Minor ailments of the eyes

Conjuntivitis

Symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye) can include pink or red coloration to the white of the eye(s) Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids. Increased tear production. Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye. Conjunctivitis is contagious and you need to practice good hand hygiene to avoid spreading the infecton.

Styes

A Stye is a small, painful lump on or inside the eyelid or around the eye.

The skin around the stye may be swollen and red and the stye may be filled with yellow pus. The redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

Your eye may be red and watery but your vision should not be affected.

It's probably not a stye if there's no lump – if your eye or eyelid is swollen, red and watery it's more likely to be conjunctivitis or blepharitis. If ​the lump is hard but not very painful – it's more likely to be a chalazion

Herpes Simplex Keratitis

Herpes simplex keratitis is caused by recurrent infection of the cornea by herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus is most commonly transmitted by droplet transmission, or less frequently by direct inoculation. Herpes keratitis remains the leading infectious cause of corneal ulcers and blindness worldwide.

Most herpes simplex eye infections are caused by the same herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.

You usually get the herpes simplex virus from skin to skin contact from someone with a cold sore. Once you have it, it stays in your body. It does not usually cause any symptoms, but sometimes it can cause eye infections.

This is more likely if you have a weakened immune system. It might also be triggered by an illness, stress, exposure to bright light or an eye injury.

You're unlikely to pass the virus on to someone else from an eye infection, but try to avoid touching your eye, and wash your hands regularly.

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Dry eyes

You may have dry eyes if your eyes are:

itchy, sore, gritty, red, blurry, sensitive to light, or more watery than normal.

You can get dry eyes if you do not make enough tears or your tears dry up quickly.

You may be more likely to get dry eyes if:​

• you wear contact lenses

• you look at computer screens for a long time without a break

• you spend time in air conditioned or heated environments

• it's windy, cold, dry or dusty

• you smoke or drink alcohol

• you take certain medicines (for example, some antidepressants or blood pressure medicines)

Itchy Eyes

Itchy eyes are usually caused by an allergy or by a condition called dry eye syndrome. You might also have itchy eyelids, usually at the base of the eyelashes, and your eyes and/or eyelids might be swollen.

If you are dealing with a mild case of allergy-related itching, a cold cloth or compress over the eyes can help temporarily ease the discomfort. Artificial Tears. Frequent use of chilled over-the-counter, lubricating eye drops can relieve symptoms. Anti-allergy Eyedrops or Oral Medications.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism means your eye is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football, so light is focused at more than 1 place in the eye. This can cause: blurred vision. headaches. eye strain (you may notice this after concentrating for a long time – on a computer, for example).

Teenagers with astigmatism should also have regular eye tests to check for an eye condition called keratoconus. This causes the cornea to change shape.

Treatment can include glasses, contact lenses or laser treatment.