People suffer from different eye conditions. While some are common, some may not happen all the time. Today’s post will discuss 5 of the commonest eye issues and how each can be identified and treated.
We begin with:
1. Eye cysts
Also known as a chalazion, this condition is a small, round lump located in the top or bottom eyelid. It typically causes no pain.
What could cause this? When the meibomian gland – a small eyelid gland, is blocked, it brings about an eye cyst. Because of the similarities in appearance, one could mistake this condition for a stye.
Eye cysts are symptomised by swelling or bump in the eyelid, a tender, inflamed eye.
Anybody can develop an eyelid cyst.
Treatment for eyelid cysts isn’t always necessary because they typically pose no danger. Almost all cases are fixed in a couple of weeks. However, a cold compress can be applied to the affected eye for some relief. If the issue doesn’t go away, then an excision and curettage may be used to take out the cyst. In a case where there is bleeding from the lump, or it persists for several weeks, it is time to see an eye specialist; it could indicate a severe problem.
2. Cataracts
When the natural eye lens gets hazy, cataracts are present. The eye lens helps us see clearly as it keeps light on the retina. Ageing makes the lens grow cloudy – light rays can no longer pass through it.
What could cause this? Many factors include abnormal blood sugar levels (diabetes), eye mishaps, certain meds like steroids, and age.
Cataracts are symptomised by hazy vision, haloes around bright lights, inability to see small texts on screens clearly, sensitivity to glare and light, and very frequent changes in eyeglasses and contacts.
Usually, people who are 65 years or older develop a cataract. Still, the condition can be present from childhood days and going forward.
Cataract surgery is the treatment for cataracts known to bring results and remove every symptom. Here the affected natural lens is extracted and replaced with an artificial lens.
Today, cataracts can be removed via laser cataract surgery. This advanced treatment is more accurate and less invasive than conventional hand-performed surgery.
Thanks to advancements, some patients even prefer a refractive lens exchange treatment (RLE). This one gives them the chance to pick a bespoke artificial lens following their prescription. With this option, glasses and contacts are minimally or not needed.
3. Dry eye
This issue comes up when there aren’t sufficient, quality tears that keep the eyes lubricated and nursed. We need tears to keep the front part of the eyes healthy and to see clearly.
What could cause this? The tear film – a barrier that protects the eye surface has many components that need to be balanced. If there is an imbalance for any reason, it will lead to dry eyes.
This condition is symptomised by teary eyes, burning sensation, itchiness in the eyes, and a feeling of tiredness as the day ends.
Dry eyes can happen to people of all ages. Women are typically affected by the condition, particularly postmenopausal women. Other conditions that can lend a hand to this problem include blepharitis, Sjogren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment for dry eyes will involve a diagnosis of the condition to be able to give a functional solution. There are some effective treatments for dry eyes: eye drops can work to release artificial tears; punctual plugs can be inserted to maximise original tears. Treating issues like blepharitis that can induce dry eyes can also help alleviate this problem.
4. Blepharitis
This is another very common eye issue brought on by the growth of bacteria on the skin surrounding the eyelashes. Because of the bacteria activities, the eye gets irritated, and symptoms begin to show up.
Blepharitis is symptomised by tender, scratchy, burning or tired eyes.
Anyone at any age can develop this visual problem. Around 20 percent of the populace have some level of blepharitis, though it isn’t serious enough to bring about symptoms.
As for treatment, bear in mind that blepharitis typically lasts for a long time. But you can keep it under control by routinely cleaning the lashes everyday. This can be done with fine cleaning products obtained from chemists and opticians.
5. Keratoconus
Last on the list of common eye issues is keratoconus. It is a cornea condition. The cornea is the window of visibility located at the front part of the eye. With keratoconus, the central corneal area is weakened, gets thinner and causes the cornea to have an unusual shape. The two eyes are usually infected with this condition; however one suffers more than the other.
What could cause this? There is no known clear and precise cause of keratoconus. Medical experts like to think that the issue is genetic since a small number of cases are traced to family health history.
Keratoconus is symptomised by hazy vision, progressive astigmatism, vision disorientation, and poor vision. When it gets serious, glasses or contact lenses cannot be used as corrective measures.
People typically develop this condition in their late teens or early 20s, and the issue may become more severe with time.
When the condition is just starting, treatment for keratoconus may involve glasses and contact lenses. Collagen crosslinking (CXL) may be performed to make the condition more stable. This surgery tightens the cornea with the use of UV light. But if the case has become worse, you will need a corneal transplant to get rid of the affected cornea and have another one as a replacement.
If you need help with any of these common eye conditions, please do not hesitate to book a consultation online with an eye health expert in London.
