My Eye

My right eyelid had started to look puffy some time ago....over the summer, after watching The Shield with that black actor Forest Whitaker whose eye is like half shut, I decided that I had the same problem and I was doomed to yet another health condition that would eat away at my self-esteem.

Self-diagnosing via the Internet.

I went to the eye doctor on Wednesday, Dr. Dexter at Harbor Optical, and he asked me if I had noticed that my eyelid was puffy. Having chosen to try and forget about it and not wanting to discuss what I thought was a hopeless situation, I said yes, but I assumed my muscles were getting weak. And then I admitted it: I had used the Internet to diagnose myself.

He suggested next time, I ask my doctor.

"You're allergic to your own proteins," he stated.

"Really???"

"I just made that up" he teased me. Then assured me, that yes, I had heard right. The proteins from my body that were sticking onto my contact were creating an allergic reaction every time I put it back in my eye. I told him I was just surprised because it was NOT the answer I expected.

He gave me a new cleaning system which involves something with peroxide that kills all the proteins and eye drop to stick in my to help the swelling go down. If it doesn't work, that I have to switch contact "material". I don't want to go back to glasses and it isn't vanity. I hate how dirty and sweaty they get on my skin...how if it's hot or cold they steam. But he seemed to think we could find a solution.

For once, it was better that I predicted, not worse :)