Redness of the eye occurs when the vessels in your eye become swollen or irritated. Also known as bloodshot eyes, this can indicate the presence of several different health problems. While some of these problems may be benign, others may be serious requiring emergency medical attention.
Possible Conditions for Redness of the Eye
Corneal Ulcer
The clear part at the front of the eye is the Cornea. Corneal Ulcer results from localised inflammation and infection of the anterior part of the eye .
Causes
The main causative factor is infection, which may be bacterial (most common), fungal , viral or parasitic. In rural areas injury with vegetative matter is a leading cause of corneal ulcer. Contact lens users are particularly susceptible to infections. Vitamin A deficiency also causes corneal epithelial breakdown predisposing to such infections.
Symptoms
Treatment
Complications
Healing often leaves a scar with variable density on the anterior part of the eye causing blurring of vision. In some cases there may be thinning of the Cornea which may need a cornea transplant (i.e.) surgically replacing the diseased cornea with healthy donor cornea.
Prevention
Causes
The main causative factor is infection, which may be bacterial (most common), fungal , viral or parasitic. In rural areas injury with vegetative matter is a leading cause of corneal ulcer. Contact lens users are particularly susceptible to infections. Vitamin A deficiency also causes corneal epithelial breakdown predisposing to such infections.
Symptoms
- Eyelids may be swollen.
- Patients may complain of pain and excessive watering and redness of the eye.
- Few may complain of a gritty sensation in the eye along with excessive discharge from the eyes.
- There may be discomfort in bright light .
- One may also notice a white or gray spot in the anterior part of the eye.
- Decrease in vision occurs in varying degrees depending on the severity of the ulcer and its sequelae.
Treatment
- Immediate treatment is the key to its management.
- Normally scraping of the ulcer is done and sent for laboratory study.
- Once the doctor diagnoses the causative agent, he will prescribe either antibacterial, anti-fungal or antiviral eyedrops .
- In addition the doctor may prescribe other eyedrops to decrease pain and raised eye pressure.
- Drops need to be instilled frequently.
- Causes of non-healing corneal ulcer like diabetes, infected lacrimal sac , entropion, foreign body etc need to be addressed.
- The doctor will advise you to avoid swimming or wearing contact lenses during this period.
Complications
Healing often leaves a scar with variable density on the anterior part of the eye causing blurring of vision. In some cases there may be thinning of the Cornea which may need a cornea transplant (i.e.) surgically replacing the diseased cornea with healthy donor cornea.
Prevention
- Use of protective eyewear to prevent injury or foreign body especially in professions which entail welding.
- One should avoid either sleeping or swimming with contact lenses put on.
- Good hygiene practices to be followed before using contact lenses or touching eyes.
Entropion
Entropion or “Eyelid turned in” is the condition in which the eyelid turns in and the eyelashes rub against the anterior part of the eye (Cornea)
It mostly involves the lower eyelid, affecting one or both eyes.
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Precautions
It mostly involves the lower eyelid, affecting one or both eyes.
Causes
- Old age causing loosening of eyelid tissues is the most common causative factor of Entropion.
- Scarring of the eyelid due to infections like Trachoma or Herpes Zoster may also cause turning in of the eyelid.
- Chemical injury or burns are other causes of Entropion.
Symptoms
- Symptoms may range from mild to severe, especially when left untreated.
- You may feel a sandy or gritty sensation in the eye.
- There may also be redness or watering.
- In severe cases if left untreated the cornea can get damaged resulting in decreased vision.
Treatment
- The doctor may prescribe lubricant eyedrops or ointment for symptomatic relief.
- Temporary relief is gained by pulling or taping the eyelid away from the surface of the eye.
- Botox injection may also be used to turn the eyelid out.
- Definitive treatment is surgery to strengthen the muscles around the eyelids.
Precautions
- Entropion due to aging is not preventable but one should be aware of such a condition so that it can be treated well.
- One should wear protective eyewear to prevent chemical injury or burns.
- Good hygiene practises help in safeguarding against infections like Trachoma.
PTERYGIUM
Pterygium is a fleshy triangular growth that extends from the white part of the eye (Conjunctiva) onto the central part of the eye (Cornea).
It may be innocuous or may grow centrally and thus affect vision. Pterygium can affect one or both eyes.
Causes
It is most commonly found in tropical countries and exposure to harmful UV light is the most common causative factor. Being on water under bright sunlight also increases the risk - hence it is also called “surfer’s eye”.
Symptoms
Symptoms may range from mild to severe. One may feel as if there’s something in the eye or it may cause redness and watering. In advanced cases it results in decrease in vision when it covers the central part of the eye.
Treatment
If the Pterygium is small and only causing irritation then the doctor may prescribe some eyedrops including lubricants. If the Pterygium is affecting vision or it is cosmetically bothersome then it needs to be removed surgically along with a graft transplantation.
Complications
Even after Pterygium surgery there is a risk that it may reappear. Although surgery with the conjunctival autograft has the least incidence of recurrence. Post surgery, there may also scarring of the clear portion of the eye (Cornea) or it may result in dryness of the eye.
Prevention
It may be innocuous or may grow centrally and thus affect vision. Pterygium can affect one or both eyes.
Causes
It is most commonly found in tropical countries and exposure to harmful UV light is the most common causative factor. Being on water under bright sunlight also increases the risk - hence it is also called “surfer’s eye”.
Symptoms
Symptoms may range from mild to severe. One may feel as if there’s something in the eye or it may cause redness and watering. In advanced cases it results in decrease in vision when it covers the central part of the eye.
Treatment
If the Pterygium is small and only causing irritation then the doctor may prescribe some eyedrops including lubricants. If the Pterygium is affecting vision or it is cosmetically bothersome then it needs to be removed surgically along with a graft transplantation.
Complications
Even after Pterygium surgery there is a risk that it may reappear. Although surgery with the conjunctival autograft has the least incidence of recurrence. Post surgery, there may also scarring of the clear portion of the eye (Cornea) or it may result in dryness of the eye.
Prevention
- Use of sunglasses that block harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
- Protection from wind, dust and sunlight by using hats.
- Use of lubricant eyedrops especially in dry and dusty places.
Hyphema
Hyphema or blood in the front portion of the eye (anterior chamber ) is a collection of blood between the clear front part of the eye (Cornea) and the coloured part of eye (Iris ). It may be partial or total and is graded into 4 grades accordingly.
Causes
The most common cause is trauma - blunt trauma, firecracker injury etc.
Other causes are:
Symptoms
With minimal hyphema, it may sometimes be an incidental finding. Others may complain of pain , discomfort in bright light and decreased vision. In subtotal or total hyphema it may cause an increase of eye pressure and needs to be addressed immediately.
Treatment
Complications
Sometimes the increased eye pressure may cause long term damage due to Glaucoma.
If the blood is not drained surgically soon enough it may cause staining of the Cornea (clear portion of the eye) thus causing decrease in vision.
Re-bleeds occur frequently hence regular checkups are essential.
Prevention
One should wear protective eyewear during sports that recommend it. Be very careful while bursting firecrackers.
Causes
The most common cause is trauma - blunt trauma, firecracker injury etc.
Other causes are:
- Inflammation of the eye
- Cancer of the eye
- Bleeding disorders
- Recent eye surgery, etc.
Symptoms
With minimal hyphema, it may sometimes be an incidental finding. Others may complain of pain , discomfort in bright light and decreased vision. In subtotal or total hyphema it may cause an increase of eye pressure and needs to be addressed immediately.
Treatment
- In cases of minimal blood, the doctor will prescribe some eyedrops.
- Elevation of the head end of the bed helps in the hyphema settling down.
- In subtotal or total hyphema, when the eye pressure is high, then along with medications for lowering the eye pressure, the blood may need to be drained surgically.
- In cases of inflammation / cancer of the eye / bleeding disorders, the underlying disease needs to be treated.
Complications
Sometimes the increased eye pressure may cause long term damage due to Glaucoma.
If the blood is not drained surgically soon enough it may cause staining of the Cornea (clear portion of the eye) thus causing decrease in vision.
Re-bleeds occur frequently hence regular checkups are essential.
Prevention
One should wear protective eyewear during sports that recommend it. Be very careful while bursting firecrackers.
Corneal Abrasion
What is the Cornea?
The Cornea is a clear layer in the front of the coloured portion of your eye (iris) and also the pupil (the black circular space in the middle of the iris). The functions of the cornea are protective and optical (acts as a clear media along with the lens of the eye to focus light on our retina). The Cornea doesn’t have any blood vessels but has plenty of nerves which makes it a very sensitive tissue.
What is a Corneal Abrasion?
A scratch on the cornea which disrupts the continuity of the outermost layer of the Cornea is known as a Corneal Abrasion. It is a very painful condition and warrants the need of emergency care by the ophthalmologist.
What causes Corneal Abrasion?
What will be the patient’s complaints?
How will your doctor diagnose corneal abrasion?
It is advisable to tell your doctor of any physical or chemical injury to your eye, any history of eye infections, or overnight contact lens wear.
Your doctor will check your vision (with and without glasses). If you can't open your eyes, numbing eyedrops will be instilled in your eye to aid opening the eye. In case of chemical injury, your doctor will thoroughly wash your eyes to get rid of any remaining chemical in the eye.
After this, doctor will have a look inside your eye under slit lamp biomicroscopy, which will reveal the corneal abrasion and if any foreign body is present in the eye (which will be removed ). The doctor can put a yellowish dye called fluorescein in the eye for helping to find out the extent of abrasion. He/she will also look for any infection in the eye and treat accordingly.
What is the management of corneal abrasion?
Patient usually comes to the doctor in need of immediate relief. Overnight patching of eye with antibiotic eye ointment with a mild oral painkiller does the trick. If the abrasion is bigger, it might require patching for more than a day. Antibiotic and lubricating eyedrops can be started after removing the patch for 3 to 5 days. A small abrasion usually heals in 1 to 3 days but larger and deeper ones may take longer. Patients are instructed:
What is the course?
Small and superficial abrasions usually heal within 1 to 3 days. Larger ones might take around 1 week to heal completely. If an abrasion gets infected, then the treatment schedule can get prolonged to prevent formation of corneal ulcer. In some patients, abrasions may heal poorly and can recur without further trauma. This is called as RECURRENT EROSION SYNDROME. These patients usually complain of pain, watering and discomfort in opening the eye usually on waking up in the morning (due to pulling up of the still healing outermost layer of corneal abrasion by the opening action of the eyelid during waking up). These patients will require prolonged treatment with lubricating eyedrops and gels till the abrasion heals completely.
How can you prevent having Corneal Abrasion?
Certain precautions can be taken to avoid having this painful condition ever
The Cornea is a clear layer in the front of the coloured portion of your eye (iris) and also the pupil (the black circular space in the middle of the iris). The functions of the cornea are protective and optical (acts as a clear media along with the lens of the eye to focus light on our retina). The Cornea doesn’t have any blood vessels but has plenty of nerves which makes it a very sensitive tissue.
What is a Corneal Abrasion?
A scratch on the cornea which disrupts the continuity of the outermost layer of the Cornea is known as a Corneal Abrasion. It is a very painful condition and warrants the need of emergency care by the ophthalmologist.
What causes Corneal Abrasion?
- Injury to the eye with an object such as a fingernail, tree branch, comb, pen etc.
- Foreign body in the eye like dust, sand, ash, iron particles while grinding in industries, fumes
- Chemicals --- industrial or household
- Welding
- Rubbing of eyes
- Improper or prolonged contact lens wear, especially if the patient wears contact lenses during sleep
- Eye infections
- Not wearing eye protection after eye surgeries
- Long exposure to ultraviolet rays, especially in high altitude areas
- Partial closure of eyes while sleeping –-- some patients have improper closure of eyes while sleeping (which can be normal for some people or can be due to certain disorders like thyroid disease or neurological disease). These patients usually get Corneal Abrasion in the lowermost part of the Cornea which is exposed during sleep. Corneal abrasion due to partial closure of the eye can also occur in patients who have undergone any surgery under general anaesthesia and without proper lubrication of eyes with eye ointments during the duration of surgery.
What will be the patient’s complaints?
- Sand-like or grittiness feeling in the eye
- Pain, especially on blinking the eye
- Watering and redness.
- Difficulty to open eye in light (photophobia)
- Blurring of vision.
How will your doctor diagnose corneal abrasion?
It is advisable to tell your doctor of any physical or chemical injury to your eye, any history of eye infections, or overnight contact lens wear.
Your doctor will check your vision (with and without glasses). If you can't open your eyes, numbing eyedrops will be instilled in your eye to aid opening the eye. In case of chemical injury, your doctor will thoroughly wash your eyes to get rid of any remaining chemical in the eye.
After this, doctor will have a look inside your eye under slit lamp biomicroscopy, which will reveal the corneal abrasion and if any foreign body is present in the eye (which will be removed ). The doctor can put a yellowish dye called fluorescein in the eye for helping to find out the extent of abrasion. He/she will also look for any infection in the eye and treat accordingly.
What is the management of corneal abrasion?
Patient usually comes to the doctor in need of immediate relief. Overnight patching of eye with antibiotic eye ointment with a mild oral painkiller does the trick. If the abrasion is bigger, it might require patching for more than a day. Antibiotic and lubricating eyedrops can be started after removing the patch for 3 to 5 days. A small abrasion usually heals in 1 to 3 days but larger and deeper ones may take longer. Patients are instructed:
- Not rub the eye
- Not to splash water or any other cosmetics in the eye
- Avoid contact lenses till eye heals
- Wear sunglasses to avoid photosensitivity
What is the course?
Small and superficial abrasions usually heal within 1 to 3 days. Larger ones might take around 1 week to heal completely. If an abrasion gets infected, then the treatment schedule can get prolonged to prevent formation of corneal ulcer. In some patients, abrasions may heal poorly and can recur without further trauma. This is called as RECURRENT EROSION SYNDROME. These patients usually complain of pain, watering and discomfort in opening the eye usually on waking up in the morning (due to pulling up of the still healing outermost layer of corneal abrasion by the opening action of the eyelid during waking up). These patients will require prolonged treatment with lubricating eyedrops and gels till the abrasion heals completely.
How can you prevent having Corneal Abrasion?
Certain precautions can be taken to avoid having this painful condition ever
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- DO NOT wear contact lenses during sleep.
- Wearing of protective goggles and shields in industries to prevent falling of foreign bodies and chemical splashes in the eye.
- Wearing of sunglasses to protect against the dust and UV light.
Subconjuctival Haemorrhage
What is the Conjunctiva?
The Conjunctiva is a loosely attached, transparent film of tissue which covers the white portion of our eye and the underside of our eyelids. Many small blood vessels are present in the subconjunctival space between the conjunctiva and sclera (white of the eye). The conjunctiva lining the underside of the eyelids also contain accessory lacrimal glands which aids is lubrication of our eyes.
What is Subconjunctival Haemorrhage?
Collection of blood in the subconjunctival space is known as subconjunctival haemorrhage.
Many a time, one of the blood vessels can burst which causes blood to accumulate underneath the conjunctiva. Because of the loose attachment of conjunctiva, even a small drop can spread significantly in this space. This bleeding does not spread to the cornea as conjunctiva does not cover it. So this bleeding does not hamper vision. Subconjunctival haemorrhage is usually spontaneous and self-limiting.
What are the causes?
No definitive cause. Below mentioned are some aggravating factors for subconjunctival haemorrhage
What will be the patient’s complaints?
Mostly patients do not usually complain unless somebody points out the redness in their eye. Along with redness there can be mild irritation. There will be no pain, discharge or blurriness of vision. The red spot in the eye can spread for few days before fading off (changing of colour to yellow or pink, finally turning to normal)
How will the doctor diagnose?
What is the management of Subconjunctival Haemorrhage?
Subconjunctival haemorrhage is self-limiting, usually resolving within 7-14 days. The doctor might prescribe mild astringent and lubricating eye drops along with cold compresses for 1 week to 10 days to prevent re-bleed. The doctor might also advise you to avoid strenuous physical activities, adequate control of blood pressure, treatment for cough and sneezing and eye infections, prescription of glasses to avoid eye strain to prevent re-bleed. In cases of repeated bleeding, any blood thinners if at all should be stopped for a while after consulting your physician. A neurological evaluation should be done in patients with history of head injury.
What can I do to prevent Subconjuctival Haemorrhage?
Certain precautions can be taken --- avoid rubbing your eyes, properly control pre-existing hypertension and bleeding disorders, avoid taking medications that increase risk of bleeding (in cases of repeated bleedings).
The Conjunctiva is a loosely attached, transparent film of tissue which covers the white portion of our eye and the underside of our eyelids. Many small blood vessels are present in the subconjunctival space between the conjunctiva and sclera (white of the eye). The conjunctiva lining the underside of the eyelids also contain accessory lacrimal glands which aids is lubrication of our eyes.
What is Subconjunctival Haemorrhage?
Collection of blood in the subconjunctival space is known as subconjunctival haemorrhage.
Many a time, one of the blood vessels can burst which causes blood to accumulate underneath the conjunctiva. Because of the loose attachment of conjunctiva, even a small drop can spread significantly in this space. This bleeding does not spread to the cornea as conjunctiva does not cover it. So this bleeding does not hamper vision. Subconjunctival haemorrhage is usually spontaneous and self-limiting.
What are the causes?
No definitive cause. Below mentioned are some aggravating factors for subconjunctival haemorrhage
- Trauma/Injury
- Rubbing of eye
- Post eye surgery
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Strenuous physical activities like lifting heavy weights
- Bleeding disorders
- Blood thinner medicines like aspirin, warfarin etc.
- Coughing and frequent sneezing
- Eye strain
- Eye infections and allergies
What will be the patient’s complaints?
Mostly patients do not usually complain unless somebody points out the redness in their eye. Along with redness there can be mild irritation. There will be no pain, discharge or blurriness of vision. The red spot in the eye can spread for few days before fading off (changing of colour to yellow or pink, finally turning to normal)
How will the doctor diagnose?
- The doctor will do a detailed examination of the eye including vision, intraocular pressure, slit lamp examination and fundus examination (to rule out any associated retinal bleed), blood pressure.
- It's important to inform the doctor of any injury (to head or eye), any pre-existing illnesses, drugs intake etc. In case of head injuries, the bleeding can be trailing down from the brain rather than just in the subconjunctival space.
- In cases of repeated subconjunctival haemorrhage it is mandatory to get tested for bleeding disorders.
What is the management of Subconjunctival Haemorrhage?
Subconjunctival haemorrhage is self-limiting, usually resolving within 7-14 days. The doctor might prescribe mild astringent and lubricating eye drops along with cold compresses for 1 week to 10 days to prevent re-bleed. The doctor might also advise you to avoid strenuous physical activities, adequate control of blood pressure, treatment for cough and sneezing and eye infections, prescription of glasses to avoid eye strain to prevent re-bleed. In cases of repeated bleeding, any blood thinners if at all should be stopped for a while after consulting your physician. A neurological evaluation should be done in patients with history of head injury.
What can I do to prevent Subconjuctival Haemorrhage?
Certain precautions can be taken --- avoid rubbing your eyes, properly control pre-existing hypertension and bleeding disorders, avoid taking medications that increase risk of bleeding (in cases of repeated bleedings).
Allergic Conjunctivitis
What is allergic conjunctivitis?
The conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue that lines the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition that occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to an allergic reaction to dander, pollen, mold or other substances. Allergic conjunctivitis is considered to be one of the most treatable and common eye conditions in both adults and children. Also known as pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis is not a contagious condition.
What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
Red, itchy, watery, and burning eyes are common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. You may also wake up in the morning with puffy eyes.
Most cases of pink eye disappear as soon as the allergen is removed or when the affected person takes treatment.
What causes allergic conjunctivitis?
You experience allergic conjunctivitis when your body tries to defend itself against a perceived threat. It does this in reaction to things that trigger the release of histamine. Your body produces this potent chemical to fight off foreign invaders. Some of the substances that cause this reaction are:
Who is at risk for allergic conjunctivitis?
People who have allergies are more likely to develop allergic conjunctivitis. Allergies affect 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children, and often run in families. Allergies affect people of all ages, though they are more common in children and young adults. If you have allergies and live in locations with high pollen counts, you are more susceptible to allergic conjunctivitis.
What are the types of allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis comes in two main types:
Acute allergic conjunctivitis: This is a short-term condition that is more common during allergy season. Your eyelids suddenly swell, itch, and burn. You may also have a watery nose.
Chronic allergic conjunctivitis: A less common condition called chronic allergic conjunctivitis can occur year-round. It is a milder response to allergens like food, dust, and animal dander. Common symptoms come and go but include burning and itching of the eyes and light sensitivity.
How is allergic conjunctivitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine your eyes and review your allergy history. Redness in the white of the eye and small bumps inside your eyelids are visible signs of conjunctivitis.
How is allergic conjunctivitis treated?
There are many treatment methods available for allergic conjunctivitis:
Home care
Treating allergic conjunctivitis at home involves a combination of prevention strategies and activities to ease your symptoms. To minimize your exposure to allergens:
Medications
In more troublesome cases, home care may not be adequate. You will need to see a doctor who might recommend the following options:
What is the long-term outlook?
With proper treatment, you can experience relief or at least reduce your symptoms. Recurring exposure to allergens, however, will likely trigger the same symptoms in the future.
How do I prevent allergic conjunctivitis?
Completely avoiding the environmental factors that cause allergic conjunctivitis can be difficult. The best thing you can do is to limit your exposure to these triggers. For example, if you know that you are allergic to perfume or household dust, you can try to minimize your exposure by using scent-free soaps and detergents. You may also consider installing an air purifier in your home.
The conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue that lines the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition that occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to an allergic reaction to dander, pollen, mold or other substances. Allergic conjunctivitis is considered to be one of the most treatable and common eye conditions in both adults and children. Also known as pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis is not a contagious condition.
What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
Red, itchy, watery, and burning eyes are common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. You may also wake up in the morning with puffy eyes.
Most cases of pink eye disappear as soon as the allergen is removed or when the affected person takes treatment.
What causes allergic conjunctivitis?
You experience allergic conjunctivitis when your body tries to defend itself against a perceived threat. It does this in reaction to things that trigger the release of histamine. Your body produces this potent chemical to fight off foreign invaders. Some of the substances that cause this reaction are:
- household dust
- pollen from trees and grass
- mold spores
- animal dander
- chemical scents such as household detergents or perfume
Who is at risk for allergic conjunctivitis?
People who have allergies are more likely to develop allergic conjunctivitis. Allergies affect 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children, and often run in families. Allergies affect people of all ages, though they are more common in children and young adults. If you have allergies and live in locations with high pollen counts, you are more susceptible to allergic conjunctivitis.
What are the types of allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis comes in two main types:
Acute allergic conjunctivitis: This is a short-term condition that is more common during allergy season. Your eyelids suddenly swell, itch, and burn. You may also have a watery nose.
Chronic allergic conjunctivitis: A less common condition called chronic allergic conjunctivitis can occur year-round. It is a milder response to allergens like food, dust, and animal dander. Common symptoms come and go but include burning and itching of the eyes and light sensitivity.
How is allergic conjunctivitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine your eyes and review your allergy history. Redness in the white of the eye and small bumps inside your eyelids are visible signs of conjunctivitis.
How is allergic conjunctivitis treated?
There are many treatment methods available for allergic conjunctivitis:
Home care
Treating allergic conjunctivitis at home involves a combination of prevention strategies and activities to ease your symptoms. To minimize your exposure to allergens:
- Close windows when the pollen count is high.
- Keep your home dust-free
- Use an indoor air purifier
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, dyes, and perfumes
Medications
In more troublesome cases, home care may not be adequate. You will need to see a doctor who might recommend the following options:
- Topical or oral antihistaminic
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Eye drops to shrink congested blood vessels
- Steroid eye drops.
What is the long-term outlook?
With proper treatment, you can experience relief or at least reduce your symptoms. Recurring exposure to allergens, however, will likely trigger the same symptoms in the future.
How do I prevent allergic conjunctivitis?
Completely avoiding the environmental factors that cause allergic conjunctivitis can be difficult. The best thing you can do is to limit your exposure to these triggers. For example, if you know that you are allergic to perfume or household dust, you can try to minimize your exposure by using scent-free soaps and detergents. You may also consider installing an air purifier in your home.
Dry Eye Syndrome
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
It is the condition of having dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome is a common eye disease. It affects 5-34% of people depending on the population looked at. Among older people it affects up to 70%.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eyes?
Irritation, redness, discharge, and easily fatigued eyes. Blurred vision may also occur. Discomfort and sensitivity to bright light. The symptoms can range from mild and occasional to severe and continuous.
What Are the Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome?
Tears have three layers. There’s the oily outer layer, the watery middle layer, and the inner mucus layer. If the glands that produce the various elements of your tears are inflamed or don’t produce enough water, oil, or mucus, it can lead to dry eye syndrome. When oil is missing from your tears, they quickly evaporate and your eyes cannot maintain a steady supply of moisture.
The causes of dry eye syndrome include:
Who is at Risk for Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome is more common in people aged 50 and older. The majority of them are women but the condition does occur in men. Women who are pregnant, on hormone replacement therapy, or going through menopause are more at risk. The following underlying conditions can also increase your risk:
How Is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed?
If your eyes feel dry and you suddenly find yourself unable to see as well as you used to, visit an ophthalmologist right away. After describing your symptoms, you’ll likely undergo tests that examine the amount of tears in your eyes, such as a slit lamp, or bio microscope, exam of your tears. For this test, your doctor will use a dye such as fluorescein to make the tear film on your eyes more visible.
A Schirmer’s test may also be used to measure how quickly your eyes produce tears. This tests your rate of tear production using a paper wick placed on the edge of your eyelid. Your eye doctor also might refer you to a specialist. Which doctor they’ll refer you to depends on the underlying cause of your condition. For example, they can refer you to an allergist if you have chronic allergies.
How Is Dry Eye Syndrome Treated?
Artificial Tears
Eye drops that increase your eye moisture are among the most common treatments for dry eye syndrome. Artificial tears also work well for some people.
Lacrimal Plugs
Your eye doctor might use plugs to block the drainage holes in the corners of your eyes. This is a relatively painless, reversible procedure that slows tear loss. If your condition is severe, the plugs may be recommended as a permanent solution.
Medications
The medication most commonly prescribed for dry eye syndrome is an anti-inflammatory called cyclosporine (Restasis). The drug increases the amount of tears in your eyes and lowers the risk of damage to your cornea. If your case of dry eye is severe, you may need to use corticosteroid eye drops for a short time while the medication takes effect. Alternative medications include cholinergics such as pilocarpine. These medications help stimulate tear production. If another medication is causing your eyes to become dry, your doctor may switch your prescription to try to find one that doesn’t dry out your eyes.
Nutrition
You need a well-balanced diet with enough protein and vitamins to keep your eyes healthy. Omega-3 essential fatty acid supplements are sometimes recommended to enhance the oil content of the eye. Usually, people need to take these supplements regularly for at least three months to see an improvement.
Surgery
If you have severe dry eye syndrome and it doesn’t go away with other treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. The drainage holes at the inner corners of your eyes may be permanently plugged to allow your eyes to maintain an adequate amount of tears.
Home Care
If you tend to have dry eyes, use a humidifier to increase moisture in the room and avoid dry climates. Limit your contact lens wear and the time you spend in front of the computer or television.
Long-Term Outlook
Dry eye syndrome usually doesn’t permanently affect your vision. You can considerably decrease your discomfort with treatment. In rare cases, eye infections and ulcers can occur and will need to be treated separately.
It is the condition of having dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome is a common eye disease. It affects 5-34% of people depending on the population looked at. Among older people it affects up to 70%.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eyes?
Irritation, redness, discharge, and easily fatigued eyes. Blurred vision may also occur. Discomfort and sensitivity to bright light. The symptoms can range from mild and occasional to severe and continuous.
What Are the Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome?
Tears have three layers. There’s the oily outer layer, the watery middle layer, and the inner mucus layer. If the glands that produce the various elements of your tears are inflamed or don’t produce enough water, oil, or mucus, it can lead to dry eye syndrome. When oil is missing from your tears, they quickly evaporate and your eyes cannot maintain a steady supply of moisture.
The causes of dry eye syndrome include:
- hormone replacement therapy
- exposure to the wind or dry air, such as constant exposure to a heater during the winter
- allergies
- LASIK eye surgery
- some medications, including antihistamines, nasal decongestants, birth control pills, and antidepressants
- aging
- long-term contact lens wear
- staring at a computer for long hours
- not blinking enough
Who is at Risk for Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome is more common in people aged 50 and older. The majority of them are women but the condition does occur in men. Women who are pregnant, on hormone replacement therapy, or going through menopause are more at risk. The following underlying conditions can also increase your risk:
- chronic allergies
- thyroid disease or other conditions that push the eyes forward
- lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other immune system disorders
- exposure keratitis, which occurs from sleeping with your eyes partially open
- vitamin A deficiency, which is unlikely if you get sufficient nutrition
How Is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed?
If your eyes feel dry and you suddenly find yourself unable to see as well as you used to, visit an ophthalmologist right away. After describing your symptoms, you’ll likely undergo tests that examine the amount of tears in your eyes, such as a slit lamp, or bio microscope, exam of your tears. For this test, your doctor will use a dye such as fluorescein to make the tear film on your eyes more visible.
A Schirmer’s test may also be used to measure how quickly your eyes produce tears. This tests your rate of tear production using a paper wick placed on the edge of your eyelid. Your eye doctor also might refer you to a specialist. Which doctor they’ll refer you to depends on the underlying cause of your condition. For example, they can refer you to an allergist if you have chronic allergies.
How Is Dry Eye Syndrome Treated?
Artificial Tears
Eye drops that increase your eye moisture are among the most common treatments for dry eye syndrome. Artificial tears also work well for some people.
Lacrimal Plugs
Your eye doctor might use plugs to block the drainage holes in the corners of your eyes. This is a relatively painless, reversible procedure that slows tear loss. If your condition is severe, the plugs may be recommended as a permanent solution.
Medications
The medication most commonly prescribed for dry eye syndrome is an anti-inflammatory called cyclosporine (Restasis). The drug increases the amount of tears in your eyes and lowers the risk of damage to your cornea. If your case of dry eye is severe, you may need to use corticosteroid eye drops for a short time while the medication takes effect. Alternative medications include cholinergics such as pilocarpine. These medications help stimulate tear production. If another medication is causing your eyes to become dry, your doctor may switch your prescription to try to find one that doesn’t dry out your eyes.
Nutrition
You need a well-balanced diet with enough protein and vitamins to keep your eyes healthy. Omega-3 essential fatty acid supplements are sometimes recommended to enhance the oil content of the eye. Usually, people need to take these supplements regularly for at least three months to see an improvement.
Surgery
If you have severe dry eye syndrome and it doesn’t go away with other treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. The drainage holes at the inner corners of your eyes may be permanently plugged to allow your eyes to maintain an adequate amount of tears.
Home Care
If you tend to have dry eyes, use a humidifier to increase moisture in the room and avoid dry climates. Limit your contact lens wear and the time you spend in front of the computer or television.
Long-Term Outlook
Dry eye syndrome usually doesn’t permanently affect your vision. You can considerably decrease your discomfort with treatment. In rare cases, eye infections and ulcers can occur and will need to be treated separately.
Glaucoma
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease condition which affects the eyes, especially optic nerve and in most cases is associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Optic nerve is the main nerve of eye, which transmits images from retina of eye to brain, which help us to see those images. Intraocular pressure is the pressure within the eye caused by a nourishing liquid of eye called aqueous humour. This liquid is produced and drained by the eyes. But Glaucoma can also happen if this pressure is normal. Glaucoma can damage the Optic nerve and can cause peripheral vision loss which may progress to irreversible blindness, if not treated timely. Most people with Glaucoma are not even aware of the disease, since in most cases it is asymptomatic in the beginning. Hence it is important to check eyes routinely especially after 40 years of age.
Types of Glaucoma
There are two major types of glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma
This is the most common type of glaucoma. It happens gradually; where the eye does not drain fluid as well as it should (like a clogged drain). As a result, eye pressure builds and starts to damage the optic nerve. This type of glaucoma is painless and causes no vision changes at first.
Some people can have optic nerves that are sensitive to normal eye pressure. This means their risk of getting glaucoma is higher than normal. Regular eye exams are important to find early signs of damage to their optic nerve.
Angle-closure glaucoma (also called “closed-angle glaucoma” or “narrow-angle glaucoma”)
This type happens when someone’s iris is very close to the drainage angle in their eye. The iris can end up blocking the drainage angle. You can think of it like a piece of paper sliding over a sink drain. When the drainage angle gets completely blocked, eye pressure rises very quickly. This is called an acute attack. It is a true eye emergency, and you should call your ophthalmologist right away or you might go blind. Here are the signs of an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack:
Angle-closure glaucoma can cause blindness if not treated right away.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a silent thief of sight. Glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages. In fact, half the people with glaucoma do not know they have it! Having regular eye exams can help your ophthalmologist find this disease before you lose vision. Your ophthalmologist can tell you how often you should be examined.
Causes of Glaucoma
Your eye constantly makes aqueous humour. As new aqueous flows into your eye, the same amount should drain out. The fluid drains out through an area called the drainage angle. This process keeps pressure in the eye (called intraocular pressure or IOP) stable. But if the drainage angle is not working properly, fluid builds up. Pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve. The optic nerve is made of more than a million tiny nerve fibres. It is like an electric cable made up of many small wires. As these nerve fibres die, you will develop blind spots in your vision. You may not notice these blind spots until most of your optic nerve fibres have died. If all of the fibres die, you will become blind.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Some people have a higher than normal risk of getting glaucoma. This includes people who:
Glaucoma Diagnosis
The only sure way to diagnose glaucoma is with a complete eye exam. A glaucoma screening that only checks eye pressure is not enough to find glaucoma. During a glaucoma examination, your ophthalmologist will:
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma damage is permanent—it cannot be reversed. But medicine and surgery help to stop further damage. To treat glaucoma, your ophthalmologist may use one or more of the following treatments.
Medications
Glaucoma is usually controlled with eye drop medicine. Used every day, these eyes drops lower eye pressure. Some do this by reducing the amount of aqueous fluid the eye makes. Others reduce pressure by helping fluid flow better through the drainage angle.
All medications can have side effects. Some drugs can cause problems when taken with other medications. It is important to give your doctor a list of every medicine you take regularly. Be sure to talk with your ophthalmologist if you think you may have side effects from glaucoma medicine.
Never change or stop taking your glaucoma medications without talking to your ophthalmologist. If you are about to run out of your medication, ask your ophthalmologist if you should have your prescription refilled.
Laser surgery
There are two main types of laser surgery to treat glaucoma. They help aqueous drain from the eye. These procedures are usually done in the ophthalmologist’s office or an outpatient surgery centre.
Operating room surgery
Some glaucoma surgery is done in an operating room. It creates a new drainage channel for the aqueous humour to leave the eye.
Your role in glaucoma treatment
Treating glaucoma successfully is a team effort between you and your doctor. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe your glaucoma treatment. It is up to you to follow your doctor’s instructions and use your eye drops. Once you are taking medications for glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will want to see you regularly. You can expect to visit your ophthalmologist about every 3–6 months. However, this can vary depending on your treatment needs.
If you have any questions about your eyes or your treatment, talk to your ophthalmologist.
Glaucoma is a disease condition which affects the eyes, especially optic nerve and in most cases is associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Optic nerve is the main nerve of eye, which transmits images from retina of eye to brain, which help us to see those images. Intraocular pressure is the pressure within the eye caused by a nourishing liquid of eye called aqueous humour. This liquid is produced and drained by the eyes. But Glaucoma can also happen if this pressure is normal. Glaucoma can damage the Optic nerve and can cause peripheral vision loss which may progress to irreversible blindness, if not treated timely. Most people with Glaucoma are not even aware of the disease, since in most cases it is asymptomatic in the beginning. Hence it is important to check eyes routinely especially after 40 years of age.
Types of Glaucoma
There are two major types of glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma
This is the most common type of glaucoma. It happens gradually; where the eye does not drain fluid as well as it should (like a clogged drain). As a result, eye pressure builds and starts to damage the optic nerve. This type of glaucoma is painless and causes no vision changes at first.
Some people can have optic nerves that are sensitive to normal eye pressure. This means their risk of getting glaucoma is higher than normal. Regular eye exams are important to find early signs of damage to their optic nerve.
Angle-closure glaucoma (also called “closed-angle glaucoma” or “narrow-angle glaucoma”)
This type happens when someone’s iris is very close to the drainage angle in their eye. The iris can end up blocking the drainage angle. You can think of it like a piece of paper sliding over a sink drain. When the drainage angle gets completely blocked, eye pressure rises very quickly. This is called an acute attack. It is a true eye emergency, and you should call your ophthalmologist right away or you might go blind. Here are the signs of an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack:
- Your vision is suddenly blurry
- You have severe eye pain
- You have a headache
- You feel sick to your stomach (nausea)
- You vomit
- You see rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights
Angle-closure glaucoma can cause blindness if not treated right away.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a silent thief of sight. Glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages. In fact, half the people with glaucoma do not know they have it! Having regular eye exams can help your ophthalmologist find this disease before you lose vision. Your ophthalmologist can tell you how often you should be examined.
Causes of Glaucoma
Your eye constantly makes aqueous humour. As new aqueous flows into your eye, the same amount should drain out. The fluid drains out through an area called the drainage angle. This process keeps pressure in the eye (called intraocular pressure or IOP) stable. But if the drainage angle is not working properly, fluid builds up. Pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve. The optic nerve is made of more than a million tiny nerve fibres. It is like an electric cable made up of many small wires. As these nerve fibres die, you will develop blind spots in your vision. You may not notice these blind spots until most of your optic nerve fibres have died. If all of the fibres die, you will become blind.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Some people have a higher than normal risk of getting glaucoma. This includes people who:
- are over age 40
- have family members with glaucoma
- are of African or Hispanic heritage
- have high eye pressure
- are farsighted or nearsighted
- have had an eye injury
- have corneas that are thin in the centre
- have thinning of the optic nerve
- have diabetes, migraines, poor blood circulation or other health problems affecting the whole body
Glaucoma Diagnosis
The only sure way to diagnose glaucoma is with a complete eye exam. A glaucoma screening that only checks eye pressure is not enough to find glaucoma. During a glaucoma examination, your ophthalmologist will:
- measure your eye pressure
- inspect your eye’s drainage angle
- examine your optic nerve for damage
- test your peripheral (side) vision
- take a picture or computer measurement of your optic nerve
- measure the thickness of your cornea
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma damage is permanent—it cannot be reversed. But medicine and surgery help to stop further damage. To treat glaucoma, your ophthalmologist may use one or more of the following treatments.
Medications
Glaucoma is usually controlled with eye drop medicine. Used every day, these eyes drops lower eye pressure. Some do this by reducing the amount of aqueous fluid the eye makes. Others reduce pressure by helping fluid flow better through the drainage angle.
All medications can have side effects. Some drugs can cause problems when taken with other medications. It is important to give your doctor a list of every medicine you take regularly. Be sure to talk with your ophthalmologist if you think you may have side effects from glaucoma medicine.
Never change or stop taking your glaucoma medications without talking to your ophthalmologist. If you are about to run out of your medication, ask your ophthalmologist if you should have your prescription refilled.
Laser surgery
There are two main types of laser surgery to treat glaucoma. They help aqueous drain from the eye. These procedures are usually done in the ophthalmologist’s office or an outpatient surgery centre.
- Trabeculoplasty. This surgery is for people who have open-angle glaucoma. The eye surgeon uses a laser to make the drainage angle work better. That way fluid flows out properly and eye pressure is reduced
- Iridotomy. This is for people who have angle-closure glaucoma. The ophthalmologist uses a laser to create a tiny hole in the iris. This hole helps fluid flow to the drainage angle.
Operating room surgery
Some glaucoma surgery is done in an operating room. It creates a new drainage channel for the aqueous humour to leave the eye.
- Trabeculectomy. This is where your eye surgeon creates a tiny flap in the sclera (white of your eye). He or she will also create a bubble (like a pocket) in the conjunctiva called a filtration bleb. It is usually hidden under the upper eyelid and cannot be seen. Aqueous humour will be able to drain out of the eye through the flap and into the bleb. In the bleb, the fluid is absorbed by tissue around your eye, lowering eye pressure.
- Glaucoma drainage devices. Your ophthalmologist may implant a tiny drainage tube in your eye. It sends the fluid to a collection area (called a reservoir). Your eye surgeon creates this reservoir beneath the conjunctiva (the thin membrane that covers the inside of your eyelids and white part of your eye). The fluid is then absorbed into nearby blood vessels.
Your role in glaucoma treatment
Treating glaucoma successfully is a team effort between you and your doctor. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe your glaucoma treatment. It is up to you to follow your doctor’s instructions and use your eye drops. Once you are taking medications for glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will want to see you regularly. You can expect to visit your ophthalmologist about every 3–6 months. However, this can vary depending on your treatment needs.
If you have any questions about your eyes or your treatment, talk to your ophthalmologist.
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