Case series - Teary Golfer

Real Case #1:  Teary Golfer

In this series of blog posts, Dr Morris explores some real cases of dry eye management.  The purpose is to explore both dry eye symptoms as well as treatment options available.  These are real cases seen by Dr. Morris but names have been changed.

Cases are presented from patient perspective.

Case #1: Gus M. (65 years) - Retired

I have to figure out why my eyes tear so much.   It it like I am crying every time I go outside.  A little bit of wind or sun on the golf course and tears just stream down my face.  Nothing else is wrong.  My vision is blurry when I am tearing so much.  My reading glasses seem ok and my distance vision is fine.... better than my wife's.  My eyes don't hurt and I don't have any allergies.   What is going on?!

My Eye Appointment

There was nothing wrong with my vision 20/20!.  Although Dr. Morris took a look and showed me a photo of my eyelids.  My lashes had guk that I did not know was there.  When we talked about my lashes, I did realize that there were times my lashes felt itchy and I felt like pulling them.   He said that the guk and the related tearing was due to a infection of my lashes by something called demodex. 

Recommendations for Demodex Treatment

Dr. Morris gave me very clear instructions that the treatment for Demodex has to be done exactly as follows.   A special tea tree oil wipe is used before bed.   The solution from the wipe is rubbed into my lashes and eyebrows and left on overnight.

In the morning, the area around my eyes is cleaned with a soap.  Throughout the day i am to use drops to help my tears from evaporating too quickly - 2X per day.

Following Up

It has been two weeks since I started the wipes and drops.  Big difference!   No guk and no itchiness has meant a lot less tearing!