The eyes have it…
I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned going to the eye doctor for dry eyes. I decided, as a PSA for all of you, to share why. A few years ago, I had an ocular migraine. If you’ve never had one, when you do have one, it scares the bejeebers out of you! I’d been told, years ago, by an ophthalmologist to watch out for bright flashes as that could be my retina detaching. I have a history of those floaters as well as having a grandmother who went blind from macular degeneration. I’m very careful of my eyes. Or, so I thought!
A sight for sore eyes…
An ocular migraine is a weird thing. It’s like you’re looking at something, but there’s this weird kaleidoscope-ish aspect to it. When I had that first one, I called the eye doctor right away, sure my retina was detaching. Luckily, the receptionist had experience with ocular migraines and asked, after a bit, if it seemed like I was looking through a kaleidoscope. When I told her it was, she told me it was an ocular migraine and to go home, lie down and rest in a dark room. I didn’t have a headache…yet! When the headache hit, it was a doozy! Knock on wood, I haven’t had one of those since.
Seeing eye to eye…
A couple of months ago now, I had a weird sensation in one eye so I called the office again. Luck was shining on me that day because they had an opening. I went in and discovered I have dry eyes. The funny thing was I didn’t have any of the symptoms she described…at least I didn’t think I did. She prescribed an eye drop and a visit in a couple of weeks. When I went back, the condition of my eyes hadn’t improved. She then prescribed an even stronger eye drop and suggested IPL and red-light therapy. I decided to give the drops a chance in the hopes that they would correct my problem.
Keep an eye on it…
One of the things I had noticed, even at my first visit, was my left eye “felt” different from my right eye. It seemed like there was a spot on my eye. I wish I could convey that feeling, but I can’t. The doctor told me my eye was pitted. I’m guessing, though she didn’t say, it was my cornea, but I’m probably wrong. When I asked her how that could have happened, she asked me if I washed my eye makeup off every day. I am a fanatic about that and do, indeed, wash it off every day. I even double cleanse.
Having my eyes opened…
Then, I told the doctor I used a lash serum to make my lashes longer and thicker (which it definitely did). She said the serum probably had prostaglandins in it. Prostaglandins are a lipid your body naturally produces for many different reasons. Ordinarily, it’s a good thing. In fact, a synthetic form is used to treat glaucoma. But, it also creates dry eyes. When I got home, I checked, and wouldn’t you know it! My beloved serum (which is a bit on the spendy side) definitely had prostaglandins in it. Actually, it’s called isopropyl cloprostenate, a derivative of prostaglandins. Daggone it! I had just opened a tube and have another on standby. Needless to say, I threw them away.
Eye on the prize…
On Wednesday, I had the first of three IPL/redlight therapy sessions. Did y’all know you have glands at your lower lash line? I surely didn’t. Mine had become gummed up by years of tightlining and probably this lash serum. After the IPL treatment, the doctor used a tool to express those glands. My right eye was pretty clear, but my left eye looked like it was squirting butter…gross, I know! The doctor explained it this way: Your tear ducts express tears, and the glands express an oil which seals those tears over your eyes. My tears basically just evaporate as soon as I make them. Funny, they don’t do that when I’m crying at beloved musicals (see post here). I have two additional treatments scheduled. At that point, hopefully, I’ll be done with just a maintenance treatment every year or so.
In the blink of an eye…
Here’s the thing. The manufacturer of the lash serum I used does tell you not to get the product in your eyes. They even say to flush your eyes should that happen. But, this is a liquid serum you are running over your eyelids. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s unrealistic to think none of that will end up in your eyes. And, no, I’m not going to tell you the name of the lash serum. I’m just going to tell you to check the ingredients. Better yet, just google, “Does fill-in-the-blank contain prostaglandins?” My product does not, specifically, say prostaglandin. It lists another synthetic form of prostaglandin. Also, even though it looks fab and makes your eyes look bigger, stop the tightlining! It gunks up your eye glands!
Bright eyed and bushy tailed…
Nigel and I took photos of this beautiful Willow dress from April Cornell way back in April. He wasn’t able to stand for long periods of time, and the sun was shining a bit too brightly to get many good photos. I like the background of Friendship Gardens, but it’s hard to find places where the sun doesn’t create too much light. So, when I had my first photo shoot with my granddaughter, we included this dress. But, this dress! Oh, it is absolutely beautiful. The embroidery is the star of the show. Some may feel it is a bit too sheer, but I don’t mind. It could be a tad bit shorter, but not enough that I’ll do anything about it. Sorry, my friends, it doesn’t have pockets, either.
The Lewk!
I’m going to start with my jewelry! I found the necklace and earrings at the museum gift shop. Those little balls are glass! Yikes! I’ve stored them in their original box swaddled in cotton. These are the Shay sandals from Miz Mooz. They are as comfortable as they are cute! I really like the zipper on the side. I mean, could you imagine fastening all the little buckles? My hat is the Rose Sunhat which is, unfortunately, out of stock. I hope you saw my video on Instagram when I was trying to be Mary Tyler Moore!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t read ingredients. I just take it for granted that manufacturers have my best interests at heart. Let’s be honest. For the most part, the bottom line is the most important thing for big manufacturers. It’s up to us to educate ourselves. If not for that funny little blip in my eye, I would never have discovered I had dry eyes. I also wouldn’t have discovered the lash serum that gave me such long eyelashes was also creating problems in my eyes. One last little bit of information…did you know staring at a screen decreases the number of times you blink in a minute? It’s true. You blink less so your eyes dry out more. So, can we talk? Have you ever had an ocular migraine? Are your eyes scratchy and tired? Have you had an eye exam lately? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
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I love this outfit, Marsha.
Such a beautiful dress and perfect length on you, I think. And it gets three *** from me for no pockets! (I’m not a fan of pockets in dresses, skirts and trousers. Yes, they’re handy for a hanky or to slip hands into; however, they (usually) wreck the line of the dress/skirt/trousers.) For my money, I’d wear sandals/shoes that are less strappy so as not to detract from the dress. Finally… that hat!Fabulous! Regards, Mary.
PS – Thanks for the heads up on dry eye and lash lengthener – never knew that existed.
Thank you, Mary! I thought it was a good length, too. But, you know how you’re always second guessing yourself! I see what you mean about the sandals. I was hoping they wouldn’t show up as much as they did. Isn’t this hat fantastic? I will wear it often and with lots of things. You are very welcome about the information. I had no idea this existed, either!
Pretty dress Marsha. I hope that your eyes clear up soon.
Thank you so much, Rosie! The weird thing is that, other than the weird feeling in my left eye, I don’t really have any other symptoms. My eyes aren’t itchy, but they are tired a lot of the time. I just chalked that up to getting up with Mike several times a night.
Hi Marsha and your post absolutely resonated with me as I have dry eyes and the blepaharitis which is what leads to those glands getting blocked and yielding that awful creamy substance – instead of oil that lubricates the eyes. The explanation usually begins, ‘as you age….!!! Annoyingly as yet I cannot follow my usual eye hygiene routine in the operated eye and therefore what is developing…. one of those blepharitis styes!!!!
Indeed one has to be very careful with what one puts onto the eye especially anything with those ingredients. Never put on serum of the lashes as I guessed they would go into the eye.. Well, just like you I am rigorous in removing eye makeup, and then after that put on an eye cream, but what have I been using? Stuff from well-known good brands. But in fact I have just purchased from my optician, what to them is a new product: Optase Life, Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover and Optase Life, Sensitive Eye, Daily Renewal Cream. Both are approved by opthalmologists for skin around dry eyes and do not have those ingredients that cause irritation and dry eye. I see from the packet they are distributed in the US by Scope Health Inc.
And yes, I occasionally have one of those ocular migraines that look like an extraordinary long spiral of psychedelic black and white triangles going across my vision. Fortunately not recently!
Yay for that dress – love it. So white and fresh. Great informative post, Marsha!
Thanks, Penny! I love a good white dress, maybe even more than a black one! I’ve never had a stye but, perhaps, if I hadn’t gone to the eye doctor, that may have happened. I had no idea about glands around the eyes or even their function. Of course, my eye doctor is very young (well, everyone seems to be these days), but she didn’t say anything about my age as much as about the use of makeup around the eyes. She did say mascara was safe so that’s good. My eyes would positively disappear. I remember you writing about your blepharitis and how you used a spoon to express the gunk. I did try that, but, obviously, I couldn’t see if anything was coming out. I had already made the appointments for this treatment. I will have to see if they carry these products, and if not, perhaps, order them for the site you listed. I have always been very careful not to get things in my eye. But I figured this serum was a liquid and would, one way or another, end up in my eyes. And, it was ophthalmologist approved so I figured it would be OK if a bit got in my eyes. I really should write to the company and tell them they need to put more than just that little blurb about not getting it into your eyes. They should have a warning saying it can lead to dry eyes. Of course, they won’t listen to me.
I don’t use makeup and still have problems with the odd stye.
I can always tell if I had too much computer time, but have an eye spray which works well for me. I have tried drops and another spray, but that one works best and brings rather quick relief. I should use it more often beforehand, but I keep forgetting.
Good for you finding out about the serum!
That’s a really cute dress. I would love it in a long version myself for the vintage vibe that I like.
Thanks, Cat! Oh, this would be beautiful as a long dress! It’s actually a lot like their nightgowns so I suppose you could do that. April’s nightgowns are exquisite! I do use my iPad way too much because that’s where I read books. I started during Covid and find it so much easier than going to the actual library which always has construction going on and never enough parking. It’s a new building, too, so it lacks that wonderful old paper and leather smell of an old library. The drops seem to help quite a bit. I’m hoping, after the next two sessions, that the weird feeling in my left eye will be gone along with the “butter.”
I have had such headaches in the past. The last one is about 20 years ago and I thought my head would explode, what a pain! So you see what some products can do, damage wise. What a fantastic dress and even more fabulous sandals! LOve the colour of those!
Thank you, Nancy! I wasn’t sure I’d like the sandals as they had mixed reviews. But, I really like all the straps. I think there are many things I can wear with these, too. I used to get migraines every month when I was on birth control. They were awful. I’d have to just lie down in the dark and wait them out. I really am thinking about writing the company and saying they should put a warning on their product. Little good it would probably do!
Reading your post today was certainly an eye opening experience, lol! Honestly, who knew all those things or even thought about them. I don’t use lash serums because the whole idea scares me. Since my eyesight has declined and I need glasses 24/7 I have a new appreciation for the sight I once took for granted. I miss being able to read without assistance.
This white dress is just lovely! It’s soft and beautiful and perfect for summer! You wear this so well Marsha!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you, Kellyann! Shhh…don’t tell anyone…when I first opened the box, I thought it was a nightgown! April’s nightgowns are very similar in fabric and embroidery. I have some that are really old and got stained somehow. I’ve been thinking about either dyeing them or cutting them off. Of course, I’ll actually do nothing! I am naive. The website said the product was ophthalmologist approved so I figured it was OK. In fact, it says it can irritate the eyes. Now, I assumed the actual eyeballs when they probably meant the eyelids. Either way, I think they are a little deceptive in their marketing. I have worn glasses and/or contacts since second grade. I miss wearing contacts, but I haven’t ever had any luck with bifocal contacts. So, I use glasses as a fashion accessory. I thought about Lasik, but they told me I would have to use reading glasses so what’s the point. Also, I sometimes take off my glasses for really close work when I’m sewing or knitting. I wouldn’t be able to do that had I done the Lasik. Of course, it could be different now. My sister had cataracts, and she opted to have a bifocal lens put in. I know I have a baby cataract so I will have to think about that when the time comes to take care of it. Oh, the joys of getting more mature!
That is such a pretty dress! I don’t use make up or much of any products on my face (other than a cleanser that gets the Yuka approval) but I do try so hard to keep up on all the additives and ingredients in everything I put on and in my body… and it’s exhausting! But all we can do is learn and move on from there. Hopefully those last few treatments will get everything all fixed up for you for good.
Thank you, Joanne! I try to use clean products, too. This particular lash serum was ophthalmologist approved so I figured it was OK. I suppose it is if it never gets into your eyes. You’re right. We live and we learn. This was just an expensive lesson for me!
Oh..I want to express those glands under my eyes…I bet mine are clogged too.
XOXO
Jodie
AND love the dress…it’s so iconic for summer.
Thanks, Jodie! I really like the embroidery (just wish it had pockets). I bet you could find a YouTube video about it. She had a little tool to do it. I don’t think she unclogged them. I think she was just checking to see how well the first treatment had gone. I’m learning so much even though I’m also paying quite a bit for it! The weird thing is I now notice how tired my eyes are. I just thought it was because my sleep has been so disrupted since Mike’s surgeries. But, that’s a symptom of dry eyes.
I bet you could add pockets since you’re handy that way!
Xoox
Jodie
I’m not sure since there’s a tier right where the pocket would be. I think you give me more credit than I deserve!
The outfit and white dress is lovely with those sandals. I actually have an eye exam coming up. We use our screens so much I always take a break to help with eye strain. Wishing you the best with the continued treatments. /Madison
https://fashiontalesblog.com
Thanks so much, Madison. I really like this dress even though it doesn’t have pockets. It’s truly a one and done. I knew there is information about how the screens affect your brain (like you should shut them off long before going to bed), but I was surprised to learn we actually blink a lot less when using them. I appreciate your good wishes, and good luck with your eye exam!
I had no idea about this ingredients in lash serums! Thanks for the lesson, I will check my asap. My mom’s husband had a detached retina and it was no party so I’m glad you are being careful and going to the doctor. Love this white dress and I adore the hat on you!
https;//www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! When I looked at the ingredients, it doesn’t list prostaglandins. But, if I googled does ___ have prostaglandins, the reply was yes. I took the list to my eye doctor, and she pointed out the synthetic prostaglandins. I hope your mom’s husband recovered well.
I try to read ingredients before purchasing, but there are so many out there that you wouldn’t know would be a problem, like in your lash serum. Absolutely love your dress! It’s so light and airy! The embroidery is gorgeous!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! I think the embroidery is amazing! I looked, specifically, at the ingredient list after my first appointment. When I showed my doctor the ingredients, she immediately honed in on the synthetic prostaglandin so it’s really difficult to find things, right?
I love the way you weave fashion and other content together… and your play on words is so creative! So many good tips here – I especially need to pay attention to the screen time and it’s relationship to dry eyes! You look adorable in that dress and hat!
Thanks, Laura! I just can’t write a post without writing! I’m glad you enjoy it. I don’t use my iPad and iPhone that much, but I thought the laptop was different. I’m such a goof sometimes! Thank you so much for the compliments, too!
This dress is a dream!! 😍 You look gorgeous in it.
Thank you so much, Edi! I love the embroidery!
Hi, I haven’t used any lash serums because I have contact dermatitis so I’m afraid of using any products that might make me break out in some kind of reaction. It’s interesting to hear about the strange shapes, etc., that you were seeing and what the causes are. It happened to me once and made me stop procrastinating about going to a glaucoma institute. They did a simple laser procedure to open up the channels behind my eyes. I’m always so thankful to have eyesight! P.S. Your dress is beautiful – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thank you, Angie! That ocular migraine was so very strange because I could see it even with my eyes closed. I was so lucky the receptionist recognized the symptoms and could tell me what to do. I thought I was OK since the product was “ophthalmologist” approved. and, thanks for the compliments on the dress!
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That dress is super pretty!
Ooof that all does not sound very fun!! I am glad that you have found some causes and methods of treating it!
Thank you, Erin! I hope everything comes back normal after all the money I’m spending…yikes!
I do have ocular migraines! The last one I had was probably five years ago but they were the scariest things. Mine were triggered by bright lights or something reflecting off of something .The first one I had sent me to the ER. I thought I was having a stroke. The second one happened right after I pulled into the driveway with my kids. The middle of my vision went blurry and started to disappear and then spread and a flashing light started. I was terrified and called my mom crying. She talked me through it and I didn’t go anywhere that time. Later, though, I asked a doctor and she acted like it was no big deal. I had one more after that, drank pickle juice, which I had read about in a forum and it went away faster.
I didn’t get headaches after the first two but did after the last one. It wasn’t horrible but it was what I would just describe as a weird headache. These also seemed to be connected to my hormones, as they would happen a week to two weeks after my period ended.
I also have horrible floaters, am near-sighted, have a grandmother who had macular degeneration, and had my eye doctor tell me what to watch for with a torn retina.
It all terrifies me!! It’s nice knowing there are others who have gone through it too.
I had never had one before or since. I don’t even know what triggered it because we were just driving along when that weird kaleidoscope thing started happening. I’ve never heard of drinking pickle juice. I guess I’d better buy some pickles. Now, I used to get migraines all the time back in the 70s when I was on the pill. The week I wasn’t on it I would get migraines that would send me to bed in a darkened room. I also have really bad floaters which is really what sent me to the eye doctor this last time. I thought it was an ocular migraine. I had forgotten it was a really big floater that just needed to settle. Then, all the other things came up. I am so near sighted, I can’t see five inches in front of my face. I’ve worn glasses since second grade. And, my grandma Luderman had macular degeneration. So, whenever something happens, I make sure to get to the eye doctor. She tells me my macula are in great shape! Thanks, Lisa!
Oh geez, an ocular headache sounds terrible. I know something about the eyes, since both parents taught the blind, and I would hear of different diseases et. I would be on the phone calling too. My husband has dry eyes. Dont you hate it when its a product you really love and you have to get rid of it. Good Idea, though. I love love this feminine, pretty summery dress on you!
jess
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.cm
Thanks, Jess! I have only had the one, but it was really weird. Once I found out it wasn’t my retina detaching, it was actually kinda cool…until the headache set in. That was the first migraine I’d had in decades. What does your husband do for his dry eyes? It seems like it’s a really big thing but relatively unknown.