HealthyLife Articles

Tag: dry-eye

  • Clear Facts On Eye Drops

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of man placing eye drop in eye.

    Staring at a computer, dry winter air, cold temperatures, allergies, medications. A number of things can make eyes red, dry or uncomfortable.

    Many people turn to a bottle of eye drops for quick relief. But, if you use eye drops often, there are a few things you should know.

    Seeing red

    Redness relief eye drops contain an ingredient that shrinks blood vessels in the eye, giving you that bright-eyed effect. But, these drops can be harmful if you overuse them.

    Using redness drops frequently can cause a “rebound” effect, making the redness even worse. Then you feel like you have to use the drops more and more to control the redness.

    Don’t use redness relief drops on a regular basis. If your eyes are often red, you should see an eye care professional to get to the root cause.

    Artificial tears

    Artificial tear eye drops are generally safe to use regularly. They don’t contain any active ingredients. Instead, they are designed to mimic your own tears. These work well for occasional dryness or discomfort.

    Keep an eye on preservatives

    Many eye drops contain preservatives. These keep germs from growing in the drops. They allow you to use the same bottle of drops for a longer period of time.

    Some people find that the preservatives in eye drops make their eyes itchy or irritated. If you notice any burning or stinging after using eye drops, even artificial tears, stop using them.

    Preservative-free eye drops are available. These work well for people who are sensitive to preservatives. They are usually in small single-use vials that come in a pack. You use the vial once and throw it away.

    Eye health red flags

    The best way to keep eyes healthy is to see your eye health professional regularly. Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist how often they should see you. It will depend on your age, any health issues and your eye health history.

    Call your eye professional right away if you notice:

    *  Pain or itching in the eye

    *  Redness that won’t go away

    *  Dry eyes that aren’t relieved with artificial tears

    *  Changes in vision, such as not seeing as well

    *  Cloudy or blurry vision

    *  Floaters or other spots in your vision

    Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Irritated Eyelids And Blepharitis

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Grandfather and grandson flexing arms.

    You might not think about your eyelids very much. That is, until there’s a problem with them. Blepharitis, a common eyelid condition, can cause irritated, red, itchy eyelids. It can also cause flaking on the eyelids.

    What causes blepharitis?

    Blepharitis usually happens when bacteria on the skin become unbalanced. Certain things can trigger this bacteria growth, including:

    *  Allergies

    *  Mites

    *  Dandruff

    *  Oily skin

    *  Rosacea

    Signs and symptoms

    Blepharitis can feel different to different people. Blepharitis symptoms include:

    *  Watery eyes or extra tearing

    *  Red and swollen eyelids

    *  Dry eyes

    *  Crusting of the eyelids

    *  Itching

    *  Blurry vision

    Self-care

    Most people can manage blepharitis with self-care at home. Here’s how:

    *  Wash your hands. Then apply a warm, moist compress to each eyelid twice a day. Use a clean cloth for each eye.

    *  Gently scrub the eyelids with water and baby shampoo or a gentle eyelid cleanser.

    *  Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water and dry with a clean towel.

    *  If you have dandruff, wash your hair with anti-dandruff shampoo on a regular basis.

    *  Avoid using eye makeup or wearing contact lenses until blepharitis symptoms are gone.

    Is blepharitis dangerous?

    Blepharitis isn’t usually dangerous. But its symptoms can be painful or bothersome. Sometimes blepharitis can cause other eye problems, such as:

    *Stye:A red, painful bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland.

    *Chalazion:A red bump on the eyelid that doesn’t hurt.

    *Cornea damage:The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye.

    If blepharitis doesn’t get better with self-care measures, contact your doctor. In some cases, you may need special eye drops or antibiotic ointment. Always ask your doctor before using any drops or other products in your eyes.

    Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Eyestrain From Computer Use

    Eye Conditions

    Persons who use computer video display terminals (VDTs) at work and/or at home may notice eyestrain.

    Signs & Symptoms

    *  Eye discomfort or irritation. This includes dry, red, and/or watery eyes.

    *  Eye fatigue.

    *  Having a hard time focusing.

    *  Back pain, shoulder pain, and headaches may also occur.

    Causes

    The cause of eyestrain is most likely from conditions that surround the VDT, not the VDT itself. These include improper positioning of the VDT and supplies, poor lighting, and/or poor posture.

    A pre-existing eye problem may also be the cause.

    Treatment

    Self-care measures prevent and treat eyestrain when using VDTs.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    *  Place the screen so that your line of sight is 10 to 15 degrees (about one-third of a 45-degree angle) below horizontal.

    *  Position the VDT screen about 2 feet away from your eyes. This is a little farther away than normal reading distance.

    *  Dust the screen often.

    *  Reduce glare. Place the VDT at right angles to a window. Turn off or shield overhead lights. Wear a visor to block them, if needed.

    *  Place your paperwork close enough that you don’t have to keep refocusing when switching from the screen to the paper. Use a paper document holder placed at the same height as the VDT screen.

    *  Blink often to keep your eyes from getting dry. Use “artificial tear” eyedrops, if needed.

    *  Tell your eye specialist that you use a VDT. Glasses and contacts worn for other activities may not be good for VDT work. With bifocals, the near-vision part of the lens is good for looking down, as when you read, but not for looking straight ahead, as when you look at a video display screen. You may need single-vision lenses for VDT work.

    *  If the image on the VDT screen is blurred, dull, or flickers, have it serviced right away.

    Resources

    Prevent Blindness America

    www.preventblindness.org

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

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine