INFECTIONS AND IRRITATIONS

The following are the common ailments affecting the eye.

Foreign objects: A foreign object could be a piece of dust, pollen, grit or something larger or it could be an irritant such as chlorine from a swimming pool. When these objects get into the eye and are too large for the normal tear secretion to wash away, they cause redness, itching and irritation.

To remove superficial particles, such as pollen, dust, or chlorinated water, simply flush your eye with clean water.

However, you should never touch an embedded particle or rub your eyelid. If flushing does not work, seek immediate medical advice.

Dry eye:Dry eye is the loss or reduction of the eye's normal ability to produce tears. A variety of factors may cause or contribute to this problem.

  • Aging
  • Medications including antihistamines, birth control pills, diuretics, cardiovascular medications, pain     relievers, and anti-inflammatories
  • Eye strain from reading or computer work
  • A dry environment

Typical symptoms of dry eye include:

  • Stinging or burning
  • A gritty feeling
  • Discharge that forms a crust at night
  • Excess tearing
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses

To restore the eyes' moisture, you need to:

  • Minimize drying by avoiding situations such as an overheated or air-conditioned room, wind, and smoke
  • Add lubrication by using eye drops to restore moisture directly to your eyes, or if you are wearing contact lenses, use rewetting drops

Allergies:A lot of people suffer from allergies that resulting in red, itchy, watery eyes or inflamed eyelids.

The allergens may be pollen, ragweed, grass, mould, and animal hair. Whenever susceptible people come in contact with these, their immune system reacts, and may cause red, itchy eyes.

You can relieve the symptoms by reducing exposure by staying indoors when pollen and mould counts are high. You may also invest in special air filters.

Sties:A sty usually develops gradually, forming a red, painful bump at the edge of your eyelid. The bump fills with pus and eventually bursts, relieving the pressure and the pain.

A sty is a bacterial infection near the root of an eyelash. Typically, the bacteria that infect one hair follicle spread and infect others.

You should never squeeze a sty. Applying a warm compress for about 10 minutes, four times a day will help relieve the pain. And if the sty is particularly stubborn, your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic to minimize the infection.

Conjunctivitis:Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelids and eye. Generally caused by a bacterial or viral infection, it is extremely contagious.

The white of the eye becomes red and there may also be some yellowish discharge that forms a crust during the night.

If the infection is bacterial, your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops. Otherwise, your doctor may recommend that you soothe your eyes with a warm compress and artificial tears

Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids, also known as blepharitis, can occur when excessive oil is produced by the glands near the eyelashes. Often, people with blepharitis have a history of recurrent sties or conjunctivitis.

The symptoms are usually sticky secretions formed around your eyelids while you sleep. Your lids are crusted and reddened. When you blink you feel as though there is sand in your eyes.

Your eye doctor may recommend that you clean your eyelids carefully and may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment or eye drops.

 

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