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Eye patch advice

Lochaberlass
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My story is in my profile. I lost my eye 11 r ago due to radiotherapy side effects.. I'm currently being investigated for osteomyelitis/ osteoradionecrosis skull base. The likely outcome seems to be osteoradionecrosis, Im waiting on a white cell scan to maybe clarify this. My immediate problem is my eye prosthesis is falling out my eyelids have almost entirely disappeared. I have to wear an eye patch in public. I have to try putting the prosthesis in as its painful with nothing. can you recommend adhesive patches I could wear every day, or something soothing for the eye socket.  I'm waiting on an Ophthalmology appt  but am not sure they would consider surgical intervention until the ? infection issue has been clarified. 

  • Dear Lochaberlass,

    Thank you for getting in touch and I hope that you are finding our online community beneficial.

    My name is Isobel one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist, on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to read that you are having problems with keeping your eye prosthesis in place, and the pain that results when it is not in place. I can only imagine how difficult this must be.  

    Unfortunately, we cannot recommend one product over the other. There are many types of adhesive eye patches available, and we would recommend exploring these to find one that works best for you. We would suggest speaking to your local pharmacist to discuss what options they have available. You could also use the service of a Boots, Macmillan Information Pharmacist, they would speak to you in confidence, in a private area or a consultation room (if one is available). All discussions are confidential.

    Over a long time, the eye socket contour can change, previous treatments such as your previous radiotherapy can add to this. Resulting, as you are experiencing, the prosthesis no longer fitting correctly. This change of shape can cause pockets of space between the eye and the tissues, which can fill with tears. Salts will leak out of the tears and irritate the socket and eyelid tissues which, in turn, produce mucoid material. We would recommend having the socket assessed to check for inflammation caused by any irritation.

    I see that you are waiting on an ophthalmology appointment, they will be best placed to carry out a full assessment. However, as this is an immediate challenge that you are facing, your GP should be able to examine the socket and prescribe an appropriate treatment. They could also contact your ophthalmology department to take further advice.

    The National Artificial eye service, may also be able to give you more detailed, specific information for the challenges that you are facing.

    In most instances a surgeon would want any infection to be treated before carrying out an intervention, however this does depend on individual circumstances and the need for surgery. They will discuss this at you appointment in much more detail.

    I hope this information is helpful, and the challenges you are currently facing can be addressed very soon.

    Best wishes,

    Isobel Y, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

     

    Ref/ IY/EM

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