Recurring Infection?

For two months now, I've been being treated for an eye infection (both eyes).  It was initially thought to be allergies, but the Patanol did not help.  Opthamologist then prescribed tobradex, which worked until I came off it.  We then moved to longer tobradex usage that tapered over two weeks.  Came back again once I came off.  Then moved to oral antibiotic for one week and zylet - no results.  Now oral antibiotic for two weeks - no results.

My symptoms include an intermittent and mild burning sensation, blood shot eyes, excessive watering and some crusting from the watering over night.  But nothing like pink eye crusting.  My eyes are the worst when I first wake up.

I think the next step with my opthamologist will be to get a culture taken.

Any thoughts?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

The culture will likely come back negative due to being on antibiotics for so long.  My guess is that you may have a chronic lid problem that is causing eye irritation.  Possible blepharitis or lid margin disease.  It is ok to culture now - probably will be no growth or possible some type of resistant bacteria.  You may need more attention directed to the eyelids as the source of the problem.

MJK MD

[mmiller0158]

Thanks for your feedback.  I talk to my opthamologist today, so we'll see what he says.