Persistent Eye Irritation: Seeking the Right Specialist for Treatment

Q: Persistent Eye Irritation: Seeking the Right Specialist for Treatment

Hello Carrie： You mentioned that there is a protrusion on the sclera of your left eye with blood vessels over it, and that the appearance of these blood vessels varies. <br>Possible causes include： 1. <br>Degenerative changes accompanied by inflammatory phenomena. <br>2. <br>Scar

There is a foreign body protrusion on the sclera, and the eye is filled with blood vessels?

Hello Doctor! Currently, there is a protrusion in the sclera of my left eye, which is filled with blood vessels.
When the foreign body was not yet prominently protruding (just eye redness), I went for a follow-up at the clinic where I previously had laser surgery for my myopia.
At that time, the doctor only mentioned "eye inflammation" and prescribed me a bottle of anti-inflammatory eye drops.
However, after using the drops for two weeks, there was no improvement in the redness, and the protrusion in the sclera became more pronounced.
Therefore, I sought treatment at a larger hospital.
The doctor there stated that the reddened area was "inflammation," and the protruding part was due to "thickening of the scleral tissue," and mentioned that surgery would be necessary to resolve it.
Since I felt that the explanation was not very clear, I continued to use the two bottles of anti-inflammatory eye drops prescribed by the doctor.
However, after another two weeks, there was still no improvement, so I consulted another ophthalmologist.
The third doctor explained that the protrusion might be due to scarring from an injury, and the blood vessels were there to supply nutrients (which I found to be a more reasonable explanation).
He also stated that the protrusion could only be treated surgically and prescribed me two bottles of eye drops.
However, over the past week, I have noticed that the situation has worsened, and I really don't know what to do! Especially since I have seen three different doctors, each with different opinions.
Could you please advise me on which specialist I should consult for further examination? Thank you!

Carrie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/09/07

Dr. Hu Yusheng reply Ophthalmology

Hello Carrie: You mentioned that there is a protrusion on the sclera of your left eye with blood vessels over it, and that the appearance of these blood vessels varies.
Possible causes include: 1.
Degenerative changes accompanied by inflammatory phenomena.
2.
Scarring reactions following injury or surgery.
3.
Benign or malignant tumors.
4.
Complications of dry eye syndrome.
5.
Localized conjunctivitis or episcleritis or scleritis.
6.
Local infections, among other causes.
These conditions can sometimes occur simultaneously, but the emphasis on each may differ depending on the perspective of the examining physician.
It is advisable for you to consult an ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Sincerely, Dr.
Hu Yu-Sheng, Ophthalmology.

Reply Date: 2005/09/07

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a challenging situation with your eye health, and I understand how concerning it can be to receive varying opinions from different doctors. Based on your description, it seems you have a persistent issue with your left eye that involves both inflammation and a protruding mass on the sclera (the white part of the eye). Given the complexity of your symptoms and the lack of improvement despite treatment, it is crucial to seek the right specialist for further evaluation and management.

In your case, I would recommend consulting with a cornea specialist or an ocular surface disease specialist. These specialists have advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the cornea, sclera, and overall ocular surface. They can provide a more in-depth examination and may utilize specialized imaging techniques to assess the condition of your eye more accurately.
The symptoms you describe—persistent redness, inflammation, and a protruding mass—could be indicative of several conditions, such as a pinguecula, pterygium, or even a conjunctival cyst. A pinguecula is a benign growth on the conjunctiva that can become inflamed, while a pterygium is a growth that can extend onto the cornea and may require surgical intervention if it affects vision or causes discomfort. If the protrusion is due to scarring from a previous injury or surgery, a cornea specialist can assess whether surgical intervention is necessary and what the potential outcomes might be.

It is essential to communicate your concerns clearly with the specialist, including the timeline of your symptoms, the treatments you've tried, and the varying opinions you've received. This information will help them understand your situation better and guide them in determining the most appropriate course of action.

In addition to seeking a cornea specialist, you might also consider asking for a referral to a retina specialist if there is any concern about the underlying structures of the eye, especially if there is a history of retinal issues or if the protrusion is affecting your vision.
While waiting for your appointment, continue to use the prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops as directed, but avoid self-medicating or using over-the-counter drops without consulting your healthcare provider. It’s also important to monitor for any changes in your symptoms, such as increased pain, vision changes, or discharge, and report these to your doctor.

Lastly, if you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, it is perfectly reasonable to seek a second opinion from another specialist. Your eye health is paramount, and you deserve to have a clear understanding of your condition and the best treatment options available.

In summary, I recommend seeing a cornea or ocular surface disease specialist for a thorough evaluation of your eye condition. They will be able to provide you with a clearer diagnosis and discuss potential treatment options, including whether surgical intervention is necessary. Your proactive approach to seeking the right care is commendable, and I hope you find relief and clarity soon.

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