Posts Tagged ‘infection’
Eyes are organs that detect light, and send electrical impulses along the optic nerve to the visual and other areas of the brain. Some eye problems are minor and fleeting. But some lead to a permanent loss of vision. Common eye problems include:
Cataracts – clouded lenses
Glaucoma – damage to the optic nerve from too much pressure in the eye
Retinal disorders – problems with the nerve layer at the back of the eye
Conjunctivitis – an infection also known as pinkeye
Stye- A stye, or hordeolum, is a small bump that can appear on the outside or inside of the eyelid.
A sty is an acute infection or inflammation of the secreting glands of the eyelid. A sty can also arise from an infected hair follicle at the base of an eyelash. It is sometimes referred to as a pigpen or pig parlor. Sties are usually areas of bare ground and / or mud. It is caused by bacteria that normally live peacefully on the surface of the eyelid skin. It is a red, painful swelling on the edge or inside of your eyelid that may look like a boil or a pimple. Also known as hordeolums, styes can be caused by different factors, such as blocked or infection or inflammation of the eyelid eyelids. Contaminated fingers that touch the eye area can also cause infection. The eyelid becomes sore. The infection can spread along the eyelid and the whole lid may become red and inflamed. If an internal Sty not drain and heal, it can turn into a Chalazion. A sty results from an acute infection of the oil glands of the eyelid that occurs after these glands have become clogged.
Causes of stable
Common causes and risk factors:
a) An infection in the sebaceous (oil producing) or sweat glands in the eyelid.
b) A Chalazion develops when an oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked.
c) Using mascara, eyeliner, eye or other products that can irritate the eyes.
d) Rubbing eyes.
e) Symptoms stable
Here is a list of methods of treatment:
a) Most styes will drain on its own though this may be accelerated with a hot or warm compress.
b) Use makeup remover instead of just soap and water to remove eye make-up. This prevents heavy rubbing of your eyes and more completely removes the make-up.
c) Although antibiotics are often used to treat styes, they do not help much.
d) If a style or Chalazion is too large, the doctor may need to bid so that can drain and heal.
e) Paracetamol will also help relieve the pain of a sty.
f) A sty does not begin to improve after 3 days of home treatment or does not heal in a week.
g) Antibiotic ointments or eye drops may help cure the infection. If the skin around it is becoming infected, antibiotic pills may be needed.
Your best defense is to have regular checkups, because eye diseases do not always have symptoms. Early detection and treatment could prevent vision loss.
Read more information on remedies for eye disease and chronic conjunctivitis treatment. Also get more products for eye problems.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/eye-disease-stye-problem-1512050.html
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The buildup of intraocular fluid on contact lenses is a possible side effect to the eyes. Lenses with such deposits are uncomfortable to wear. Users of these lenses are at risk of an eye infection. Soft contact lenses are prone to developing deposits of intraocular fluid more than hard contact lenses.
Such problems as swelling of the eyes and vision haziness that are associated with the cornea, off and on result from the use of contact lens. Lenses barricade the flow of oxygen to the corneas resulting in a condition called hypoxia. Users can suffer scrapes and scratches from lenses to their corneas. Bacterial Keratitis is a corneal infection that can result from the all time use of both soft and hard contact lenses.
Persons using lenses most of the time may suffer from inflammation of the eyelids. In some cases, inflammatory bumps appear under the eyelids. They are small but painful. Persons affected with eyelid inflammation have a painful experience of wearing contact lenses.
Developing dry eyes is one of the most common side effects that contact lens is known to have. Lenses absorb a little of fluid from the surface of the eyes and as a result, leave them dry. Users of both soft and hard contact lenses are similarly prone to having dry eyes. Severe symptoms like itching or burning sensation, redness, excessive tearing and swelling surface in case of persons with dry eyes.
People who wear lenses may also experience a kind of allergic reaction. Turning of the eyes red when lenses are inserted is a common allergic reaction. Such an allergic reaction subjects the eyes to hypersensitivity that results from the preservative used in contact lens solutions. Solutions with a different preservative are prescribed for persons with allergic reaction from lenses.
Rob Goodey is an eye specialist who is doing research on contactlenzen. For information on Contact Lens she recommends you to visit http://www.lenzencenter.nl/
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/some-side-effects-of-wearing-contact-lens-are-to-the-disappointment-of-users-1449931.html
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A study published in the July 2009 issue of the journal Eye & Contact Lens: Science and Clinical Practice highlights the frequency of risks faced by contact lens users. The study, which analyzed a cross-section of contact lens users in a university practice setting (UCLA), showed that as many as half of all contact lens users experienced a contact lens-related complication. Some of these complications were vision-threatening, although most were benign. Complications were seen by users of all types of contact lenses, although users of rigid gas permeable lenses had a statistically significant reduction of risk compared to users of soft contact lenses.
The most common complications seen were papillae and giant papillary conjunctivitis. These can typically be treated and do not generally threaten vision. They typically cause infection, mucoid discharge, irritation, and blurred vision. Papillae and giant papillary conjunctivitis can lead to lens intolerance, forcing a return to glasses for best lens corrected vision.
Comparing Risks of LASIK and Contact Lenses
Although about half of contact lens users experience complications, contact lenses still compare favorably with LASIK and other forms of refractive surgery in terms of preserving your vision. Studies show that less than 1% of people receiving LASIK surgery experience a loss in best corrected vision. However, the likelihood of a loss of vision related to contact lens use is still significantly less.
At one time, contact lens use was associated with a potential for vision loss as high as 0.9%, but improvement in contact lens technology and wearing habits has reduced that risk significantly. Post-market studies required of all 30-day contact lenses approved by the FDA show that the approximate annual risk of vision-threatening microbial keratitis associated with contact lens use is 4 per 10,000 wearers, or 0.04%. If we assume a 14-year life for refractive surgeries, that amounts to a cumulative risk of about 0.6%. However, rates of infection are increased 4 times for people who wear contacts overnight, and up to 15 times for people who wear their contacts for more than two weeks.
LASIK complication rates resulting in vision loss used to be as high as 5%, but recently they have been reduced to about 1%, which is close to the rates for contact lenses. For most people, the comparable safety rate of LASIK seems better when compared to the vigilance necessary to keep contacts clean with daily, weekly, or biweekly removal and cleaning.
Safety Trends
However, in the near future, LASIK may be safer than contact lenses. LASIK has improved significantly in safety since its introduction. Advanced technology and experienced surgeons are largely responsible for the decrease in complications. As surgeons continue to gain experience and technology continues to advance, we can expect rates to continue dropping. Contact lenses, on the other hand, may be more risky in the future.
Microbial keratitis used to be caused by a relatively small number of microorganisms that were controllable with specific formulae of antibiotics. However, in recent years there have been more outbreaks associated with Acanthamoeba and fungal species. Some of this has been associated with specific contact lens solutions. Other times, it has been associated with the reduction of water quality standards by the EPA under the Bush administration. In the latter outbreak in Chicago during June to November of 2005, 40 people contracted Acanthamoeba keratitis, nearly seven times the historical rate of this type of infection.
In the future we may see more of what are described as “atypical” cases of microbial keratitis that may increase the risk of wearing contact lenses.
If you would like to learn more about the relative safety of LASIK and contact lenses, please visit the website of 20/20 Institute, with offices in Denver, Indianapolis, and Portland.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/will-lasik-be-safer-than-contacts-in-the-near-future-1369437.html
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Eye problems range from mild to severe in symptoms and conditions. With various types of problems that range from dry eyes to bloodshot eyes, and from eye discharge and puffy eyes, we have to remember that our vision is our most important sense, our windows to the world, and therefore if problems occur it’s best to seek the advice of an eye care professional immediately. Ophthalmologists are your best option. Unlike opticians and optometrists, they can do it all. They perform exams, diagnose, treat, and prescribe medicines, glasses and contact lenses. Where as, opticians and optometrists can only perform exams and write prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.
Bloodshot eyes, or “red eyes” are the most common condition. The red eyes could be due to an illness, injury, eye infection, tiredness, or other condition such as allergies. Bloodshot eyes are caused by the enlarged and dilated blood vessels in the surface of the eye (conjunctiva) becoming irritated. This can be a medical emergency or a medical non-emergency. Don’t be surprised if the doctor doesn’t take immediate action if you arrive in their office with red eyes, especially if you suffer from allergies or lack of sleep. Other times, red eyes can be of concern and a red flag that there is a more serious problem lurking such as Blepharitis, Conjunctivitis, Corneal Ulcers or Acute Glaucoma. If you’re experiencing other symptoms such as discharge or pain associated with the redness, you might want to schedule an appointment with your eye care professional or primary care doctor to see if one of these conditions is present. To relieve the problem, try your best not to touch or rub your eyes. If it’s allergy related, try antihistamines and/or eye drops or artificial tears. If the environment is bothering your eyes, change your location. Stay away from pets and pollens if possible. You could also try using an ice pack over your eyes. The coolness of the pack relieves different symptoms like swelling and pain, and could alleviate the redness. You could also consider rinsing your eyes with warm and cool water.
Eye Pain on the other hand, is a much more serious problem. Some describe it as stabbing, throbbing, aching, burning or the feeling that “something is in your eye”. Many people seek medical treatment when they’re experiencing pain in their eyes. The word pain is generally open for interpretation. Some people describe it as in their eyes, around their eyes or behind their eyes. The causes of eye pain can be one of two forms; ocular pain or orbital pain. Ocular pain comes from the outer structure of the eye and can be caused by either Conjunctivitis, Styes, Blepharitis, Corneal Abrasions or Ulcers and Chemical Burns. Orbital pain is caused by a disease of the eye and can be described as a deep, dull ache behind or within the eye itself. Some of the diseases that can cause orbital pain are Glaucoma, Migraines, Trauma, Optic Neuritis, and Iritis. Whatever is causing your eye pain, you should seek medical attention for treatment. But if you think you know what the problem is and do not feel like you’d need a doctor, try different things at home such as flushing your eyes with lukewarm water or commercial eye solutions. Just like with other eye problems, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes until you seek treatment or the problem resolves.
Eye discharge is that icky, sticky, yellowish substance that comes out of your eye. Most people experience this in the morning when they wake up. Nine times out of ten it’s harmless. The discharge is actually apart of your body’s natural defense system. The one time out of ten, there is a more serious problem. So if the discharge persists and is constant, seek medical treatment. The first and the most common reason is waking up with discharge in the corners of your eyes. This discharge is a sign that some form of bacteria, either from make-up or extra oily skin has tried to make its way into your eye while you were sleeping. A bacteria invasion can lead to a more serious condition like Blepharitis, which is an inflammation at the base of your eyelashes that produces the thick, yellowish pus filled with bacteria-fighting white blood cells. Other, more serious causes of eye discharge can be associated with medical conditions such as Conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. A corneal ulcer is an open sore in the outer layer of the cornea and is associated with infections and bacteria. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the membrane that lines the eyelids. Both of these conditions could lead to more severe problems, so again, if the problem is constant and consistent, seek medical attention. Things you can do at home to relieve the problem is using a warm washcloth, letting it sit over your eyes for a short period of time. The warmth loosens the crust and allows you to open your eyes. Contaminated cosmetics are the leading cause to eye infection, and if not thrown away you’ll be reapplying the bacteria. Avoid sharing towels and washcloths if possible. This can spread bacteria quickly and either give yourself or others the problem.
Watery eyes are ironically a main cause of dry eyes. It is absolutely necessary for your eyes to replenish themselves repeatedly everyday. However, too many tears can actually begin to reverse the good and start working against itself. Also known as Epiphora, it’s important to note that tearing is not an emergency. Yes it can be annoying, but it can also be treated. The cause of watery eyes can range from dry eyes to allergies, from enviromental irritants to age or even clogged tear ducts. Eye conditions such as Blepharitis and Conjunctivitis can also be the cause of watery eyes. Before treating the watery eyes, you have to first know the reason. Each cause has a different treatment. Artificial tears or eye drops can rewet your eyes, while over the counter antihistamines can alleviate allergy or environmental irritant symptoms. Many older people experience watery eyes. This is due to aging and a lack of quality tear production, and usually there is another underlying problem. Older people should see their eye care professionals more often to help pinpoint problems they experience before it turns into something worse.
If vision changes, such as blurriness, eye spots, floaters, halos or even blindness occur, this could be a sign that there is a much more serious problem within your eyes. Vision changes should never be ignored, so if you are having any you should seek medical attention immediately. Never let vision changes persist or continue. The changes will only develop into serious, severe problems, diseases and conditions. Presbyopia, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Retinal Detachment, Floaters, Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy are all serious eye diseases that will cause changes in your vision. Other possible causes of vision changes can be simple fixes like fatigue, medications and overexposure to the outdoors. Medications that can affect your vision include antihistamines, high blood pressure medication, anticholinergics, and medications for malaria, as well as many others. Talk with your eye care professional about any other medications you are taking, as this may be the cause of your vision changes. The biggest thing you can do in preventing and treating vision changes is to see your eye care professional on a regular basis. Doing other things such as wearing sunglasses while outdoors, eating foods rich in antioxidants (leafy greens), avoiding alcohol, drugs or smoking and watching cholesterol levels will reduce the chances of vision changes for many years. But remember, vision changes are bound to happen to all of us once we reach a certain age, so it’s best we do our best to maintain good vision.
When it comes to Eye Problems it’s important you understand that problems range from mild to severe. Certain conditions such as Bloodshot or Red Eyes can be easily treated. While other conditions such as Eye Pain are due to more serious conditions.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/the-fear-of-eye-problems-1063684.html
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Serious medical procedures require often entail a lengthy healing process. Lasik eye surgery comes as no exception. The eyes, being very sensitive organs, need to recover after receiving incisions from the medical laser. Not doing so may lead to complications, in which you may end up undergoing another expensive eye operation. Clearly, you should tend to your eyes with care, so proper healing is fostered.
Communicate with Your Surgeon
After Lasik eye surgery, you should maintain contact with your surgeon, as you monitor the progress of your healing on a daily basis, or following the doctor’s orders. Your surgeon will advise you on what you should do to avoid eye infection. In some cases, appointments are necessary to ensure that your eye is healing properly, which can only be determined, if your doctor s updated with your condition.
Keep Your Eyes Closed as Much as Possible
For next 24 – 48 hours after the surgery, your eyes should be closed, as much as possible. A beam of light, hitting the injured eye, requires the cornea to move and adjust, which could open up the wound received from the operation. Keep your eyes closed, unless the situation absolutely calls for them to be opened. It may be inconvenient, but in a month or a few weeks, your vision will surely be restored.
Wear Eye Protection
One of the most common things that a person does upon waking up is to rub his or her eyes. Unfortunately, such a practice instantly reopens the wound and could lead to complications. The same goes with bathwater. Before going to sleep, wear an eye mask, preferably two. The strip of cloth will pad your eyes in case you accidentally rub them when you wake up. When taking a bath, wear a pair of goggles. Make sure they fit you perfectly, to prevent water from entering your injured eye. Avoid wearing eye makeup while your eye is still recovering, as it may cause infection. Also, wear sunglasses when going outdoors. Harsh ultraviolet rays could send you back to the hospital in an instant.
Take Medication as Prescribed
The eye doctor knows best in treating and ensuring the recovery of your eye after an operation, thus he or she prescribes the proper medication. Follow your doctor’s orders, religiously, so the injured cornea recovers, according to schedule. If you feel that the medicine prescribed isn’t working, contact your eye doctor, immediately. Don’t forget to lubricate your eyes whenever you feel pressure from them. Eye drops can help relieve pain and the inflammation.
Dial D for Doctor
By following the mentioned procedures, your injured eye stands to recover in about a month. Just contact your doctor whenever you feel pain or much inconvenience, to ensure that it is recovering properly.
To learn much more about lasik surgery, visit AllAboutLaserEyeSurgery.com where you’ll find this and much more, including the costs of lasik surgery, and other corrective laser eye surgeries.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/what-to-do-after-lasik-eye-surgery-1051608.html
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