I have been having trouble with my right eye. This started about 3 years ago.

The specialist (who was more arrogant than ANY surgeon I have ever met), said what has happened is that I hurt my cornea once, then at night my eyelid is bonding to the injured area and when I open my eyes in the morning - further damage occurs.

He has given me some drops to "toughen up" my corneas. I am only 58 - why are my corneas in need of "toughening up"? Are they just weak hereditarily or is this some post radiation effect.

I had 32 radiation treatments to the left side of my mouth/neck in 2004, then 30 more to the right side in early 2008. Could scatter radiation be a factor?

Thought I would check and see if anyone else has had this problem.

Thanks.

Donna

Donna - I don't think I've ever heard of anyone having this kind of problem but maybe someone else will know and can check in here. I wonder if the arrogance of the specialist you saw could possible be due to his inability to come up with something more explicit than what he told you? Maybe a radiation oncologist familiar with oral cancer would have a better idea or a better answer for you. Or get a second opinion from a different specialist.

I've not had the cornea issues but my eyesight has been somewhat fried by the cisplatin,... ugh! Hope you get things sorted out soon chickie! hugs

I have e mailed my radiation oncologist asking him if corneal erosion is a long term side effect that he has come across before. If so, I have asked for a referral to an ophthalmologist with experience with radiated patients.

For now, I'm working on ways to get "I didn't see that" to work to my advantage. House needs cleaning?? "I didn't see that!"

Donna

Awesome good tactic to employ even when you're healed good luck!

Pandora;
I don't know about the radiation machines used on you, but DO know, that radiation from shorting power in electrical panels has welded cornea to contact lenses, when these unfortunate people removed their lenses, the cornea ripped out with the lenses.
This was published in Maintenance Trade alerts I saw, in 1987 or 1988, warned us all to switch to glasses, when working on energized power panels.
Don't know if contact lenses were glass or plastic, did you wear contacts during radiation?
Glad you are consulting proper eye authorities about possibility that radiation machines used on you, could have caused the damage.

There is a HUGE difference in personally shorting a 110/220 volt line and scatter from radiation therapy.

Donna

Just like you to try for a new radiation side effect; maybe it could be the Pandora effect when it's written up in medical journals.
Corneas get scratched easily and I had to quit wearing contacts years ago because of cornea issues. This could be a coincidence not causal. Still, I would switch ophthalmologists or ask a sharp optician (who often know more practical remedies since they are not licensed to do surgery just prescribe lens)
Your concerns should not be so lightly dismissed. The problem is real, it's not your responsibility or role to ascertain the cause, that's the doctor's job.
Charm

Thanks Charm. Yes, I do feel like I've had every side effect in the world, but then I did have TWO sets of radiation to the head/neck (32/30) which doubles my complaint allowance . I have agreed to participate in a clinical trial for dry eyes which gets me to a different ophthalmologist and gets me free eye drops so all good.

Thanks for the replies - good know know what others experience. I continue to wait for my biopsy results and yes, Charm, if I do have another silk stitch being rejected by my body after 4 1/2 years, my doctor said HE will write me up for the medical journals. For the time being, he doesn't "think" the new lump is anything - I am waiting (MUCH more patiently/calmly this time) - and yes, sometimes a lump is just a lump.

Donna

The lump was, apparently just a lump. Got a call from the Surgeon today with the biopsy results. He said results were "good", but sounded reserved so I will confirm at my April appt that there was nothing intended in his lack of superlatives!! Yes, it is a difficult task to be MY doctor!!! In the interim, HAPPY DANCE - I will head to the ISLAND to mix the first pitcher of margaritas-salted rims . Come one,come all

Thank God and thank all of you for your concern and help. Till the next lump..........

Donna