Dr. Gopal R. Damani
Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 22-year-old female. I have prominent red vessels all over my eyes that keep growing and patches of redness around my iris. They have been getting progressively worse over the past 4 to 5 years. These are always there regardless of the season or how much I sleep. I do not use contact lenses and have tried antihistamines and Sodium Cromoglicate. But nothing has helped. My eyes get triggered by anxiety and look worse or more red (which my GP says is stupid and not possible, but it does happen). Along with this, my eyes are always sore and achy, as if I have not slept. Pressing my eyeballs or applying supraorbital pressure gives them some relief. My dad also has dull red eyes like this. I wonder if it could be genetic? I am desperate for help and wonder if white scleral contacts would help cover my sclera? I also suspect if I suffer from erythromelalgia as my hands become bright red and itchy and sting when they get too warm or anxious. I wonder if my eyes could be linked to this too? I am attaching the photographs.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The photographs that you sent were of good quality, and I could make out the details well (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). These veins are the normal conjunctival and episcleral vessels. These vessels may be prominent in some people, as in your case. This can be perfectly normal for some, but sometimes it may be associated with raised episcleral venous pressure, which can be a precursor to glaucoma. Also, regarding the erythromelalgia you are concerned about, you should be evaluated with your physician once and for all so that any doubts creeping up in your mind will go away. Get yourself evaluated with your ophthalmologist for raised episcleral venous pressure and glaucoma and your physician for erythromyelgia.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for answering, and that is very reassuring. Is there anything I can do to reduce the appearance of the veins (such as cosmetic procedures, scleral contacts, etc.) Also, what can I do for the burning, achy sensation that is always there? I have tried all sorts of antihistamines and anti-allergy eye drops, but nothing has helped.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is not advisable to use any cosmetic procedures for the same, or at least not until the diagnosis is confirmed. For now, only use copious lubricating drops to relieve the symptoms until you get yourself diagnosed correctly, and then you can start the proper treatment and get relieved of your symptoms.
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Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
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