swollen eyelids

[maxkipling]

2 years ago after a cold my adult son got very swollen eyelids. this was treated as an allergy and various eyedrops and steroid creams were prescribed.  eventually my eyelids became encrusted and weeping and the only solution was oral antibiotics.  this has happened again and he has again been advised this is a viral infection etc.  he works as a painter decorator and is feeling so stressed as none of the treatments are working and the gp's don't feel antibiotics are necessary yet, but he knows he is going down the same route and the swelling and pain is increasing.  any suggestions??

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear maxkiplin,

I would recommend that he seek thecare of an eyeMD to determine the cause of the swelling and symptoms.  IF it is viral, antibiotics will not help; however, other drops such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatories may help comfort.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

The GP's are not going to be able to have a firm grip on treating this and some of the meds they prescribe could actually make it worse.  He, of course, should see an ophthalmologist and it may well be that a combination of treatments may be needed including drops, ointment, oral pills sometimes.  Sometimes just stopping the wrong antibiotic or offending agent can make a big difference.  So I understand your concern, you just need to have him see a good ophthalmologist, perhaps even the one that saw him last time and helped him get better. Often if a treatment worked once it may help the next time.

MJK MD