Eye Conditions or Diseases

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that lies over the white portion of the eye. It contains many of the lubricating cells of the eye and many small rather fragile blood vessels . If one of these small vessels or capillaries ruptures it can result in bleeding into the conjunctiva. This often appears as a bright red area on the white part of the eye.

The most common cause of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is rubbing the eye. Raising the pressure inside the eye by lifting heavy objects, coughing, sneezing, or straining during a bowel movement can cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

There are usually no symptoms associated with subconjunctival hemorrhage, although some people complain of a sharp pain when the hemorrhage begins. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is not a sign of any disease that causes vision loss and tends to fade over the following one to three weeks with no treatment.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids generally around the eyelashes. The symptoms of blepharitis are:

Crusting
Scaling
Mattering
Redness of the eyelid margin

People with the condition also have an increased incidence of sties and chalazions. Chronic blepharitis can contribute to developing dry eye syndrome since is damages the glands that secrete fluids to lubricate the eye.

The main goal in treating blepharitis is directed at eyelid hygiene. In the morning, a hot compress can be applied to the eyelids for five to ten minutes. This should be followed by lid scrubs to clean the lashes. Different lid cleaning systems with antiseptic solution to help clean the lashes and lids are available at drugs stores. Baby shampoo and a Q-tip can also suitably keep the lashes clean.

If an infection is present, antibiotic eye drops will be prescribed and in severe cases oral antibiotics may be necessary.

Trichiasis

Trichiasis is a condition in which the eye lashes are turned toward the eyeball. It is caused when the structures that point the lashes away from the eye lose their function and the lashes gradually turn toward the eye. Symptoms of Trichiasis include:

Irritation
Foreign body sensation in the eye
Redness
Watering or epiphora
Frequent eye infections
Corneal ulcer
Chronic rubbing of the eyelashes can lead to permanent scarring of the cornea

Treatment of Trichiasis consists of either mechanical removal of lashes or permanent destruction of the eyelash follicle. Mechanical removal of the turned in lashes only provides only temporary relief because the lashes will grow back and turn into the eye again.

Permanent destruction of the eyelash follicle is the only way to prevent the lashes from growing back. This can be achieved with one of two procedures:

Electrolysis: After local anesthesia is injected into the eyelid, a small wire is placed into the eyelash follicle. An electro current cauterizes the follicle. This kills the follicle, in turn keeping the lash from growing back.
Cryosurgery: After local anesthesia in injected into the eyelid, a freezing probe is placed on the eyelid near the lash which is turning in toward the eye. This area is frozen killing the eyelash follicle.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are one of the most common eye problems, becoming more common as we age. The glands in the eye that secrete tears diminish over time. The eye depends on a constant supply of lubrication to maintain the health of the cells on the surface of the eye. A good tear film promotes clear vision. With the lack of proper tears on the surface of the eye, cells become damaged and begin the cause symptoms. Symptoms of dry eyes include:

Dry sensation, eyes sticking together
Foreign body sensation, feeling of something in the eye, or gritty sensation
Itching of the eye or around the edge of the eyelids
Blurred vision that comes and goes
Watery eyes (Eyes are so dry and irritated that they start to water)
Redness due to the eye being irritated and not protected by the nourishing effects of a normal tear film is very common