eyelid cleansers as part of your plan.  Also could consider minocycline instead of doxycyline and use it in a lower dose.  Finally, make sure that he looks to make sure you don't have demodex follicularis which can be seen with some of the newer  higher magnification slit lamp (I can see the with my new slit lamps.)  Consider adding oral flax and omega 3 fish oil to diet.

Michael Kutryb, MD