HealthyLife Articles

Tag: drops

  • Glaucoma

    Eye Conditions

    Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss.

    Signs & Symptoms

    For Chronic (Open-Angle) Glaucoma

    This type takes place gradually, and causes no symptoms early on. Loss of side (peripheral) vision and blurred vision are the first signs.

    Later, symptoms include:

    *  Vision loss in side and central vision, usually in both eyes.

    *  Blind spots. Seeing halos around lights.

    *  Poor night vision.

    *  Blindness, if not treated early.

    For Acute (Angle-Closure) Glaucoma

    This type is a medical emergency! These symptoms occur suddenly:

    *  Severe eye pain and nausea.

    *  Blurred vision. Seeing halos around lights.

    *  Redness in the eye. Swollen upper eyelid.

    *  Severe headache that throbs.

    Causes

    Glaucoma occurs when the pressure of the liquid in the eye gets too high and causes damage to the optic nerve. Increased eye pressure without damage is not glaucoma, but increases the risk for it. Antihistamines and long-term corticosteroid use can trigger or worsen glaucoma.

    Risk Factors for Glaucoma

    *  Being over age 60, especially Mexican Americans.

    *  Being African American over age 40.

    *  Having a family history of glaucoma.

    *  Having diabetes.

    *  Being nearsighted.

    Treatment

    Treatments help with current vision. They do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma. Glaucoma may not be preventable, but the blindness that could result from it is. Get tested for glaucoma when you get regular vision exams. If pressure inside the eyeball is high, an eye doctor will prescribe treatment. This includes:

    Medicines used for acute glaucoma are prescribed for life. If medicines do not control the pressure, your doctor may advise:

    *  Laser beam surgery.

    *  Surgery that drains fluid from the eye.

    *  Medicines. These are the most common early form of treatment.

    – Prescribed eye drops or pills lower eye pressure, cause the eye to make less fluid, or help drain fluid from the eye.

    – Take medicines on a regular basis.

    – Let your eye doctor know of side effects.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    *  Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

    *  Do not take any medicine, including over-the-counter ones, without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Most cold medications and sleeping pills, for example, can cause the pupil in the eye to dilate. This can lead to increased eye pressure.

    *  If prescribed eye drops for glaucoma, use them as directed.

    *  Ask your eye doctor about low vision services and devices.

    *  Try not to get upset and fatigued. These can increase pressure in the eye.

    Resources

    National Eye Institute (NEI)

    www.nei.nih.gov

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

    Eye Conditions

    Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the covering of the inside of the eyelids and the whites of the eyes. The medical term for pink eye is conjunctivitis. It is called pink eye when the cause is a bacterial or viral infection. This is because the white part of the eye looks pinkish-red. Conjunctivitis can also be due to an allergic reaction.

    Signs & Symptoms

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    For Pink Eye

    *  Wash your hands often. Don’t share towels, washcloths, etc.

    *  Avoid contact with other people as much as you can until you have used the prescribed antibiotic eye drops, etc. for 24 hours. Follow the rules of your workplace about pink eye. For children, follow the rules of their school.

    *  With your eyes closed, apply a cotton ball soaked in warm (not hot) water to the affected eye 3 to 4 times a day. Do this for at least 5 minutes at a time. Use a clean cotton ball each time.

    *  Throw away any makeup that could be contaminated. Don’t wear eye makeup until the infection is all cleared up. Don’t share makeup with others.

    *  Don’t share eye drops with others.

    *  Don’t put a cover or patch over the eye. This can make the infection grow.

    *  Don’t wear contact lenses while your eyes are infected. Replace contact lenses or disinfect them twice before re-using.

    For Allergic Conjunctivitis

    *  Avoid things you know you are allergic to.

    *  Use over-the-counter eye drops. These soothe irritation and help relieve itching.

    *  Apply a washcloth rinsed in cold water to the eyes. Do this several times a day.

    *  Use protective eyewear when you work with chemicals and fumes.

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine