Eyes won't open

When I wake up in the middle of nite to visit the restroom, I can not open my eyes. And when they finally open they burn. The following day at times,they burn all day. The longest that I have not been able to open my eyes was approx. 30 sec. and at times, I get tired of waiting that I just go back to sleep.

I have used tear drop drops, lubercating gel and it aliviates it a little, but continues to burn.

Thank you

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. See an Eye MD for a complete eye exam. Tell him/her that you want to be sure you don't have "exposure keratitis".
2. Use a stronger lubricant at bedtime first tye 'Genteal Gel, if that doesn't work use Refresh PM an ointment. Be sure you don't sleep under a fan or have an air vent blowing across your face. This problem is common in people have had eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or having had facial palsy Bell's palsy or that sleep with their eyes slightly cracked open.

JCH III MD

[Patches570]

Thank you so much for your advice. It is hard not to sleep with a/c or fan on especially that I live in Florida. But I will try the items you suggested.

[FK22]

Some drops and gels can actually make this problem worse. If the epithelium is damaged it will make yor eyes more uncomfortable with prolonged use. The tear film is composed of three layers. The outer oily layer is the lipid layer. This is the layer of the tear film which is compressed as you open and close your eyes or blink. The lipid layer is the thinnest layer of the tear film.
For many years the conventional wisdom of pharmaceutical companies and Drs was that if thicker oil , ointment or gel was added to the eye it would last longer and lubricate better . Now we know that the thicker lubricants actually work against the eye. The extra viscousity adds drag to the lid and puts undue pressure on the corneal epithelium.It also inhibits the wetting.of the ocular surface. Research has shown that low vicousity  and high enough oncotic pressure (between 60mmHg - 70mmHg are what is need to protect and heal.
You may want to ask your Dr. to explore Freshkote. It has a clear lipid (oil) which is made from Lethicin and not mineral oil which closely mimmicks the natural lipid ot the eye, It has PVA &PVP which have been polymer blended and hydrolized to form a chemical side chain which gives complete wetting of the ocular surface.
Freshkote also has oncotic pressure of 65mmHg for epithelial healing. It contains polixatonium which helps further with wetting and has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.Freshkote can be used with contacts. I heard a case presented this week where the Dr had treated a patient with RCE for 90 days with conventional methods and had not seen an improvement. He switched the patient to Freshkote and had healing in
2 days. (The literature says healing in 1 to 4 weeks.) For about $30-35 you will get a six week supply or your Dr. can contact Focus Laboratories, Little Rock,AR for samples.
Freshkote is Rx on and usually you instill 1 or 2 drops 3 to 4 times per day.I believe you
would be a 4 times per day as you would want to use it last thing at night. You colud use it more but should not need to do so.

[FK22]

Dr. Hagan is giving good advice!!
His comment reminds me that I have several Bell's palsy patients who have found relief with Freshkote.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[hsum4]

Dear Doctor Hagan:

I agree with your advice regarding Freshkote.  I know mineral oil clogs pores and I stay away from any eye drops that contain this oil.  It is common sense even though my eye care specialist gave me some drops that contained mineral oil (new on the market).

Thank you

***@****

[baggio282]

Good Morning,
My father in-law suffered congestive heart failure he is doing better now but he won't open his eyes . He is still in intensive care. What do you think it could be.? He can hear us and he can move his body .

Thank You