|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Eye
Inflammations / Infections |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Eyelids protect your eyes from approaching objects
and irritating particles in the air. When you
blink, you eyelids help to remove foreign objects
and distribute tears which lubricate your eyes.
Two common conditions that affect your eyelids
are chalazia and styes.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid around
the eyelash area. Causes of blepharitis range
from a bacterial infection, lice, pollens, hairspray,
cat fur, and irritants such as cosmetics or cigarette
smoke and or to abnormal fat production in the
eyelids. Symptoms of blepharitis include: dandruff-like
flaking, crusty layer of dried discharge, swelling
and puffiness, redness (bloodshot eyes and eyelids),
irritation (discomfort), burning, and grainy /
coarse sensation under the eyelid (foreign body
sensation). The margins of the lid become red
and sore and small particles of dandruff may be
seen at the base of the eyelashes. Constant rubbing
may lead to watering and further irritation.
A topical antibiotic and / or a reduced-strength
corticosteroid can effectively treat most cases
of blepharitis. Good hygiene practices such as
frequent cleansing of the eyelids with a clean
washcloth, warm water and, in some cases, mild
soap (baby no tears formula) can prevent the build
up of bacteria and remove the crusty discharge.
Hypoallergenic sterile lid cleansers can be purchased
in the eye care section of your pharmacy or drug
store. Your doctor may prescribe a more powerful
lid scrub if simple cleansing does not help. Coating
the eyelashes with petroleum ointment to suffocate
the larvae can treat blepharitis that is caused
by lice.
Ineffective treatment or lack of treatment for
blepharitis may lead to the development of an
abscess within the eye called a stye, or a firm
nodule called a chalazion. Both can be uncomfortable
and hard to treat. Blepharitis is a disorder that
often recurs and needs repeated treatment.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Chalazia
and Styes |
|
| |
A
chalazion (also called a meibomian cyst) results
from a blockage of one or more of the small oil
producing glands (meibomian glands) that are found
in the upper and lower eyelids. These blockages
trap the oil produced by the glands and cause
a lump on the eyelid that is usually about the
size of a pea. These are usually relatively painless.
If the chalazion becomes infected, the eyelid
can become swollen, inflamed and more painful.
A chalazion may be treated by applying hot compresses;
and or antibiotic eye drops. In some cases, steroid
drugs may be injected into or adjacent to the
site of the chalazion. A chalazion may also be
treated by surgical incision and drainage when
necessary.
Styes are often confused with chalazia. Styes
are infections or abscesses of an eyelid gland
near an eyelash root or follicle. They generally
occur nearer to the edge, or margin of the eyelid
than do chalazia, where they form a red, sore
lump similar to a boil or pimple. Styes may also
be treated with hot compresses. Frequently, antibiotic
and or steroid eye drops or ointments may be needed.
Chalazia and styes most often respond well to
treatment. If left untreated, however, they can
be uncomfortable, unattractive and can lead to
other problems. Occasionally, chalazia and styes
recur. If this happens too frequently, your eye
doctor may recommend additional tests to determine
if other health problems may be contributing to
their development.
|
|
| |
 Top |
|
| |
Contact
Dermatitis |
|
| |
In
early stages, it develops as a sudden rash or
eyelid swelling accompanied by a clear teary discharge.
Crusting of the skin may develop if a secondary
infection, such as conjunctivitis, arises. The
most common causes of contact dermatitis are eye
drops and cosmetics, including nail polish. If
you suspect you have this condition, avoid the
offending agent, apply a cool compress and call
your doctor.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Conjunctivitis |
|
| |
Conjunctivitis
is an inflammation of a mucous membrane and therefore
in most types there is a red eye, thickening of
the conjunctival tissue and some discharge of
mucous or mucous and inflammatory cells. Eyes
look red and bloodshot. Infection is generally
in both eyes with the patient experiencing discomfort
in the form of a "smarting" and grittiness,
moderate photophobia, but minimal pain. Discharge
from the infection causes the well known symptoms
of eyelids stuck together on wakening or having
a "crusty" appearance.
The causes of conjunctivitis include; bacterial
infection, viral infection and allergic reactions.
Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) is extremely contagious.
Avoid touching eyes with your hands, wash hands
frequently, do not share towels, and avoid work,
school or daycare activities for at least five
days or as long as discharge is present. If you
suspect you or your child has conjunctivitis,
see your eye doctor immediately.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Keratitis |
|
| |
Herpes
simplex virus is usually responsible for corneal
infections. The same virus also causes cold sores
around the mouth. Both the infections are very
contagious. If you have a cold sore, do not touch
your eyes right after touching your mouth. If
you suspect you may have an eye infection see
your doctor immediately.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Corneal
Ulcer |
|
| |
An
ulcer on the cornea causes pain and discomfort
in the eye, and may make the white of the eye
turn pink or red. In addition, you may be able
to see the ulcer as a whitish patch and your vision
in that eye may be misted over or otherwise impaired.
This condition needs immediate attention. Corneal
ulcers are more common with extended wear contact
lenses.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Anterior
Uveitis |
|
| |
Anterior
uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer
of the eye, which includes the iris and adjacent
tissue. Anterior uveitis can occur as a result
of trauma to the eye, such as a blow or foreign
body penetrating the eye. It can also be a complication
of other eye disease, or it may be caused by general
health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis,
ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, rubella
and mumps etc. In many cases, there is no obvious
underlying cause.
Symptoms may include a red, painful and inflamed
eye, blurring of vision, sensitivity to light
and a small, fixed pupil. Since the symptoms of
anterior uveitis are similar to those of other
eye diseases, your ophthalmologist will carefully
examine the inside of your eye under bright light
and high magnification, to determine the presence
and severity of the serious eye conditions.
Usually eye drops that dilate the pupils and anti-inflammatory
drugs are prescribed. Treatment usually takes
several days, or up to a few weeks, in some cases.
It is important that treatment is given at an
early stage in the condition.
Anterior uveitis usually responds well to treatment,
however, there may be a tendency for the condition
to recur. If untreated, it can affect adjacent
eye tissues causing swelling, scarring, and development
of glaucoma,
cataracts,
or retinal edema, which can lead to loss of vision.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Watering
Eye |
|
| |
Continuous
watering of the eye may be caused by entropion,
or by a blockage in the tear ducts that drain
tears from the eye into the nose. Blockage of
the tear duct can lead to infection of the lacrimal
sac. This causes a red and painful swelling in
the skin beside the nose. Watering of the eye
due to blockage is an uncommon problem. Dry
eye may cause secondary tear secretion
which leads to excess tearing.
If you have any problems with your eyes, call
toll free at
510-431-5511 (Union
City) or 650-962-4626 (Mountain
View) to schedule an appointment
at NeoVision Eye Center.
|
|
| |
Top |
|
| |
|
|
| <<
Back to Services |
|
|
