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Insulin causing eye allergy...?

M

Mandi 29

Member
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7
Hi All

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 6 months ago, I came across this forum by mistake and think it is very useful and supportive! I have a question about an eye allergy that occurred at the same time as I was diagnosed and wonder if anyone can offer guidance on this. I have been told that I have mild gigantic papillary conjunctivita which normally results from contact lens wear. The treatment (various strong eye drops) should have cleared this in weeks yet it has not worked. My opthamologist wondered if this has been triggered by the insulin. I am on Novorapid and Lantus. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?

Be grateful for any guidance as my condition has not improved and I don't wish to have dry, itchy and irritating eye lids on a permanent basis!

Thanks!
 
Hi Mandi29,
Never heard of this condition, and thankfully never suffered from it in the 23 years I've worn a contact lens. I wonder what made your doc think the insulin could cause this, maybe you should question him further about that.
You are on what are called insulin analogues, not insulin, and people have been known to suffer allergic reactions and side-effects on these synthetic insulins. Can't say I've heard of eye problems, but maybe you should do a google search. Lantus particularly causes people a lot of problems, and theres a thread called "Lantus Problems" in the Diabetes medications section, here's a link viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2797
Despite the fact that many thousands of type-1s are treated with analogue insulins all over the world, there are a significant number suffering reactions to them, and people should be aware of it.
Whether your eye problem is related to your analogue insulins I have no idea.
I know going on the pill and pregnancy can affect the eye and make contact lens wear uncomfortable, due to hormonal changes. I'm dead squeamish about eyes, despite wearing a lens and it's awful when you get an infection or painful probs with them. I hope you get it sorted soon. Have you been referred to a hospital specialist?
Jus :)
 
Hi jus

I've been referred to an opthamologist who I will see for the second time because the first course of treatment failed to work. This eye specialist suggested that the eye allergy maybe due to the insulin analogue, my doctor is yet to comment on this. The allergy started before I was put on Lantus as I was on the wrong medication for the first three months!

Thank you for your help. I too hope this gets sorted soon!

Mandi
 
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