Eye-Opening Facts About Common Eye Issues: Part 1
Although we tend to take them for granted, our eyes are hard at work every day from the second we wake up in the morning to the moment we fall asleep at night. With the help of our eyes, we can take in information about movement, depth, direction, and colour in the world around us.
To maintain good eye health throughout your life, making an appointment to check your eyes at least every two years is a good habit to develop. We have put together a 2-part blog series covering common eye issues, their risks, and what to do about them. Being aware of these common eye conditions can help you know when to get an eye exam.
What Is Conjunctivitis, aka Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is when the conjunctiva of your eye becomes inflamed. The conjunctiva is a thin layer that covers your inner eyelids and the sclera, or the white part of your eye. The inflammation is usually due to something irritating your eye, such as bacteria, chemicals, or allergens. Symptoms include pink discolouration to the sclera, swollen eyelids, or burning sensations.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with oral antibiotics. Other forms, such as viral or allergic conjunctivitis, will often decline on their own with time, though an optometrist may prescribe eye drops or ointment to speed up the process. You can prevent conjunctivitis with measures such as washing your hands multiple times a day and keeping them away from your eyes.
What Causes Swollen Eyelids?
Swollen eyelids, also known as edema, are a common condition most people experience. Symptoms of sore eyelids include:
- Visible puffiness of the eyelid.
- Discharge from the eye.
- Pain.
- Difficulty blinking.
- Swelling elsewhere on the face.
It is difficult to pinpoint the cause of a swollen eyelid without an eye exam because the cause can range from mild to serious. Once you get your eyelid checked out, your optometrist may prescribe you medication to decrease the swelling. In the meantime, if you notice that your eyelids are swollen and sore, keep the area free of eye makeup, do not wear contact lenses, and avoid touching your eyes.
What Is the Cause of Eyelid Twitches?
Eyelid twitches occur when the fast muscle fibres in the eye contract erratically. Although many people do not enjoy having eyelid twitches, they are typically harmless and can be fixed relatively easily by figuring out the root cause.
Sometimes, the twitches can be cured at home, but in other cases, it is better to see an optometrist. If your twitch is caused by eye strain or dry eyes, this may be a sign of vision problems, and a full eye exam may be required to solve the issue.
Book Your Edmonton Eye Exam
Eye diseases and conditions are more common than you think, and many of them are, luckily, not vision-threatening. That being said, it is important to be aware when it comes to your eye health! If you are ready to learn more about your eyes, contact us at Ambleside Family Optical today to book a comprehensive eye exam.