Eye Discomfort: Common Questions About Dry Eyes and More

Q: Eye Discomfort: Common Questions About Dry Eyes and More

Hello： <br>Q1. <br>I understand that dry eye syndrome can cause a foreign body sensation in the eyes, but can it also cause a feeling of pressure or pain in the eye socket? Dry eye syndrome can indeed cause a foreign body sensation in the eyes. <br>When the eyes lack sufficient t

Questions after the consultation?

Dear Dr.
Gao,
I have been experiencing some discomfort in my right eye over the past couple of days, specifically a foreign body sensation in the upper part of my right eye and a feeling of pressure and pain in the upper right orbit.
I visited an ophthalmology clinic, and the doctor diagnosed me with dry eye syndrome, prescribing artificial tears (gel drops) and a medication to relieve ocular muscle tension (muscle relaxant eye drops).
I would like to ask you the following questions:
Q1.
I understand that dry eye syndrome can cause a foreign body sensation in the eye, but can it also lead to a feeling of pressure and pain in the orbit?
Q2.
I noticed some dark discoloration below the white part of my right eye, so I asked the ophthalmologist to examine it.
The doctor mentioned it could be a nevus (mole) or a birthmark, stating that it has been there since birth and does not require treatment.
Can you clarify whether a birthmark and a nevus in the sclera refer to the same condition, or are there differences between the two?
Q3.
Based on your clinical experience, how common or rare is it for patients to have pigmentation deposits (birthmarks or nevi) in the sclera?
Q4.
I have noticed a few follicles below my right eye for several months and have previously used eye drops (antihistamine eye drops) without any improvement.
I informed the doctor about this situation, and he mentioned that as long as the eye condition remains stable, the follicles will gradually disappear, so no treatment was provided (nor was any medication prescribed).
What is your opinion on the doctor's assessment and approach? I am seeking your second opinion.
Q5.
In cases of conjunctival papillary hyperplasia, after the inflammation of the conjunctiva has resolved and the eye condition is stable, will the conjunctival papillae disappear, or once they have proliferated, will they persist indefinitely?
Thank you, Dr.
Gao.

Kris, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/04

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
Q1.
I understand that dry eye syndrome can cause a foreign body sensation in the eyes, but can it also cause a feeling of pressure or pain in the eye socket? Dry eye syndrome can indeed cause a foreign body sensation in the eyes.
When the eyes lack sufficient tears, the surface becomes dry, leading to sensations of foreign body presence, burning, and redness.
Additionally, dry eye syndrome may also cause a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the eye socket, as the dry surface can irritate the nerves around the eyes, resulting in discomfort and pain.
Q2.
I have some dark discoloration below the white part of my right eye, so I consulted an ophthalmologist.
The doctor said it is likely a birthmark or mole, which has been present since birth and does not require treatment.
Can you clarify, Dr.
Gao, are the terms "birthmark" and "mole" referring to the same condition in the context of the white part of the eye, or is there a difference? Birthmarks and moles on the white part of the eye are essentially similar, as both involve pigment deposition.
A birthmark typically refers to a pigmented area present at birth, while a mole is a pigmented spot that develops later in life.
In most cases, these pigmentations are harmless and do not require treatment unless there are significant changes or concerns about malignancy.
Q3.
Following up, Dr.
Gao, based on your clinical experience, are patients with pigment deposition (birthmarks or moles) on the white part of the eye common or rare? The presence of pigment deposition on the white part of the eye is not uncommon.
Most of these pigmentations are benign and do not warrant concern.
If there are any doubts, it is advisable to have regular check-ups to monitor for changes.
Q4.
I have noticed a few follicles below my right eye for several months and have previously received eye drops (Antihistamine Eye Drops) but they have not disappeared.
I informed my doctor about this situation.
The doctor said that if the eye condition remains good, the follicles will gradually disappear, so no treatment was provided (nor were any medications prescribed).
What is your opinion on the doctor's assessment and management? The formation of follicles is usually associated with chronic conjunctivitis or eye allergies.
These follicles may indeed gradually disappear as the eye condition improves.
If the follicles persist without improvement, it may be worth considering a follow-up with an ophthalmologist to discuss whether further treatment, such as changing medications or conducting additional examinations, is necessary.
Q5.
Dr.
Gao, if there is conjunctival papillary hyperplasia, will it disappear after the inflammation of the conjunctiva resolves and the eye condition improves? Or once the papillae have hyperplastic, will they persist indefinitely? Conjunctival papillary hyperplasia is typically associated with chronic conjunctivitis or allergic reactions.
After the inflammation of the conjunctiva resolves, the papillary hyperplasia may gradually regress, but this process may take some time.
If the papillae do not regress and continue to persist, it is advisable to have regular ophthalmologic evaluations to monitor for changes and discuss whether further management is needed.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2024/07/04

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for your detailed inquiry regarding your eye discomfort and related symptoms. It’s essential to address each of your questions thoroughly to provide you with a better understanding of your condition.

Q1: Can dry eye syndrome cause a sensation of foreign body and pressure pain in the eye socket?
Yes, dry eye syndrome can indeed lead to sensations of foreign body presence and discomfort in the eye socket. When the eyes lack sufficient moisture, the corneal surface can become irritated, leading to symptoms such as a gritty or scratchy feeling. This irritation can extend to the surrounding tissues, including the eyelids and the eye socket, causing a sensation of pressure or pain. It’s crucial to maintain adequate lubrication through artificial tears, as prescribed by your doctor, to alleviate these symptoms.

Q2: Is there a difference between a nevus (mole) and a birthmark on the sclera?
The terms "nevus" and "birthmark" can sometimes be used interchangeably, but they may refer to slightly different conditions. A nevus is a specific type of pigmented lesion that can appear on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and is generally benign. A birthmark, on the other hand, is a broader term that can refer to any discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes present at birth, which may include vascular lesions or pigmented lesions. If your eye doctor has identified it as a nevus and indicated that it does not require treatment, it is likely benign.

Q3: How common are pigmented lesions (nevi or birthmarks) on the sclera?
Pigmented lesions on the sclera are relatively uncommon but not rare. They can occur in individuals of all ages and are often benign. Regular monitoring by an eye care professional is essential to ensure that there are no changes in size, shape, or color, which could indicate a need for further evaluation.

Q4: What is your opinion on the management of conjunctival follicles?
Conjunctival follicles can be a response to various irritants, including allergies or infections. If your eye doctor has assessed your condition and determined that the follicles are not causing significant issues, it is reasonable to monitor them. They may resolve on their own, especially if the underlying cause of irritation is addressed. However, if they persist or worsen, further evaluation may be warranted.

Q5: Do conjunctival papillae disappear after inflammation resolves?
Conjunctival papillae, which are often associated with allergic conjunctivitis or chronic irritation, may diminish or disappear once the underlying inflammation is resolved. However, in some cases, they can persist even after the initial cause of irritation has been treated. Regular follow-up with your eye care provider is essential to monitor their status and determine if any intervention is necessary.

In summary, your symptoms of dry eye and the associated discomfort can be managed with appropriate lubrication and care. It’s essential to maintain regular check-ups with your eye care provider to monitor any changes in your condition, especially regarding the pigmented lesions and conjunctival follicles. If you experience any new symptoms or significant changes, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation.

Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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