Eye problems
Anyone can experience any type of eye problem. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of eye problems so that you can get diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Symptoms may include: blurred or difficulty seeing; light sensitivity; glare; redness; tired eyes; dry eyes; pain when looking at close objects or in lit areas; difficulty reading or driving because of poor vision.
Causes of Eye Damage
- Burning oil or grease in the eyes
- Contact lenses not being worn properly
- A foreign object getting lodged in the eye
- Excessive Eyelash Curling
- Eye strain is caused by working at a computer for extended periods
Tips to reduce the risk of developing eye problems
- Make sure you are wearing your contact lenses correctly. Make sure they are fitted snugly and do not move around in your eyes. If you experience pain wearing your contact lenses, ask your optometrist for a new pair.
- Avoid touching your eyes if you can. Doing so can cause oils and sweat to enter your eyes, aggravating the condition. Spit out saliva that accumulates in your mouth before it enters your eyes.
- If you use a stovetop or oven, keep a safe distance between yourself and the cooking surface. Hot surfaces can injure the cornea and the clear front window of the eye.
The Different Types of Eye Diseases
There are many eye diseases, but fortunately, most can be treated with medication and surgery. Often, the earlier a disease is diagnosed and treated, the better chance a person has for a successful outcome.
- Glaucoma: This condition is caused by increased pressure within the eyeball that can lead to optic nerve damage and blindness.
- Cataracts: A cataract is a type of eye disease that results in clouding the eye’s lens. Over time, this can lead to partial or total blindness. Cataracts are usually treated with surgery to remove or replace the lens.
- Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the fluid-filled cavity inside the eye. Uveitis can lead to blurred vision, headaches, and other symptoms, and it’s typically treated with medication and surgery.
- Pterygium: Pterygium is growth on the outside surface of the eye. Pterygiums can cause several symptoms, including eye pain and poor vision. They’re typically treated with surgery to remove the pterygium.
- Retinitis Pigmentosa: Retinitis pigmentosa is a condition that results in damage to the retina. As deterioration continues, people with retinitis pigmentosa may experience difficulty seeing in bright light and eventually lose their vision altogether. Treatment typically involves medications and surgery to restore vision.
Symptoms of Eye Diseases
Eye irritation can be caused by a number of things, including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, and allergies. Some tips on minimizing the risk of developing these conditions are as follows:
-Make sure you are using the right amount of eye cream. Over-the-counter creams typically have minimal active ingredients, so it is vital to use the right amount for your skin type. Check with your doctor about the best product for you.
– Avoid contact lenses if you have a cold or flu. Contact lenses can aggravate an existing eye infection and lead to vision loss. If you wear contacts, clean them properly and replace them every month if you can.
– Stay away from smoke and environments that contain a lot of dust or pollen. These things can aggravate your eyes and lead to eye problems like inflammation, redness, and discharge.
How to Avoid Eye Damage?
To minimize the risk of eye damage from everyday activities, you can do several things. For example, avoiding contact with water when it is raining or snowing, wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, and using a dust mask when cleaning. Here are some tips on how to avoid specific types of eye damage:
– Contact lens wearers should routinely replace their lenses even if they seem to function correctly. Over time, lenses can become cloudy, leading to decreased vision.
– When using a computer or other electronic devices for long periods, keep your eyes properly positioned away from the screen and allow time for your eyes to rest between uses. If you are prone to eye fatigue or strain, consider using an eye pillow or siesta mode during long periods of use.
– If you experience pain or redness in your eyes, see your doctor as soon as possible. Your symptoms may be indicative of an eye injury that requires medical attention.
Take care of your eyes!