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Eye Bumps From Cat Allergies

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Posted 7/15/2010 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
The opthalmologists I've gone to all seem to be confused about the large bumps under my upper eyelids. They are caused by my cat allergies and are not filled with liquid, but are scar tissue. One doctor said that they weren't chalazions or styes because of this. One said it was an ocular infection. I've tried heat compresses, many medications, and discontinued use of make-up or contacts for months. They haven't worked and I don't think those are cures for whatever this is. I've had one for a year and a half (when exposed to one cat) and two new ones for the last month when exposed to multiple cats.

Has anyone ever heard of eye infections from cat allergies? I am dying to know what to do about it because they are irritating me and are starting to affect my eyesight. I am thinking of getting all three surgically removed, but they will just come back again.
Posted 7/15/2010 3:17 AM (GMT 0)
No, My eyes do itch sometimes from my allergies, but I've never got bumps.

Did the doctor ever mention you having a chalazion?

A chalazion is a lump of the lid that is caused by obstruction of an oil gland within the upper or lower eyelid. This lump may increase in size over days to weeks and may occasionally become red, warm, or painful.

The gland involved in the formation of a chalazion is a modified oil gland that lies within the eyelid. There are about 40 of these glands within each of the upper and lower lids. These glands secrete oil into the tears. When one of these glands becomes blocked, it can increase in size and cause a visible lump.

Although a sty is also a lump in the eyelid caused by obstruction of an oil gland, a chalazion is not a sty. A sty, or hordeolum, represents an acute infection of the gland. A chalazion is not an infection but is an inflammation of the area. Inflammation is a process in which the body reacts to a condition and produces a swelling, redness, pain, or warmth. A sty is usually more painful than a chalazion and may look infected.

Joy
Posted 7/15/2010 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your reply. I am aware of styes and chalazions. I am just very frustrated because I feel like no one is listening to me. The bumps are not chalazions or styes because they are not filled with liquid. This is what my doctors have told me after examination. Also, I didn't get these bumps from blocked oil glands, but from cat allergies. Two of them appeared the day I slept next to my cats. And the moment I am overly exposed to them by touching, I get my cat allergies, and when I do, these bumps swell and itch even more. I still don't understand what's going on.
Posted 7/15/2010 12:20 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry to hear about this issue. Anything to do with the eyes are just plain right frustrating, scary and confusing. I'm wondering if it could possibly be something else such as a cyst (and no, sometimes they are not filled with liquid but can be solid) and are aggravated from your allergies? What kind of doctor did you go to? Primary or specialist?
Posted 7/19/2010 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
I have the same thing! The doctor described them as "cobblestones for eyelids" I had been on Pataday eye drops which the Dr claims are not strong enough for my severe allergies (and I obviously feel!). I'm on some steroid eyedrops for a few weeks (with tapered dosing) then I will be switched to either Bepreve or Elestat. I've been on the steriod drops for 2 weeks now and still have a few to go. And yes, I've been stripped of my contacts and any eye makeup for the time being. Hope this helps.
Posted 7/20/2010 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
oh wow, i'm so glad i'm not the only one! what information did your doctor tell you in regards to if these are curable? does he think they will go away after all this steroid use? i've tried about 8 different steroids, and right now i'm using Acular. it doesn't seem to be doing anything. my doctor doesn't even know if these can go away and doesn't advise surgical removal because it will just cause scarring and may make it even worse (plus she thinks they will just come back again anyway). i'm thinking of just removing myself completely from animals to see if that does anything, but that might be difficult.
Posted 7/25/2010 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Have you seen an allergy specialist? Removing yourself from the allergen itself is the best way to allow the problem to heal. I haven't had any interaction with cats for 4 weeks and my bumps are almost gone. I just began allergy shots to improve my resistance to cats as well as my other allergy triggers to help-but these take years so I'm sure I'll develop the bumps again and have to have them treated. My best advice to you is to see an allergy doctor while getting your eyes treated so they can work on informing you of other preventative measures you can take around your house and environment as well as an oral medication. I hope this helps. I can't imagine having had these bumps as long as you have!

You can research cat allergies and stuff to do around the house at: achooallergy.com

They just sent me a catalog! =)
Posted 7/25/2010 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your info. I think I will try living without my cat to see how it goes and will make an appointment with an allergist. May I ask if the doctors said your bumps were filled with liquid? My concern about mine not going away is that mine are scar tissue and won't go away because of this.
Posted 7/25/2010 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
There are other medical conditions as well. Like Necrotizing Gramultious Inflamation, Tumors, extra fiber growths which are harmless, etc. My suggestion is to see your allergist and if they can not diagnose you, please get to an teaching hospital and have an eye institute on campus biopsy it. Half the time a biopsy is inconclusive, but there is the other half that gets answers. I could see even welch hives as a severe allergy happening.
Posted 8/1/2010 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure if mine are solid or liquid filled.  I did not think to ask...just the whole bumps in your eyelids thing was enough! You're right, if scar tissue has developed I doubt your eyes will every feel the way they used to but they may begin to feel a new "normal" that you'll begin to not notice.  I believe with the scar tissue its highly unlikely you'll be able to wear contacts again but thats something you'll have to discuss with your doctor.  Sorry I can't help much more! If I find anything out at my next appointment (Aug 11) I'll let you know!
Posted 8/14/2010 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Ok so I went to my appointment. Mine aren't liquid filled and they have decreased in size.

Have you tried living without your cat? Or seen an allergist?!
Posted 10/16/2010 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
I have exactly the same problem and it must be down to my parents cat. When I come home every year to visit I developed these horrible large lumps either in the upper or lower eyelids. When I am away from home, which is for about 10 months, the lumps eventually go.

I have been back home now for 3 weeks and I have developed the lumps again on both lower eyelids. I have now had this problem twice and before my parents had the cat, I never had this problem.

Can anyone give me advice? I cannot afford to move out for my last month of the visit and the cat is so lovely, what can I do????
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