Learn About Common Eye Problems Part Two

With all the different eye problems that can develop, it is sometimes challenging to know when a condition is something to have checked out. To be on the safe side, it never hurts to see your eye doctor to have symptoms evaluated. It’s also helpful to learn more about certain eye conditions, including symptoms and treatments. Below are a few common eye conditions. 

​Chalazion 

A chalazion involves a painless, small bump that develops on the eyelid. It may appear similar to a stye, but usually, a stye is painful, and a chalazion typically does not hurt. A chalazion may also grow larger than a typical stye.

The condition develops due to a blocked oil gland on the upper or lower eyelid. It’s not clear why the oil gland may become blocked, but having certain inflammatory conditions, such as rosacea or acne, increases a person’s risk.

Symptoms include:

• A painless swelling
• Partially block vision if the lump is very large

Usually, treatment is not needed for a chalazion. It goes away on its own. It is best to avoid squeezing the lump since that can lead to an infection. Placing a warm compress over the bump for about 10 minutes several times a day may speed healing.

In some cases, if a chalazion does not go away on its own, a steroid injection might be an option or the chalazion may need to be surgically drained.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis involves an inflammation of the eyelids. It can develop due to a bacterial infection or a skin disorder that may also affect the oil glands on the eyelids. According to the National Eye Institute, blepharitis can be challenging to treat since it tends to reappear.

Symptoms include:

• Increased tearing
• Itching
• Swollen eyes
• Crusted eyelids
• Stinging sensation

Treatment usually involves making sure the eyelids are kept as clean as possible and free of oil. Because the condition is often chronic, people with blepharitis usually have to continue to maintain effective eyelid hygiene for the rest of their lives to prevent a flareup.

Applying a warm compress several times a day may ease discomfort. In some cases, steroid or antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed. 
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​Amblyopia

Amblyopia is a common condition that occurs when one eye is weaker than the other. The condition is also called lazy eye. It is thought there is a breakdown in how the eye and brain work together, which leads to the weaker eye. In some cases, other eye conditions, such as strabismus, may lead to the development of a lazy eye. The condition usually develops in early childhood.

Symptoms include:

• Abnormal vision tests
• The weaker eye may wander inward or outward
• Shutting one eye

According to the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the earlier treatment starts, the better. Treatment may include glasses to correct refractory vision problems.

Another option is to try to strengthen the weaker eye. This is done by either using eye drops or wearing a patch over the stronger eye. The eye drops blur the vision in the stronger eye, which forces the weaker eye to do all the work, which hopefully strengthens it. 

Eye allergies

Although it does not affect vision, eye allergies can be bothersome. Allergies develop when your immune system responds to typically harmless substances as if they were dangerous. As part of the immune system response, your body releases certain antibodies. The antibodies lead to common allergy symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Swollen eyes
• Burning or stinging
• Watery eyes
• Itching

Eye allergies can occur at any time of the year. Some people are allergic to more than one substance, which means they may have eye allergies all year long. Common allergens that lead to eye allergies include mold, pollen, and grass.

Although it may not always be possible, treatment for eye allergies often includes trying to reduce exposure to the allergen. Treatment may also include artificial tears to flush allergens out of the eyes and ease irritation. Oral antihistamines may also help block the release of histamines and help prevent symptoms. Antihistamines are also available in eye drops.

Thanks for reading our blogs. We are happy to answer any question or to discuss whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time. Please call us at 508-746-8600.
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