These are Some of the Most Common Eye Conditions Everyone Should Know About
- Posted on: May 15 2020
If you’ve ever woken up with a bump on your eyelid or red, watery, itchy eyes, you know the discomfort of a common eye problem. There are several reasons why certain symptoms occur. The more capable we are of recognizing the signs of inflammation or infection, the more quickly we can recover. Here, we discuss some of the most common conditions that people may experience.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation on the white part of the eye. We often hear conjunctivitis called pink eye due to the persistent redness that characterizes this condition. More than just inflammation, which could occur when the eyes get dry, conjunctivitis may result from a bacterial or viral infection.
Signs of conjunctivitis include:
- Redness
- Excessive tearing
- Itching
- Thick discharge from the eyes
In some cases, conjunctivitis may improve with home remedies. Artificial tears may be inserted to soothe irritation and cold compresses may be applied to reduce inflammation. When using eye drops, it is vital to avoid touching the applicator tip to the eye. This may transfer bacteria and prolong the condition.
Corneal Abrasion
The cornea is the transparent tissue that covers the front part of the eye. An abrasion is a scratch on this surface. This can result from any number of tiny objects floating into the eye, from dust to a small hair or particle of sand. The cornea may also be scratched by a makeup brush or contact lens.
Signs of a corneal abrasion include:
- Pain
- Tearing
- Redness
- A gritty sensation, like having sand in the eye
Symptoms of a corneal abrasion should be examined by an eye doctor. Rubbing the eye could exacerbate symptoms and potentially worsen the original scratch. There is also a possibility that the scratch could become infected. An eye doctor can confirm the corneal scratch and prescribe antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. This injury can take up to a week to heal.
Stye
A stye is a small bump that forms on the eyelid as a result of inflammation or infection in an eyelash follicle. Oil may accumulate in the affected follicle, causing swelling. Signs of a stye include:
- A red bump on the lash line of the eyelid
- Tearing
- Crustiness around the clogged eyelash follicle
- Foreign body or gritty sensation in the eye
A stye should not be squeezed or popped like a pimple. The clogged follicle may be relieved by applying warm compresses to the eyelid several times a day. If the problem persists, an antibiotic ointment may be prescribed.
We care about your vision and your eye health. If you have questions about symptoms you are experiencing, call our Chester, NJ office at 908.879.7297.
Posted in: Eye Conditions
