eye problems

[wrenn]

I noticed that my eye had been dry and sore for a few nights and assumed it was from a mask leak (I sleep well so it doesn't wake me up). I now have what my doctor thinks could be shingles around my eye but I am wondering whether it could be from my mask leaking.

Has anyone had something like this? I guess it is probably unrelated but I sometimes worry that I am not keeping the damned thing clean enough. gah

[jdm2857]

Shingles is caused by the Herpes Zoster virus -- the same virus that causes Chicken Pox.

Sometimes the virus is able to hide in the body for years (usually in nerves) and then flare up later. This is called Shingles.

So if you indeed have shingles, it's not from your xPAP.

[harry33]

eye problems from cpap use are common and mysterious, some blame airleaks from top of mask despite most people sleeping with their eyes closed
some say air can be forced the wrong way up the tear ducts from the nose
some say its an allergic reaction to the silicone rubber of the mask

[Tom Holsinger]

Wrenn, go see an optometrist and/or your family doctor immediately, and see if you have a corneal tear (pronounced "tare", not "tere"). You might have a condition called "dry eye':

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_eye

I've had it for years, and felt an actual little rip in one eye upon waking up. I saw my optometrist for it and his examination showed a small tear ("tare") in the cornea. He recommended an over-the-counter form of artificial tears to be applied at night. I found a single initial application was insufficient, but there is a variety of it in gel form which is good for most of the night. The one I use is Genteal Lubricant Eye Gel, for severe dry eye.

http://www.amazon.com/GenTeal-Lubricant ... 512&sr=8-3

I've also had a long-term salivary deficiency which recently worsened dramatically in a few months, and my surgically cured sleep apnea then recurred. My family physician suspects I suffer from an autoimmune disorder which is responsible for both the dry eye and dry mouth condition. My sleep specialist today recommended various medications, including a saliva substitute (Salivart) or prescription Salagen, and a friend whose wife has a severe autoimmune disorder recommended Evoxac as that cured her severe dry mouth.

But you should definitely have that eye looked at by suitable health practitioner as soon as possible, and at least start using some over-the-counter artificial tears of some sort. Don't take any avoidable chances with your vision.

I noticed that my eye had been dry and sore for a few nights and assumed it was from a mask leak (I sleep well so it doesn't wake me up). I now have what my doctor thinks could be shingles around my eye but I am wondering whether it could be from my mask leaking.

Has anyone had something like this? I guess it is probably unrelated but I sometimes worry that I am not keeping the damned thing clean enough. gah

[jdm2857]

Tom, it think you mean corneal tear (as in rip). The cornea is the transparent covering over the iris and pupil.

The retina, on the other hand is the interior lining of the back side of the eye. It's where the cells that detect light are located.

[Tom Holsinger]

Thanks, I just fixed it.

Tom, it think you mean corneal tear (as in rip). The cornea is the transparent covering over the iris and pupil.

The retina, on the other hand is the interior lining of the back side of the eye. It's where the cells that detect light are located.

[wrenn]

Thanks for all the help. I think I was deluding myself into hoping it was somehow related to my mask so that I could justify getting the new Mirage Activa Lt. I'm not due for a new one yet with my plan.

I saw the doctor and it is indeed shingles so it is not related to the mask. I lie to myself so well.

I still asked for pre-authorization for that mask. I love the Mirage Activa and it has worked well for 3 years until recently. Maybe my old face is just getting droopier.

Anyway, I am going to keep an eye out for the dry eye thing because I was noticing dryness in the mornings and that I am sure is related to the mask.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated.