DRY EYE & RED EYE
These are common eye conditions that if left untreated may result in serious complications.
WHAT IS DRY EYE?
Dry eye is a condition that arises when your tears are insufficient to provide proper lubrication for your eyes. There are numerous causes of dry eye, the most common being air conditioning, direct air from a fan, and prolonged time spent reading or looking at a computer monitor.
Dry eye may also occur as a result of extended contact lens use. Furthermore, if you have had eye surgery, you may experience transient dry eye for a period of time after the procedure.
Dry eye may become more common as you get older, especially around the age of 50. This is due to the fact that the glands that make tears deteriorate or become clogged more easily.
Dry eye might also be caused by medical disorders. Inflammation of the eye glands, hormonal changes, ocular allergies, and particular illnesses such as Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, and vitamin A insufficiency are examples of these.
Furthermore, certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, and treatments for high blood pressure, birth control, and Parkinson’s disease, may cause dry eye.
If you have dry eye for an extended period of time, you should seek medical attention. Learn more about dry eye treatment here, or schedule an appointment with us.
WHAT IS RED EYE?
Red eye is caused by the tiny blood vessels in the eye becoming inflamed as a result of:
- Something irritating the eye, for example, dust, cigarette smoke, or a physical object.
- Microbial keratitis, an infection of the cornea. Common among contact lens wearers, this is most likely due to inappropriate contact lens use, handling, and storage. If left untreated, it can impair vision.
- Conjunctivitis or pink eye. It is a disorder caused by an allergy or infection. The inflammation which is infectious, covers the conjunctiva (the thin membrane that covers the front of the eye and borders the inside of the eyelids).
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).
- Subconjunctival haemorrhage (bursting of a blood vessel in the eye).
- Iritis/anterior uveitis (inflammation of the iris).
- Scleritis (inflammation of the sclera, the white tissue of the eyeball).
Most red eye disorders do not necessitate medical attention. Subconjunctival haemorrhage, for example, may appear serious, but it does not require treatment because the blood vessels mend themselves after a few weeks. If the redness is caused by something common such as dust entering the eye, you can treat it with over-the-counter eyedrops.
If the redness persists, you should seek medical attention. Learn more about red eye treatment here, or schedule an appointment with us.