Eye Care:

We all at some point of time feel uncomfortable with our eyes. To our surprise, many common eye disorders disappear without the need for treatment or can be self-managed by oneself. Various products which are available over the counter (OTC) are artificial tears, ointments and ocular decongestants.  These products can help to combat dryness, itchiness, and excessive watering of the eye. However, a word of caution…In some cases, what seems to be like a minor eye problem may cause severe, potentially blinding conditions. So, always consult with your doctor for any persisting eye condition.

There are many OTC products which are safe and effective for mild eye disorders and are available for self-treatment. Two important factors to keep in mind when opting for self-treatment are:

if the problem appears in the eyeball itself, you need to consult a physician immediately; and

Use an OTC eye care product for 72 hours and check to see the improvement if the symptoms persist or the condition worsens, you should always see a doctor immediately. If there is blurry vision, double vision, visual loss or eye pain are your symptoms, then seek the help of an ophthalmologist (MD) immediately.

Ophthalmologists and optometrists both provide routine eye checkups. Ophthalmologists are physicians (MDs) who are specialized in diagnosing and treating diseases of the eyes and medically. Ophthalmology is the branch of science which deals with the eye. Optometrists are healthcare providers who provide eye care and diagnosis. An optician is a technician who does the job of fitting eyeglasses, it’s framed, and providing contact lenses.

What an Eye Examination Consists of:

Examining the structure of the eye;

 knowing the causes of the symptoms or disorder;

Treating ocular symptoms and eye disorders which are safe to self-treat and those which need the help of should an eye doctor; and the types of OTC eye care products available and their usefulness in the treatment of disorders.

Are Common Disorders Of The Eye Self-Treatable? Blepharitis, Lice, and Dermatitis

Blepharitis

It is a common eye condition which causes inflammation of the eyelid. Blepharitis results in red, thickened and scaly eyelids that typically sometimes causes loss of the eyelashes. This condition can be due to bacterial infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis or Staphylococcus aureus, or a mixture of the two or seborrheic dermatitis (a type of skin inflammation without known cause), it can sometimes occur because of rosacea of the face.

 The most common symptoms of blepharitis are

• itching,
• the flakiness of the lids, and
• A burning sensation of the eyes.

Treatment for Blepharitis

 Blepharitis can be initially treated by the use of hot compresses on the affected lids, which can be followed by an eyelid scrub. If the condition does not resolve, you should see the doctor immediately. He may prescribe you with antibiotic eye drops, eye ointments, or certain oral medication for the treatment of the condition.

Lice

This condition, eyelids become infested with one or two different lice, the crab louse (also called Phthirus pubis) or the head louse (called Pediculus humanus capitis).

Lice of the eyelids show symptoms and signs which are similar to that of blepharitis

• redness
• scaliness
• thickened eyelids, with some loss of the eyelashes.

Lice are common in young school going, children. Sometimes movements of the adult lice can be seen at the base of the lashes.

Treatment for Lice

Petrolatum or a non-medicated ointment is used and applied on the eyelid which suffocates the lice eggs. Some of the preparations like RID, NIX, A-2000, or any other hair preparation which are designed for radiation of lice in the hair should never be used near the eyes.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis causes inflammation of the skin that results in redness, swelling, or scaling of the eyelid with intense urge to itch. This condition can be triggered by the topical use of any irritant product which can be soap or make up or exposure to a foreign substance. Sometimes the upper and lower eyelids are affected, and this causes inflammation which is likely to be an allergic reaction. Even if you use foreign substances for many years without any reaction, it can result in allergy.

Treatment for Contact Dermatitis

Antihistamines are the oral medication that can be taken by mouth which is used to treat contact dermatitis of the eyelid. To avoid the recurrence, Discontinue the use of the offending agent.