Different Eye Conditions and their Specific Treatments
This article looks at three different eye conditions, Iritis, Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage, and Conjunctivitis, examining their signs and symptoms, causes and treatments. Iritis Iritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the iris – the coloured part of your eye. It can be associated with other inflammatory conditions of the body, for example arthritis, Behcet’s Syndrome, Sarcoidosis and Toxoplasmosis, but in most cases the cause remains unknown. It is a common condition which tends to recur, and although it usually only affects one eye at any one time, it is important to realise that iritis can affect either eye. Signs and Symptoms
- Aching
- painful red eye with small pupil
- blurred vision
- sensitivity to light (photophobia) – hence the need for sunglasses
- tearing/floaters
Treatment It is important that this condition is treated at an ophthalmic casualty department, as it can be difficult to diagnose without certain equipment, which is usually not available at your doctor’s surgery. The eye doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory drops which may be used frequently at first, then gradually tailed off. These medicines decrease the inflammation and reduce the scarring that can occur. Successful treatment of iritis depends on your consistent compliance. You must not suddenly stop using the drops, or the iritis may recur. You will be given drops to dilate your pupil. This will cause blurring of vision and difficulty in focusing, and may also increase your sensitivity to light, but it is a vital part of the treatment for iritis. If the pupil is not dilated, the inflamed iris will stick to the lens, which can lead to complications such as glaucoma. Sometimes iritis can cause pressure rise in the eye (glaucoma) and treatment would be initiated accordingly. Should you have a future attack of iritis, it is essential that you seek early treatment to prevent complications. The sooner treatment is commenced, the easier iritis is to treat, and the quicker the inflammation subsides. Sub-conjunctival Haemorrhage Thr front, white part of the eye, known as the sclera, is covered by a transparent membrane called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva has a rich blood supply. A sub-conjunctival haemorrhage occurs when these tiny blood vessels leak, causing a small amount of blood to gather between the sclera and conjunctiva. Because these membranes are transparent this condition looks very serious, but it is not. It will not interfere with your sight. This is the same process which causes bruising, which is a small bleed in between the layers of the skin. Symptoms The eye will look very bloodshot and you may have a feeling of “tightness” in the affected eye. Causes
- Coughing, knocking your eye, or rubbing it very hard
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- Aspirin or warfarin
Practically all sub-conjunctival haemorrhages occur for no reason. In most cases it does not mean you have an illness or eye condition. Treatment Apart from an eye examination, you will also need a blood pressure check and a blood test for diabetes with your doctor. It does not require any treatment, and the bloodshot appearance should gradually disappear in 7 to 14 days. If unsightly, you could always hide the red appearance by wearing a pair of sunglasses. Conjunctivitis This is an inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva (the membrane which covers the whites of the eye, and lines the eyelids). There are several causes, but the two most common are viral and bacterial. Usually both eyes become affected within a short period of each other. Signs and symptoms The eyes become sore, gritty and red, with a discharge that can be watery or pussy, depending on the cause. The eyes are sticky, particularly in the mornings. Treatment
Stephen Jenkins is a UK optician who qualified in 1989 and has his own high street practice in Chesterfield, Derbyshire (Watson and Jenkins Opticians). The practice also sells designer sunglasses online and is an official supplier for Oakley, Rayban, Gucci and most other brands. Advice is available on ultraviolet light and how to choose the most suitable tint for your sunglasses. Regular news updates from the world of eyecare, such as the latest gene therapy treatments for certain forms of blindness. Free fast UK delivery and low cost worldwide shipping. Visit http://opticalreflections.co.uk/
Posted in Health on Wednesday 27th of August 2008 10:38:14 AM