Eye Care
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About Eye Care
The following are some common eye problems and a few ways to manage
them in consultation with your primary care clinician. If these problems
or conditions do not resolve or if symptoms become worse it is important
to follow up with your provider or call the advice nurse for further
instruction.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis or "pinkeye" is one of the most common eye problems.
Symptoms may include redness, itching or irritation, discomfort, clear
to cloudy discharge and occasionally sensitivity to bright light.
The cause of conjunctivitis can be allergic, bacterial or viral infection.
Antibiotic drops or ointment are used if the infection is bacterial.
There is no treatment for viral infections. Antihistamines, either
in eye drops or taken orally, may be helpful in treating conjunctivitis
caused by allergic reactions to environmental irritants. It is important
to avoid wearing contacts during treatment. Also avoid sharing eye
makeup and face towels. Frequent hand washing if you have a cold or
work around children and before touching your eyes is also an important
way to help prevent eye infections.
Hordeolum
A stye or hordeolum is a localized redness, swelling, and tenderness
of the upper or lower lid margin (similar to a pimple). Hordeolums
are usually caused by a bacterial infection (staphylococcal) of the
Meibomian (oil) glands around the lashes. These infections are treated
with hot compresses to the affected area several times a day (for
20 - 30 minutes 4 -5 times a day) to increase circulation and promote
drainage. Antibiotics can also be used to treat infection.
Chalazion
This is a lump or mass of the eyelid that results from chronic inflammation
of a Meibomian gland. Chalazions in early stages are indistinguishable
from hordeola, but when they heal they often form a hard non-tender
lump within the eyelid. In early stages hot compresses are helpful,
but bothersome residual lumps may require surgical removal by an ophthalmologist.
Corneal Abrasions
Abrasions, scratches, or erosions of the surface of the cornea are
often caused by over-wearing contacts or accidental scratches by a
fingernail while removing soft contact lenses. Dust or dirt particles
or other foreign bodies can also cause scratches to the cornea. Symptoms
include pain, increased tearing and light sensitivity. It is important
to be examined to evaluate the extent of the abrasion. Antibiotics
may be recommended and using sunglasses will help alleviate discomfort
from light. You may be asked to return to the clinic every few days
to make sure that this is healing. It will be extremely important
not to wear your contacts until your abrasion is completely healed.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of one or both lid margins.
Symptoms may include irritation, itching, swelling, burning, red rimmed
eyes, redness, scaling and crust. Treatment includes scrubbing the
lid margins with a cotton swab and a 50/50 mixture of baby shampoo
and water. Hot compresses and antibiotic ointments may also be helpful
to relieve symptoms.
Pinguecula
A yellow harmless nodule or growth on the sclera or white of the eye.
Pingueculas usually occur on the nasal side of the eye and are more
common in people who have a lot of sun exposure. These growths may
cause a mild discoloration or thickening of the eye tissue and are
harmless. They can occasionally become inflamed. Wear protective eye
wear when exposed to sun and wind.
Dacryocystitis
Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac (tear duct) due
to obstruction along the duct. Symptoms include pain, swelling and
redness in the tear sac area. There can also be purulent discharge
(pus) from the tear sac. Dacryocystitis is treated with antibiotics
and warm compresses to the tear sac area.
Glossary
- conjunctiva. the membrane lining the eye and eyelid
- cornea. the transparent anterior part of the eye
- iris. the circular pigmented membrane behind the cornea
- Meibomian gland. secretory glands in the eyelid
- pupil. the opening in the center of the eye through which
light enters
- sclera. the white outer coat of the eyeball
Treatment tips
- Hot compresses: A hot water bottle filled with hot
water and wrapped in a moist clean cloth can be used as a compress.
If you don't have a hot water bottle, moisten a clean face cloth with
hot water. Hold it against the affected area of the eye for 20 minutes
4 - 5 times a day. The cloth can be reheated by reapplying hot water.
- Eye drops: Lean head back, look up, pull lower lid
out and place drops in the lower lid sac. Blinking a few times will
allow the drops to spread throughout the eye.
- Eye ointment: Pull lower lid out , squeeze out a 1
1/2 inch strip of ointment and place inside lower lid. The warmth
of your eye will liquefy the ointment, blinking a few times will allow
the ointment to spread.
Related Services at the Tang Center
For Students:
- Advice Nurse: (510) 643-7197
- Appointments: (510) 642-2000
- Optometry Clinic: (510) 643-2020
- Self Care Resource Center: (510) 642-7202
For Faculty and Staff:
- Optometry Clinic: (510) 643-2020
- Please refer questions to your health plan or primary care provider.
Related Topics
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose,
treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease.
It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists
between an individual and his/her clinician.
Last reviewed: September 2005
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