unexplained eye scratches

[Theophan]

A question: sometimes I wake up with what appears to be a very bad scratch on my eye - can't open it due to pain. Never happened until this year. Anyone have any ideas?

It is debilitating and have to keep it closed tight with a blindfold or strong tape for at least a day. This time almost 2 full days.

Help!

Theophan

4 X this year so far.

[Elizabeth-Maria]

A question: sometimes I wake up with what appears to be a very bad scratch on my eye - can't open it due to pain. Never happened until this year. Anyone have any ideas?

It is debilitating and have to keep it closed tight with a blindfold or strong tape for at least a day. This time almost 2 full days.

Help!

Theophan

4 X this year so far.

My dad used to scratch himself during his sleep.
There is some kind of weird disease going around that causes people to itch intensely.

The other possibility -- Do you have a cat or dog that sleeps with you?

If you think you might be scratching yourself, then wear gloves or a pair of socks to cover your fingers. Keep your nails trimmed too.


My prayers.

[Theophan]

I was told that people with autoimmune diseases sometimes get very dry eyes that feel like scratches and to use artificial tears without the reddening stuff in them. I will try coverin my hands, though it will be difficult since I fall asleep with me prayer beads. But I will figure something out. Thank you so much.

Perpetua has been feeling the itching lately - any idea about that?

[Elizabeth-Maria]

I was told that people with autoimmune diseases sometimes get very dry eyes that feel like scratches and to use artificial tears without the reddening stuff in them. I will try coverin my hands, though it will be difficult since I fall asleep with me prayer beads. But I will figure something out. Thank you so much.

Perpetua has been feeling the itching lately - any idea about that?

The dry eye solutions found in drug stores contain chemical preservatives that can cause problems. Instead of using those drops, see if there is a pure saline solution that you can pour into an eye cup.

Whenever my eyes itch, then I will make some eyebright tea and drink it, but I save a little to put into an eye cup. I rinse my eyes washing the cup and using a fresh solution for each eye. Chain drug stores such as Rite-Aid may not have the glass eye cups. I had to go to a privately owned drug store.

I have found that drinking hot tea (not too hot) helps my eyes. Seniors tend to get dehydrated easily and dehydration causes dry eye. My doctor told me that if I do eye exercises and look around the room without turning my head (circular motions of the eyes), then that helps to lubricate the eyes. And when I just did the exercise, I did feel my eyes lubricating, so that does work. Therefore, it is a combination of eye exercise and drinking adequate amounts of water. Sitting at the computer or reading a book for lengthy periods does have a negative impact on the eyes unless you take a quick break and twirl your eye balls about every 15 minutes or so.

We had several fires this week (one in Glendale and one in Tujunga), so I have been sick and could not go to the Divine Liturgy today. A transient started a camp fire that took out an acre near our house. Water dropping helicopters put a quick end to both fires, but still the effects of smoke has left me weak, with eyes itching, and a little pain in my ears. Also I may be battling a mild case of the flu because I do have muscle pain in my neck, occasional cold sweats, and headaches.

[Theophan]

Thank you for all the good information.

I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I know the after effects of fires, especially that terrible smell when the ground is still wet, yet smoldering. We get fires usually one or more timed per year that come all the way down to our field, about 100 feet from our mobile home - so it is something we have had to get used to - yet, the smell is never pleasant. However, after the following rains, the fields blossom with every hue of green and gold and many colors from wild flowers. Fortunately I do not have allergy problems anymore, so this is one of the few things I can still enjoy. Time to get ready for the monastery - whether or not I will end up going I do not know. That is how it was this Sunday - all ready for Church but then could not make it. God is in control and has His reasons for specifically placing us where we are - and it is there that we find Him - thank God He is everywhere present. . . .

[Elizabeth-Maria]

Thank you for all the good information.

I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I know the after effects of fires, especially that terrible smell when the ground is still wet, yet smoldering. We get fires usually one or more timed per year that come all the way down to our field, about 100 feet from our mobile home - so it is something we have had to get used to - yet, the smell is never pleasant. However, after the following rains, the fields blossom with every hue of green and gold and many colors from wild flowers. Fortunately I do not have allergy problems anymore, so this is one of the few things I can still enjoy. Time to get ready for the monastery - whether or not I will end up going I do not know. That is how it was this Sunday - all ready for Church but then could not make it. God is in control and has His reasons for specifically placing us where we are - and it is there that we find Him - thank God He is everywhere present. . . .

I hope and pray that you remain well. If you did make it to the monastery, please share. I read in their newsletter that 10 nuns from St. Barbara Monastery have gone up to Northern California into the wine country to live in an already custom built monastery for women. I hope Holy Assumption Monastery prospers and grows. The Lord does provide.

[Theophan]

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Though I missed DL Sunday morning, I was able to go with the family and some neighbors to the Friends meeting at St. Barbara Monastery. This was my first time back since the oral surgeon began removing my teeth. I guess I had not shared -

After two consults it was determined to remove all my remaining teeth and fit me for dentures. It too about 3 months to remove all of them, and I was not in any condition to go to Church, let alone the monastery. Mother Victoria and Mother Melania assured me we were remembered and prayed for often - the are truly wonderful people - and so are those who regularly attend the monthly meetings.

I do not know the name of the woman who was speaking, but she just returned from a short term mission trip to Zimbabwe. It was fascinating and very edifying to hear of their hardships and dedication. Some churches have up to 800 people showing up on Sunday mornings, many of them walking over ten miles because the buses are too expensive! And we think we have it bad. I was also impressed that Orthodox and Catholic women and many men where a kind of uniform to let others know their faith. I was particularly drawn to this. Orthodox where white and Romans where red.

Zimbabwe practically has no economics at the present. It takes a wheel barrow of cash to purchase a tank of gasoline. Clergy are scarce but the people remain dedicated and are thankful for anything they receive, even pencil and paper.

For me personally, I was surprised to see my spiritual father arrive and take part in the Vespers service commemorating St. Demetrios. We managed to find a few minutes together and I was blessed beyond words. I also spoke briefly with Fr. Paul's wife. As many know, he is recovering from a triple(maybe quadruple) bypass surgery. He is back on his feet and conducting services, but can only do one thing per day. He exercises twice a week at the hospital and takes regular walks. Judy, his wife said he is making wonderful progress.

I was away from the monastery far too long and hope to be attending monthly with everyoone once again.