Eye Conditions and 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 fragile blood vessels. If on 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 subconjunctiva hemorrhage is rubbing the eye. Other causes include heavy lifting, coughing, sneezing or straining during a bowel movement.

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.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Daniel Flather, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids, generally around the eyelashes.

The symptoms of blepharitis are:

People with the condition also have an increased incidence of sties and chalazions (lumps in the eyelids). Chronic blepharitis can contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome, as it dams the glands that secrete fluids to lubricate the eye.

Blepharitis
clubtable, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Treatment of blepharitis is directed at eyelid hygiene. In the morning, a hot compress can be applied to the eyelids for 5 – 10 minutes. Lid scrubs to clean the lashes should follow this. Different lid cleaning systems with an antiseptic solution are available to help clean the lashes and lids. The antiseptics can be found at any local drug store. Baby shampoo and a Q-tip also can suitably keep the lashes clean.

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

Trichiasis

Trichiasis is a condition in which the eyelashes are turned toward the eyeball. It is caused when the structures that point the lashes away from the eye lose their function.

Symptoms of Trichiasis include:

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 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 is injected into the eyelid, a freezing probe is placed on the eyelid near the lash that 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, and they become 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 its surface. A good tear film promotes clear vision. With the lack of proper tears on the surface of the eye, cells become damaged and initiate the cause of symptoms, which include:

Effects of a normal tear film also is very common.

Close-up Of A Young Man Putting Eye Drops In His Eyes
James Croley III Certificates

JAMES E. CROLEY III, M.D.

Dr. James E. Croley III is a board-certified ophthalmologist and the founder of the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida. He graduated magna cum laude from Cumberland College before attending medical school at the University of Miami and completing his residency at the University of Alabama Eye Foundation Hospital. Additionally, he studied at Stanford University where he gained further education in advanced ophthalmology techniques. Dr. Croley is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology.