Swollen Eyelids+Red Eye

[Bleff]

Every so often I get very swollen upper and lower eyelids and my eye goes bright red.  It is always the left eye.  I have had one opthamologist treat me for Herpes Keratitis while another for chronic blepharitis (I do have seborrhheic dermatitis).  What can I do to head off these attacks?  I do warm compresses and lid scrubs, but can I use steroids like Tobradex when I fell an attack coming on? Often they seem to be preceded by a stye.

I'm suffering through one now and very anxious.

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

1. Yes okay to take 2. in some cases yes

JCH MD

[Bleff]

Thank you for the quick reply.  I was able to see my GP this afternoon and he gave me Vigamox and oral azithromycin, as the eyelid area is now very swollen.  The major inflammation came on last night.  He also referred me to an opthamologist for Friday.  I assume its OK to take the antibiotics until that time?  Can HSV do major damage between Monday and Friday?

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

No you should not use tobradex as the steroid in it can make herpes keratitis much worse if you do in fact have that.

Suggest you add a antibiotic lid cleaner like Ocusoft Foam Eyelid cleaner or TheraTears SteriLid foam eyelid cleaner. Both available over the counter. Us one not need both; use at least 4 times/week when shower/bathe.

You may need to get a new opinion about the cause from an Eye MD with a specialty in cornea and external disease.

JCH MD