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Hair Dye in Eye and Still in Pain after 3.5 years! PLEASE HELP!
I decided to post this very painful eye problem of mine in a desperate attempt to find some answers. I dyed my hair at home on 18 Jan 09...I will never forget this day! After keeping the dye for about an hour it was time to rinse it and I held the shower head (the one you can actually hold) in my hand and tilted my head back a little and turned the water on. It was that first pressure of water mixed with hair dye that went over my left eye and burnt my eye. It was the first rinse of water that came down and went into my left eye with basically the contcentrated hair dye. I felt the initial burn for a few seconds and the burning went away, similar to the shampoo burn. I rinsed my eye but apparently it was not long enough like 15-20 minutes. The fact that the hair dye stated "No Ammonia" on its box made me think that it would be less toxic, was I absolutely wrong!!! After I completely rinsed my hair I actually did not feel any pain in my left eye that night. Did not seek medical attention, didn't think it was needed since I did not feel pain after that accident.
BUT the next day I felt this excruciating pain in my left eye, throbbing, like a very painful electric current radiating in the eye ball. That is when I realized something terrible had happened. Called the eye doctor (an optometrist) and made the appointment to be seen. He told me that the eye was irritated and inflamed. Prescribed some anti-inflammatory eye drops (Flourometholane, Lotemax, Acular...) and refresh eye drops. The pain did not lessen at all, on the contrary I thought I was going to go blind in my left eye. The pain was internal, they did not see any scarring tissue or chemical burn on the cornea, retina looked normal after dialation of the eye but still no explanation as to what could have caused this constant pain. They even dialated my left eye for the purpose of paralysing the pain to last for 2-3 days but the pain was not even affected by this dialation! My eye went through some horrible stages which I thought would end in being blind in that eye. My vision changed, not seeing double or blurry but everything seemed dim, colors were not as bright or vivid, they looked as if they faded. It was a painful, slow transition of different phases and it has been a little over a year now. I know that my constant eye pain started immediately after this hair dye accident so there is no other possible reason or injury to the eye that could have caused this. I am not diabetic, have no thyroid problems or any other health problems. My egony stil continues...the colors never fully came back...it was post hair dye exposure that might have permanently damaged my left eye's color receptors in the eye, I feel as if when I inhale the pain increases in my left eye. Since no chemical burn or scarring or optic nerve problem was visible to any of the eye doctors I've been to, this makes me believe that it is very internal related to either eye vessels or eye nerves or nerve endings. Something is damaged in my eye but I don't know what, or what is causing this pain. The initial pain after a 6-7 month period concentrated in the lower party of my left eye ball. It is not the top but the bottom part of the eye ball where I feel the pain. This part must have been exposed to the hair dye that night. When I try to open my eye wide the pain intensity increases even more. I've been to a few optometrists, ophthalmologists and even a neuro-ophtalmologist. None of them could diagnose this eye pain problem that has ruined and continues to ruin my life! Something happened when that hair dye got in and diffused into my eye that night. Was it a severe allergic reaction that caused a permanent damage in the eye, I wish I had seeked medical attention right away but I waited so whatever damage it did I am now paying for it in a very painful way. I really hope that someone can HELP me! Please help me....
If it helps for information I used Revlon's permanent hair color with no ammonia.
Ingredients
Colorant Contains: Aqua (Water), Oleic Acid, Ethanolamine, Isopropyl Alcohol, PEG-2 Soyamine, Lauramide MEA, Lauryl Pyrrolidone, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Parfum (Fragrance), Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Wheat Amino Acids, Laneth 5, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Tributyl Citrate, Erythorbic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, p Phenylenediamine, 2 Metylresorcinol, Resorcinol, p Aminophenol, Resorcinol, m-Aminophenol, 4 Amino 2 Hydroxytolurne, Linalool, Citronellol-lol, Geraniol, Coumarin, Amyl Cinnamal
Cream Developer Contains: Aqua (Water), Hydrogen Peroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Steareth-10 Allyl Ether/Acrylates Copolymer, Amodimethicone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, C11-15 Pareth 7, Laureth 9, Glycerin, Trideceth 12, Disodium Phosphate, Phosphoric Acid, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Methylparaben, EDTA
In addition to this I was able to find this on the internet which of course made me realize what happened to my left eye could be a permanent damage. I am not sure how basic (PH Level?) of this chemical dye was either. Apparently if this PH value is greater than 11.5 irreversible damage occurs.
“DISCUSSION (http://www.eplasty.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=592&catid=49&Itemid=117)
Chemical burns to the eye represent a true emergency. Agents with the potential to cause ocular injury are often found in the home. The severity of injury correlates directly with the chemical involved, duration of contact, pH of the solution, and its penetration.1 Corneal epithelial damage may ultimately result in limbal ischemia and loss of limbal stem cells.2 The mechanism of injury and pathophysiology differs between acid and alkali burns. Alkali burn is a result of the dissociation into a hydroxyl ion and a cation in the ocular surface. The hydroxyl ion saponifies cell membrane fatty acids and causes lysis.3 This interaction allows deeper penetration into the corneal stroma causing denaturation of collagen and keratocyte destruction.3 Irreversible damage occurs at a pH value greater than 11.5. Acid burns cause protein coagulation, which prevents further penetration into the corneal stroma. Therefore, these burns are usually more superficial and do not tend to progress.4
Immediate, copious irrigation is the most important emergency treatment and should begin at the scene of injury5 (Fig 1). Morgan lenses facilitate irrigation effectively (Fig 2). A delay in irrigation is likely to result in corneal erosion and delayed healing.5 Sterile physiologically balanced saline solution reduces the chances of further damage to the eye; however, if this is unavailable, tap water can be substituted.5”
I truly hope that you may shed some light to my eye problem. I thank you in advance for your time and even reading this email for me.
AFTER 3.5 YEARS OF PAIN DO I ACCEPT THE FACT THAT I HAVE A PERMENANT DAMAGE IN MY EYES!!!
BUT the next day I felt this excruciating pain in my left eye, throbbing, like a very painful electric current radiating in the eye ball. That is when I realized something terrible had happened. Called the eye doctor (an optometrist) and made the appointment to be seen. He told me that the eye was irritated and inflamed. Prescribed some anti-inflammatory eye drops (Flourometholane, Lotemax, Acular...) and refresh eye drops. The pain did not lessen at all, on the contrary I thought I was going to go blind in my left eye. The pain was internal, they did not see any scarring tissue or chemical burn on the cornea, retina looked normal after dialation of the eye but still no explanation as to what could have caused this constant pain. They even dialated my left eye for the purpose of paralysing the pain to last for 2-3 days but the pain was not even affected by this dialation! My eye went through some horrible stages which I thought would end in being blind in that eye. My vision changed, not seeing double or blurry but everything seemed dim, colors were not as bright or vivid, they looked as if they faded. It was a painful, slow transition of different phases and it has been a little over a year now. I know that my constant eye pain started immediately after this hair dye accident so there is no other possible reason or injury to the eye that could have caused this. I am not diabetic, have no thyroid problems or any other health problems. My egony stil continues...the colors never fully came back...it was post hair dye exposure that might have permanently damaged my left eye's color receptors in the eye, I feel as if when I inhale the pain increases in my left eye. Since no chemical burn or scarring or optic nerve problem was visible to any of the eye doctors I've been to, this makes me believe that it is very internal related to either eye vessels or eye nerves or nerve endings. Something is damaged in my eye but I don't know what, or what is causing this pain. The initial pain after a 6-7 month period concentrated in the lower party of my left eye ball. It is not the top but the bottom part of the eye ball where I feel the pain. This part must have been exposed to the hair dye that night. When I try to open my eye wide the pain intensity increases even more. I've been to a few optometrists, ophthalmologists and even a neuro-ophtalmologist. None of them could diagnose this eye pain problem that has ruined and continues to ruin my life! Something happened when that hair dye got in and diffused into my eye that night. Was it a severe allergic reaction that caused a permanent damage in the eye, I wish I had seeked medical attention right away but I waited so whatever damage it did I am now paying for it in a very painful way. I really hope that someone can HELP me! Please help me....
If it helps for information I used Revlon's permanent hair color with no ammonia.
Ingredients
Colorant Contains: Aqua (Water), Oleic Acid, Ethanolamine, Isopropyl Alcohol, PEG-2 Soyamine, Lauramide MEA, Lauryl Pyrrolidone, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Parfum (Fragrance), Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Wheat Amino Acids, Laneth 5, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Tributyl Citrate, Erythorbic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, p Phenylenediamine, 2 Metylresorcinol, Resorcinol, p Aminophenol, Resorcinol, m-Aminophenol, 4 Amino 2 Hydroxytolurne, Linalool, Citronellol-lol, Geraniol, Coumarin, Amyl Cinnamal
Cream Developer Contains: Aqua (Water), Hydrogen Peroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Steareth-10 Allyl Ether/Acrylates Copolymer, Amodimethicone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, C11-15 Pareth 7, Laureth 9, Glycerin, Trideceth 12, Disodium Phosphate, Phosphoric Acid, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Methylparaben, EDTA
In addition to this I was able to find this on the internet which of course made me realize what happened to my left eye could be a permanent damage. I am not sure how basic (PH Level?) of this chemical dye was either. Apparently if this PH value is greater than 11.5 irreversible damage occurs.
“DISCUSSION (http://www.eplasty.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=592&catid=49&Itemid=117)
Chemical burns to the eye represent a true emergency. Agents with the potential to cause ocular injury are often found in the home. The severity of injury correlates directly with the chemical involved, duration of contact, pH of the solution, and its penetration.1 Corneal epithelial damage may ultimately result in limbal ischemia and loss of limbal stem cells.2 The mechanism of injury and pathophysiology differs between acid and alkali burns. Alkali burn is a result of the dissociation into a hydroxyl ion and a cation in the ocular surface. The hydroxyl ion saponifies cell membrane fatty acids and causes lysis.3 This interaction allows deeper penetration into the corneal stroma causing denaturation of collagen and keratocyte destruction.3 Irreversible damage occurs at a pH value greater than 11.5. Acid burns cause protein coagulation, which prevents further penetration into the corneal stroma. Therefore, these burns are usually more superficial and do not tend to progress.4
Immediate, copious irrigation is the most important emergency treatment and should begin at the scene of injury5 (Fig 1). Morgan lenses facilitate irrigation effectively (Fig 2). A delay in irrigation is likely to result in corneal erosion and delayed healing.5 Sterile physiologically balanced saline solution reduces the chances of further damage to the eye; however, if this is unavailable, tap water can be substituted.5”
I truly hope that you may shed some light to my eye problem. I thank you in advance for your time and even reading this email for me.
AFTER 3.5 YEARS OF PAIN DO I ACCEPT THE FACT THAT I HAVE A PERMENANT DAMAGE IN MY EYES!!!
Best Answer
I STILL have pain and it never went away!
1 Comments
Then take some solace from it not getting worse or causing loss of sight.
Update-9 Oct 2012...the pain in my left eye still continues! Probably there is NO cure for this..I lost my hope.
5 Comments
I know this is way back from 2012 but could you give an update as of when the pain finally ended and what you did as a treatment.
I know this is way back from 2012 but could you give an update as of when the pain finally ended and what you did as a treatment.
Don't hold your breath for a response
You're right but as the person has lost hope so have I. I've gone to various eye doctors and have not found a cure. I'm on to 8 months since I got hair dye in my eyes and since then my eyes feel strained and dry.
Not all problems can be cured. If dry eyes is the main problem that is a chronic problem, 10 times more common in women than men and gets worse as we age. Read the posts on dry eyes and the blog on same on my home page. See an ophthalmologist that specializes in cornea and external disease. you may need to go on Restasis or Xiidra.
Dr. Hagan,
Today I contacted the optometry clinic for the diagnosis they had in my records. The first time I saw the doctor was 2 days after the accident in 2009 and in my records it did say I had inflammation in left eye with a statement " conjunctival alkali burn." During this visit my eyes were dialated to ease the pain for a few days and it did not make any difference. After I used the Flourometholane for one week and went to see him again he had a diagnosis of "iritis." I was told there was no scarring or burning tissue on the cornea which was a good thing but after 3.5 years I still have pain in the lower part of that left eye which started right after this accident and I don't agree with the comment from "achillea" above that it is unrelated. What I agree with is what is done is done and focus on what I can do now but I am also trying to find some answers as to if this could be a permanent damage due to the chronic pain. I am going to Afghanistan with this medical problem and not sure how I will cope with it there!Thank you so much for your time...
Today I contacted the optometry clinic for the diagnosis they had in my records. The first time I saw the doctor was 2 days after the accident in 2009 and in my records it did say I had inflammation in left eye with a statement " conjunctival alkali burn." During this visit my eyes were dialated to ease the pain for a few days and it did not make any difference. After I used the Flourometholane for one week and went to see him again he had a diagnosis of "iritis." I was told there was no scarring or burning tissue on the cornea which was a good thing but after 3.5 years I still have pain in the lower part of that left eye which started right after this accident and I don't agree with the comment from "achillea" above that it is unrelated. What I agree with is what is done is done and focus on what I can do now but I am also trying to find some answers as to if this could be a permanent damage due to the chronic pain. I am going to Afghanistan with this medical problem and not sure how I will cope with it there!Thank you so much for your time...
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If you had a serious alkali burn the cornea would be white, scarred, blood vessels growing over and through it and no problem with diagnosis at all.
On the other hand recurrent corneal erosions are one of the most missed diagnoses I see and some of the most grateful patients I take care of.
You really don't have much to lose. It's not expensive and if its going to help you should see an improvement in 3-5 weeks. Note however that treatment may need be continued indefinitely.
That's all I can say.
JCHMD
On the other hand recurrent corneal erosions are one of the most missed diagnoses I see and some of the most grateful patients I take care of.
You really don't have much to lose. It's not expensive and if its going to help you should see an improvement in 3-5 weeks. Note however that treatment may need be continued indefinitely.
That's all I can say.
JCHMD
Do exactly what Dr. Hagen recommends.
At this point, whether your burn was caused by an acid or a base is not relevant; the healing process has taken place and is almost certainly complete.
So, if you are still feeling pain now, it has a cause that is different from what produced the original injury--not unrelated, you understand, but different. You have to address what is going on now, not what happened in the past. This may even even be a mis-translation of pain within the brain itself.
I repeat, follow Dr. Hagen's instructions. If your newest doc suggests a pain management clinic, take his/her advice.
At this point, whether your burn was caused by an acid or a base is not relevant; the healing process has taken place and is almost certainly complete.
So, if you are still feeling pain now, it has a cause that is different from what produced the original injury--not unrelated, you understand, but different. You have to address what is going on now, not what happened in the past. This may even even be a mis-translation of pain within the brain itself.
I repeat, follow Dr. Hagen's instructions. If your newest doc suggests a pain management clinic, take his/her advice.
Dr. Hagan,
Thank you so much for your quick reply! I've kept blaming myself for what I did or did not do when this happened 3.5 years ago Not rinsing it long enough was my #1 mistake and the fact that I did not seek medical attention right away was another one. This happened on a Sunday night and I finally saw an optometrist on Wednesday. I think the hair dye created enough damage in the eye to cause me pain for the last 3.5 years. Based on your experience will you be able to say that even though there was not proper or long enough irrigation of the eye that night and looking at the drops I've been prescribed (in this order: Flourometholane, Lotemax, Acular...) that my eye would/could heal with no long-term issues such as damage in the nerve endings? The pain is always there like a painful electric current in only one location. That is the best way I can explain the pain. When I open my eye wide the pain increases, intensity also varies, nothing makes it feel better. The only time I don't feel it is when I sleep.
I believe the first rinse with the most concentrated dye got in my eye when I blinked as a reaction it was mostly in my lower part of my eye ball. Having no ammonia was another reason I took this lightly as if the rest of the dye was not toxic enough! Would you categorize the hair dye as basic or acidic? I believe this was an alkaline burn even though it had no ammonia...not sure what all the other chemicals represent in the listed ingredients above. This is what I was able to find on the internet:
Alkali injury
The severity of chemical burn injury is directly proportional to the surface
area of contact on the cornea and the depth of penetration of the
substance. Alkalis penetrate into the eye more readily than do acids. The
hydroxyl ion of a base causes saponification of the fatty acids within
the cornea, resulting in epithelial cell disruption and death. The associated
cation then penetrates toward deeper structures. Depending on the degree
of penetration, a number of structures may suffer injury, including the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, the basement membrane, stromal keratocytes, the lens, stromal nerve endings, the episclera, the iris, and the ciliary body.
So there could be a damage in the stromal nerve endings...I don't know if this is ever reversible...I feel so hopeless!
Thank you so much for your quick reply! I've kept blaming myself for what I did or did not do when this happened 3.5 years ago Not rinsing it long enough was my #1 mistake and the fact that I did not seek medical attention right away was another one. This happened on a Sunday night and I finally saw an optometrist on Wednesday. I think the hair dye created enough damage in the eye to cause me pain for the last 3.5 years. Based on your experience will you be able to say that even though there was not proper or long enough irrigation of the eye that night and looking at the drops I've been prescribed (in this order: Flourometholane, Lotemax, Acular...) that my eye would/could heal with no long-term issues such as damage in the nerve endings? The pain is always there like a painful electric current in only one location. That is the best way I can explain the pain. When I open my eye wide the pain increases, intensity also varies, nothing makes it feel better. The only time I don't feel it is when I sleep.
I believe the first rinse with the most concentrated dye got in my eye when I blinked as a reaction it was mostly in my lower part of my eye ball. Having no ammonia was another reason I took this lightly as if the rest of the dye was not toxic enough! Would you categorize the hair dye as basic or acidic? I believe this was an alkaline burn even though it had no ammonia...not sure what all the other chemicals represent in the listed ingredients above. This is what I was able to find on the internet:
Alkali injury
The severity of chemical burn injury is directly proportional to the surface
area of contact on the cornea and the depth of penetration of the
substance. Alkalis penetrate into the eye more readily than do acids. The
hydroxyl ion of a base causes saponification of the fatty acids within
the cornea, resulting in epithelial cell disruption and death. The associated
cation then penetrates toward deeper structures. Depending on the degree
of penetration, a number of structures may suffer injury, including the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, the basement membrane, stromal keratocytes, the lens, stromal nerve endings, the episclera, the iris, and the ciliary body.
So there could be a damage in the stromal nerve endings...I don't know if this is ever reversible...I feel so hopeless!
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1. Use the search feature and read the many posts about recurrent corneal erosions.
2. Try putting Muro 128 ointment in both eyes at bedtime, do not sleep under a fan or with air moving across your face. Do this each and every night for at least a month to see if it helps. In the AM when you wake up do not rub your eyes hard. If they want to stick shut go in bathroom and splash warm water in eyes. Once you get them open put in something like Systane gel or Genteal Gel or Refress-gel.
3. Make an appointment with a cornea/external disease specialist. When you go in do not let the techs put any drops in your eye at all. Insist on seeing the Eye MD corneal physician first. Ask him to look at your cornea and rule out recurrent corneal erosions or basement membrane disorder.
JCH MD