Hello women out there! I have a concern that seems silly but really bothers me: my appearance. Since starting Imatinib five months ago, my eyes are swollen and red and it is very uncomfortable to wear makeup so I don't like the way I look. Has anyone found any solutions to this? Makeup brands that are not irritating, or ways to mitigate the puffy, sensitive eyes? Thank you! Justine
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Hello Justine
I sympathise with the puffy eyes - when I started on imatinib 8 years ago I found them really irritating. It did improve gradually over the months, and now I have almost forgotten what it was like. Luckily for me, I've never been one for much make-up, but simple eye drops can help. You can get them over the counter at any chemist. Alternatively, could you invest in some dark or shaded glasses to wear when they are really bad? I seem to remember my eyes were at their worst in the morning, and gradually improved during the day.
Perhaps someone else may have other suggestions!
Olivia
Hi Justine,
I have had this problem for 11 years and eyelid odema is common side effect of Imatinib/Glivec.
I look as if I have had no sleep for a week or as if I have been crying all night or sometimes like the aftermath of a boxing match.In terms of eyelid hygiene I use Blephasol solution (the condition is termed blepharitis by the way) .Every morning take some cotton wool or a swab and wipe a litle blephasol across the eyelids to cleanse away any discharge from conjuntivitis;alternatively use a swab or some lint that has been paced in hot water and squeeze before applying to the eyelids , as a hot press, with them preferably closed. I get my Blephasol on prescriptions but most opticians will have it in stock or can order and it costs about £10.
An alternative is to use a eye wash preferably one with a lot of plant statins in the contents-wash out for 45 secs each eye.I use Visulize and if not in a health shop I buy on Amazon 6 at a time.Or try Boots eye wash which has some plant statins in it.
Somtimes I have very sore or red and raw corners in the eyelids and then put on Lacri-Lube eye ointment -it is a bit greasy but it is soothing and does not irritate the eyes ;it is available off prescription.
If you ever get haemoraging of the vessels in the eye you may need an antibiotic like Fucithalmic eye ointment-I keep one with me all the time at home.If the imatinib puts pressure on the optic nerve then you might need to have this checked with an opthalmic specialist at hospital.
It might be regretfully that eye make up needs to be abandoned for the time being
Regards
John