During the cold season, when immunity is weakened, our eyes are most susceptible to inflammatory diseases.
March 2 2019
Tatyana Shilova, MD, MD, ophthalmologist, microsurgeon, chief physician of the ophthalmological clinic, told how to maintain eye health.
Problem 1. Clean business
For those who have a habit of rubbing their eyes with unwashed hands, the hair follicle of the eyelash sometimes becomes inflamed, and barley develops. It is caused by a bacterial infection, usually Staphylococcus aureus. It is activated by vitamin deficiency, stress, hormonal disorders. The main symptoms are a painful red bump on the eyelid that grows larger in two to three days.
Treatment: for barley, antibacterial ointment with tetracycline or anti-inflammatory with dexamethasone is prescribed three to five times a day. Drop antimicrobial drops. When the barley opens, soak a gauze swab in an antiseptic with chlorhexidine and treat the eyelid, continue to apply the ointment – it will speed up healing. Do not squeeze the barley and do not heat it – this will lead to complications. If the condition does not improve after four to five days, or if the temperature rises, see your doctor.
Problem 2. Long history
Against the background of myopia and hyperopia, uncorrected, diabetes and other chronic diseases, blepharitis may occur – inflammation of the ciliary edge of the eyelid. It is provoked by infections, dysfunction of the lacrimal glands, microscopic mites – demodexes. Allergy to cosmetics, dust is possible. Often chronic in nature, with age, the likelihood of development increases. Alarming signs are redness and swelling of the eyelid edge, itching, scales or bubbles form at the roots of the eyelashes.
Treatment: If you blame new cosmetics, skip the product and take an antihistamine. No effect? Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist; treatment depends on the nature of the inflammation. To alleviate the condition, clean the ciliary edges with a napkin dipped in black tea, drip drops to fill the lack of tear fluid.
Problem 3. Viral season
Improper use of contact lenses, hypothermia, testing cosmetics in stores, ARVI contribute to the appearance of conjunctivitis. The cause of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye can be bacterial and viral infections, allergies. If you get sick regularly, most likely the problem is metabolic disorders or reduced immunity. The main symptoms are reddening of proteins, pain, feeling of sand in the eyes, photophobia, lacrimation.
Treatment: if conjunctivitis appears for the first time and you are not sure what caused it, consult a specialist. He will take a swab, give allergy tests, and recommend antiviral, antibacterial or antihistamines. At home, you can rinse your eyelids with tea leaves without sugar, drip antimicrobial drops, and when dry, moisturizing drops. You should not do warm compresses, apply a bandage – inflammation can go to the cornea. Use disposable napkins, each eye should have its own, and paper towels for your face. Change your pillowcases daily.
Avoid contact lenses and cosmetics at the first sign of inflammation. When you are well, replace the container and solution
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Treat diseases of the nasopharynx in time, this is a focus of infection for the tissues surrounding the eyes.
Wear suitable glasses. Improper vision correction leads to inflammation.
Take off your makeup before bed to avoid provoking blepharitis.
Do not use other people’s cosmetics and do not share yours. Disinfect tools, brushes with an antiseptic with chlorhexidine. Creamy textures are a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. It is better if the foundation comes with a dispenser. Loan someone a highlighter or shadow? Peel off the top layer.
Do not use probes in stores unless the sample is disposable.
Monitor your diet, maintain immunity. Do you often suffer from eye inflammations? Get tested – the body may be weakened due to a chronic illness.