Issue 44.14
Do your eyes burn, scratch, itch, or water? Does your vision blur after a few minutes of reading or working on the computer? These kinds of complaints are probably amongst the most common that I hear. Ocular irritation can come from many different factors. Rarely is it a single source, but actually a combination of two or more problems. Some of the most common are allergies, dry eyes, infection, and environmental irritants.
Allergies will typically cause symptoms of itchy, red, and watery eyes. The offending allergen will set off a reaction in the mucosal lining of the eye and back of lids, or conjunctiva. Symptoms may worsen with rubbing. Both eyes will usually be affected, but may only affect one eye if the offending allergen is inadvertently rubbed or touched to the eye. Some over the counter products are useful for mild allergic conjunctivitis, but may not be enough in severe cases. More effective allergy drops, or anti-inflammatory drops may be more appropriate and are available with a prescription.
Dry eye is extremely common, especially in our dry, desert climate. Often times the amount or quality of our tears cannot keep up with the demand. Symptoms include burning, scratchy, and sometimes watery eyes. Vision will often times fluctuate, especially while reading or working on the computer. While there is no permanent, definitive cure for dry eyes, it is important to treat this aggressively, and manage it as effectively as possible. Dry eye syndrome may worsen over time. Treatment options may include, but not limited to, artificial tear use, medicated eye drops, punctal plugs, or autologous serum. Punctal plugs are very small devices inserted in the office that are analogous to plugging the drain in your sink. It is a very quick way to increase your tear volume. Autologous serum is a very special “artificial tear”, which is actually derived from your own blood at a lab. This allows the nutrients from your blood stream to help heal the surface of your eyes.
Infections, while not as common as allergies or dry eye, definitely cause irritation. Infections may include bacterial, viral, or parasitic sources. Bacteria which live on our skin may begin to cause irritation and other problems around our eyes. Redness along the base of the lashes, accompanied by scaling or debris build up around the lashes is common. Large glands called meibomian glands, which are located adjacent to our eyelashes, may become blocked or infected causing sore lumps commonly referred to as a sty. Small mites called demodex may be populating the follicles of your eyelashes causing itchy, irritated eye lid rims, and in turn, irritated eyes. It is estimated that approximately 30% of patients with these types of symptoms also have the presence of demodex mites. These are easily identified during an eye exam with your eye care professional, and can be treated.
The reason for irritated eyes is quite lengthy and cannot be completely covered here. If your eyes are bothering you, please see your eye care professional for a consultation.
RICHENS EYE CENTER is hosting FREE TO THE PUBLIC Presentation on eye health and Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery. Please join us Monday, Nov 3 at 6:00pm, location to be announced. Limited seating, you must register by calling: 435.772.8999 or emailing: dchilds@richenseyecenter.com.