Early detection and treatment of eye problems is the best way to keep healthy vision throughout life. By age 65, one in three people has some form vision impairing eye disease. Most of those affected are unaware because there are often no warning symptoms.
Moreso, poor sight is naturally associated with growing older. A thorough eye examination can uncover abnormalities of the visual system and related structures. This assessment can also reveal evidence of many forms of systemic diseases that affect the eyes such as hypertension and diabetes. With appropriate intervention, potentially blinding diseases such as glaucoma, cataract, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy often have a favourable outcome.
Since many eye diseases and disorders become more as we age, Ophthalmologist worldwide recommend that at age 40, the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision start to manifest, adults with or without any sign or risk factor for eye disease get a baseline disease screening. Much like mammograms at 40 or colon screenings at 50, this vision screening is a reminder to adults as they need to maintain their eye health. Taking care of your eyes and getting regular examinations can prevent many leading causes of blindness.
For individuals at any age with symptoms or at risk for eye disease (such as family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure), it is recommended that they see their eye doctor for prompt intervention and to determine the frequency of eye examination needed.
CONJUCTIVITIS/PINK EYE
Pink eye, the common name for conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the outer, normally clear covering of the sclera, the white part of the eye. The eye appears pink in conjunctivitis because the blood vessels are dilated. Pink eye is often accompanied by a discharge, but vision is usually normal, and discomfort is mild.
CAUSES AND TREATMENT
Either a bacterial or a viral infection may cause conjunctivitis. Viruses, which are more common and last several weeks, may cause an upper respiratory infection (or cold) at the same time. Unlike viruses, bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with a variety of antibiotic eye drops or ointments, which usually cure the infection in a day or two.
Conjunctivitis can be very contagious. People who have it should not share towels or pillowcases and should wash their hands frequently. They may need to stay home from school or work and should stay out of swimming pools.
Not everyone with conjunctivitis has an infection. Allergies can cause conjunctivitis too. Typically, people with allergic conjunctivitis have itchy eyes, especially in spring and fall. Eyedrops to control itching are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis. It is important not to use medications that contain steroids unless prescribed by an eye doctor.
Airborne allergens, such as house dust, animal dander and mould constantly bombard the eyes and can cause ocular allergies at any time. But when spring rolls around and the plant pollen starts flying, it seems like everyone starts crying. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, or hay fever, is the most common allergic eye problem.
Various antihistamine and decongestant drops and sprays can soothe irritated eyes and nose. Cool compresses decrease swelling and itching. Artificial tears dilute the allergens and form a protective barrier over the surface of the eye. Avoid rubbing the eyes, it makes the symptoms worse.
SEASONAL ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS
If seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is a problem, see an eye doctor. There are several new safe and effective anti-allergy drops that can be prescribed. An eye doctor can also make sure symptoms are not being caused by a more serious problem.
Finally, not everyone with pink eye has conjunctivitis. Sometimes more serious diseases, such as infections, damage to the cornea, very severe glaucoma, or inflammation on the inside of the eye cause the conjunctiva to become inflamed and pink. Vision is usually normal if the pink eye is really conjunctivitis. If vision is affected, or if the problem does not get better in a few days, see an eye doctor.
