Category: Eye Infection

Chalazion: Blocked Gland in the Eyelid

eye chalazion 200Most people have heard of styes mainly because they have had one. A chalazion is somewhat similar to a sty, but it is not the same thing. A sty is an acute infection of one of the oil-producing glands of the upper and lower eyelids, called meibomian glands. Each eye has 30-40 meibomian glands.

A chalazion is a clogged meibomian gland. The gland becomes blocked and oil builds up inside it. Eventually, the gland breaks open and leaks excess oil into the surrounding tissue, causing inflammation. While chalazia can hurt like styes do, they are more frequently painless lumps on the upper or lower eyelid. They occur most frequently in persons 30-50 years of age, but children can also get them. Continue reading “Chalazion: Blocked Gland in the Eyelid”

Inflamed Eye Lids: All About Blepharitis

blepharitis-200Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids, and for many this is a chronic condition. It is a common condition that affects both adults and children. There are two kinds of blepharitis – anterior (front) and posterior (back) blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis affects the front of the eye, including the eyelid and eyelashes. It is often associated with a bacterial growth and/or an increase in the activity of the meibomian gland. Posterior blepharitis causes dry eyes and is created by the dysfunction of the meibomian gland. So it generally isn’t caused by a bacterial infection.

In the eyes, the meibomian glands (also called the “tarsal glands”) are a type of Continue reading “Inflamed Eye Lids: All About Blepharitis”

Eye Infections: A Guide to Keratitis, Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) and More

eye infections - bacteriaEye infections are a result of invasion of any part of the eye by disease-causing microorganisms. These include certain pathogens that can invade the eyelid, the conjunctiva, the cornea and, in severe and serious cases, inner parts of the eye as well. Eye infections can affect one or both eyes. Although an eye infection can seem mild, it is important to get proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent potentially serious injury to the eye.

Types of Eye Infections

Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis – In the Western Continue reading “Eye Infections: A Guide to Keratitis, Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) and More”

Vitamin D Protects Against Bloodstream Infection

vitamin D from the sunIn a recent study, hospital patients with higher levels of the vitamin were less likely to develop hospital-acquired bloodstream infection (HABSI).

This protective effect of vitamin D is an important finding. Boston researchers collected data from 2,135 patients of Boston hospitals from 1993 to 2010. The men and women had vitamin D levels measured before admission to the hospital. 48 hours after admission, their blood samples were Continue reading “Vitamin D Protects Against Bloodstream Infection”

Eye Infections Increase In Summer Floods: Precautions and Tips

flood
Image via arkansas.gov

In light of the recent flooding in the Midwest that has disrupted lives and endangered public health, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has published a list of reminders and precautions related to eye care, particularly for those contact lens wearers out there.  Their particular concerns involve the proliferation of water born pathogens such as amoeba, parasites, bacteria and viruses which can be responsible for eye infections.  Eye doctors have seen an increase in eye infections in areas of flood stricken Iowa.

 

These precautions and recommendations are also great reminders for contact wearers who are traveling or outside enjoying summer recreation and may not have easy access to fresh water and clean facilities.

According to the AOA:

  • Avoid contact with flood waters. If contact cannot be avoided, remove contact lenses prior to exposure to water. If contact lenses are unavoidable, wear goggles.
  • Don’t assume treated tap water is safe. Avoid using tap water to wash or store contact lenses or contact lens cases.
  • Always wash and dry hands before touching the eye or handling contact lenses. Use hand disinfectant frequently.
  • Use only sterile products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.
  • Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store contact lenses. Never re-use old solution. Contact lens solution must be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, even if the lenses are not used daily.
  • Rub and rinse the surface of the contact lens before storing using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved contact lens disinfecting solution.
  • Store lenses in the proper lens storage case and replace the case at least every three months. Clean the case after each use by rubbing each well for at least 5 seconds, rinse with contact lens disinfecting solution, then wipe with a clean cloth. Store the case upside down with caps off between cleanings.
  • Contact lens wearers who regularly sleep in contact lenses as prescribed should refrain from doing so if exposed to water
  • Replace lenses using your doctor’s prescribed schedule.
  • Never put contact lenses in the mouth or moisten them with saliva, which is full of bacteria and a potential source of infection.
  • Never use contacts that have not been prescribed by an eye doctor. Never wear lenses prescribed for another person. Contact lens wearing is not an option for everyone; consult with an optometrist to see if contact lenses are an appropriate choice for vision correction.

Symptoms to watch for:

If you experience any of the following conditions, contact your optometrist immediately:

  • Red and irritated eyes lasting for an unusually long period of time after lens removal
  • Pain in and around the eyes especially if it progressively worsens
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Sudden blurred or fuzzy vision
  • Excessive eye tearing or discharge

SOURCE: AOA