Eye Conditions

• Eye Twitching (or Blepharospasm) – Despite being painless, eye twitching, a blinking disorder, can be very irritating and is a very common eye problem. Eye twitching is more often than not caused by stress, high caffeine levels, pink eye, fatigue, nervous system disorders, panic disorder, and/or staring at the television or computer for an extended period of time. Eye twitching may be experienced in both eyes, one of the eyes or under the eyes. Experts recommend resting and reducing causes of stress for treating mild eye twitching and medication, butox and surgery for severe eye twitching. • Itchy (and Watery) Eyes – Itchy and watery eyes are usually caused by allergies or two types of allergic conjunctivitis; a). seasonal allergic conjunctivitis that causes itchy and watery eyes because of exposure to allergens (such as grass, weed, pollen, and certain types of trees) in spring or autumn, b). perennial allergic conjunctivitis that causes itchy and watery eyes all year long because of exposure to household allergens (such as mold, dust, pet dander and pet hair). Experts recommend taking over the counter oral antihistamines or over the counter antihistamines and decongestants in them or getting similar medication prescribed by an eye specialist for this common eye problem.

• Eye Stye – An eye stye (also called hordeolum) is an infection because of blockage in the hair follicle of an eyelash that results in a small bump on the outside or inside the eye. Most of the time, an eye stye matures and heals in less than a week. Eye sties are caused by staphylococcal bacteria found in the nasal cavity that infects the glands causing it to swell and in some cases fill with pus. Experts recommend using a warm compress, gentle massage, antibiotics ointments/eye drops for treating this common eye problem if they are not healed within four to five days.

• Astigmatism – Astigmatism, another common eye problem, refers to a condition of the eyes in which patients find it hard to focus and objects (both near and far) appear blurred. In most cases, squinting or titling the head one way or another seems to help improve the ability to focus. Astigmatism is caused by a de-shaped cornea (oblong instead of spherical) and results in two curves, a flat one and a steep one. Consequently, light is focused at two points instead of one, blurring your vision. Unless it is extreme, astigmatism can be addressed with prescription glasses or contact lenses. Moreover, contrary to popular belief soft contact lenses are also available in the market for astigmatism patients.

• Conjunctivitis - Conjunctivitis  is a condition in which the conjunctiva, the mucas membrane lining the inside of your eye, experiences inflammation or swelling. Conjunctivitis is most common eye problem in school going children and is believed to be highly contagious. There are several types of conjunctivitis that is caused by various chemicals, viruses, bacteria, allergens, and/or foreign body in the eye. Some of the most common symptoms are; redness, itchiness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing and discharge from the eyes that form a crust. Experts recommend taking antibiotic eye ointments or eye drops for treating conjunctivitis.

• Dry Eye Syndrome – In dry eye syndrome (also referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca), a common eye problem, your eyes feel dry and scratchy because of the inability of your tear ducts to produce the right quality and/or quantity of tears. Since it is attributed to lack of moisture in the eye, it should be treated properly. In case it is not treated effectively, dry eye syndrome is known to weaken vision and cause various types of eye infections. It is caused by hormonal changes, various medicines, continued use of contact lenses, chemical burns in the eye and various environmental factors. The most effective treatment options for dry eye includes using eye drops or having silicon plugs inserted in the tear ducts to hold moisture in the eye by preventing tears from falling out.

• Cataracts – Cataracts, the most common cause of blindness in people older than fifty five years of age, refers to a condition in which the eye’s lens becomes clouded. The lens of a human eye is contained in a lens capsule in which dead cells accumulate over time clouding it (partially or completely) disrupting the eyes ability to see clearly. Cataract is generally painless and is accompanied by the following symptoms; blurred vision, sensitivity to light, deteriorating night vision, double vision, rapid changes in eye sight prescription and misty vision. In some cases, patients suffering from cataracts don’t need treatment as they remain small and negligible. In more severe cases, doctors recommend undergoing cataracts surgery that is the only effective way or restoring vision partially or completely.

• Retina Detachment –. Retina detachment, a common eye problem, refers to a phenomenon in which it separates from the choroids. It is more common in patients suffering from myopia and is usually caused by trauma. Some of the treatment options for retina detachment are pneumatic retinopexy, cryotherapy and/or laser therapy. For all eye conditions and eye problems always consult a qualified eye care practitioner or medical eye specialist.