Eye Infections : Types, Symptoms and Treatment

Eyes are affected by the air pollution when they are exposed to the smoke, chemicals. This dust cause the eyes to itch, burn and shed tears.

Some of the common eye troubles are :

Sty :

Sty is the pimple like inflammation of the eye lid. It is caused by infection, which may be linked to the blocking of an eye lash root or oil gland or due to general poor health.

Treatment : It can be treated at home by applying hot water with pressure in that area for every 2 hours with a 2 hour interval. By this method, the sty opens, drains and heals.

Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) :

Example of conjunctivitis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pinkeye is the acute form of conjunctivitis. It is an inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid and covering the eye ball. Due to the inflammation, the eyes get swollen and become red and stick together while sleeping. Conjunctivitis may be due to bacterial or viral infection and it is extremely contagious. It may also be due to allergy or chemical irritation.

Treatment :Conjunctivitis can be treated by washing the eyes with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth or tissue paper, so that it does not spread. After that apply medicated yellow oxide of mercury ophthalmic ointment on the inner edges of eyelids. This should be done early in the morning and before going to bed at night. Close the eyes so that ointment spreads evenly. Hot water should be applied 3 to 4 times in a day.

Eye Strain :

Eye strain may be due to the need of corrective glasses or disorder of the eye or by overuse of the eyes that brings about fatigue. One of the most common causes of eye strain is due to improper lighting.

Treatment : One who are reading or sewing should have sufficient light from the behind such that shadow does not fall, so that eyes do not get strained. The light should give comfort and it should not be dazzling. Glare should be avoided due to shiny surfaces. When watching television, the picture must be in sharp focus, the viewer should sit 6 feet away from screen. The room should not be dark.

Symptoms of Eye strain :

• Fatigue
• Tearing eyes
• Redness
• Scratchy feeling in the eye lids