Learn About Common Eye Problems - Part One

Did you ever wake up with itchy red eyes or a little bump on your eyelid? Eye problems are common. Although many eye conditions are minor and do not cause any lasting issues, they may still be uncomfortable.

There are several different types of eye conditions that can affect your eye health and/or your vision. Continue reading below to learn the symptoms to look for and the treatments available. 
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Conjunctivitis 

Conjunctivitis involves an inflammation of the white part of the eyeball. The condition is also called pink eye because the eyes often appear red. Conjunctivitis may develop as a result of a bacterial or viral infection.  

Symptoms include

• Itching
• Redness
• Tearing
• Discharge from the eyes

Treatment may include home remedies, such as applying a cold compress and using artificial tears to decrease discomfort. Avoid wearing contact lenses until the infection clears up. It is helpful to see an eye doctor if you have conjunctivitis to determine if antibiotic eye drops are needed. 
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Corneal abrasion 

A corneal abrasion involves a scrape or scratch on the surface of the cornea. You can get a corneal abrasion from a variety of sources. For example, dust, sand, and metal shavings can all get into the eyes and scrape the cornea. Contact lens and makeup brushes are also potential causes of an abrasion. Symptoms include: 

• Redness
• Pain
• Gritty feeling in the eye
• Tearing

If you suspect you have a corneal abrasion, it's best to see an eye doctor. An abrasion can become more serious, especially if you rub your eyes. There is also a potential for an infection to develop. Treatment for a corneal abrasion usually involves antibiotic eye drops to prevent an infection. 

If pain is an issue, moistening eye drops may also be prescribed. In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend wearing a patch over the eye while it heals. 

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, most small corneal abrasions heal in a couple of days. Larger abrasions may take a week to heal. 
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Stye

A stye involves infection or inflammation of the eyelash follicle. The oil glands around the lid may become clogged, which can cause swelling.

Symptoms of a stye include:

• A red bump along the lid close to the lash line
• Crustiness around the eyelash
• Tearing
• Feeling like something is in the eye

Although they may be uncomfortable, most styes do not interfere with vision unless they get very large. Styes often clear up without medical treatment. Do not squeeze the stye. Instead, apply a warm compress several times a day. If your stye is large and painful, an eye doctor may recommend an antibiotic eye ointment.  
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​Floaters

A floater is a spot in an area of your vision. It may appear as a gray or black string. Floaters tend to move when you try to focus on them. Most floaters occur due to changes to the vitreous in the eye. The vitreous is a jelly-like material in your eye. As we age, small fibers in the vitreous may clump together, causing shadows on the retina. The shadows are floaters.

The symptoms of floaters include:

• Having dark spots or shapes that may appear like cobwebs or lines in front of your eye
• Spots move when you try to look at them

Although floaters are common and usually not harmful, it is best to see an ophthalmologist for an eye exam to rule out any serious causes.

In most cases, floaters might be annoying, but they often do not require treatment, but if floaters become especially dense, they can affect vision. If this occurs, treatment may help.

Treatment involves a procedure to remove the vitreous and the floaters from the eye. A salt solution replaces the vitreous. This procedure is usually not needed and only used as a last resort if floaters are significantly affecting vision.

If you have any questions about one of the conditions above, please give us a call. We are happy to answer your questions. Additionally, if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600. 
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