Eye Care

Conjunctivitis or "pinkeye" is one of the most common eye problems. Symptoms may include redness, itching or irritation, discomfort, clear to cloudy discharge, and occasionally sensitivity to bright light. The cause of conjunctivitis can be an allergic, bacterial, or viral infection. Antibiotic drops or ointment are used if the infection is bacterial. There is no treatment for viral infections. Antihistamines, either in eye drops or taken orally, may help treat conjunctivitis caused by allergic reactions to environmental irritants. It is important to avoid wearing contacts during treatment. Also, avoid sharing eye makeup and face towels. Frequent hand washing if you have a cold or working around children before touching your eyes is also an important way to help prevent eye infections.  

A stye or hordeolum is a localized redness, swelling, and tenderness of the upper or lower lid margin (similar to a pimple). Hordeolums are usually caused by a bacterial infection (staphylococcal) of the Meibomian (oil) glands around the lashes. These infections are treated with hot compresses to the affected area several times a day (for 20 - 30 minutes 4 -5 times a day) to increase circulation and promote drainage. Antibiotics can also be used to treat infection. 

This is a lump or mass of the eyelid that results from chronic inflammation of a Meibomian gland. Chalazion in early stages are indistinguishable from hordeola, but when they heal they often form a hard non-tender lump within the eyelid. In early stages hot compresses are helpful, but bothersome residual lumps may require surgical removal by an ophthalmologist. 

Abrasions, scratches, or erosions of the surface of the cornea are often caused by over-wearing contacts or accidental scratches by a fingernail while removing soft contact lenses. Dust or dirt particles or other foreign bodies can also cause scratches to the cornea. Symptoms include pain, increased tearing, and light sensitivity. It is important to be examined to evaluate the extent of the abrasion. Antibiotics may be recommended and using sunglasses will help alleviate discomfort from light. You may be asked to return to the clinic every few days to make sure that this is healing. It will be extremely important not to wear your contacts until your abrasion is completely healed. 

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of one or both lid margins. Symptoms may include irritation, itching, swelling, burning, red-rimmed eyes, redness, scaling, and crust. Treatment includes scrubbing the lid margins with a cotton swab and a 50/50 mixture of baby shampoo and water. Hot compresses and antibiotic ointments may also help relieve symptoms.  

A yellow harmless nodule or growth on the sclera or white of the eye. Pinguecula usually occurs on the nasal side of the eye and is more common in people who have a lot of sun exposure. These growths may cause a mild discoloration or thickening of the eye tissue and are harmless. They can occasionally become inflamed. Wear protective eyewear when exposed to sun and wind. 

Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac (tear duct) due to obstruction along the duct. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness in the tear sac area. There can also be purulent discharge (pus) from the tear sac. Dacryocystitis is treated with antibiotics and warm compresses to the tear sac area.