7 of the most common eye conditions and how to treat them

Most people will experience eye conditions at some point in their life. Some will be minor and can be treated at home – they’ll also likely go away on their own. Other conditions require treatment, and for this, you may need to visit your Optometrist. Here’s a run down on the most common eye conditions that most people encounter, and what you can do if you experience any of them. 

 1. THE DREADED DRY EYE 

Dry eyes develop when your eyes can’t maintain your tears, or enough good quality tears to lubricate your eyes leaving them feeling dry. While usually not threatening and vision loss is extremely rare, dry eyes are uncomfortable and you may feel like something is in your eye or can cause annoying symptoms such as grittiness, burning or stinging. Many people experience dry eyes when they’re in an air-conditioned room, on a plane, or looking at their computer screen for extended periods of time.

How to treat dry eyes

Treatments for dry eyes include lifestyle changes such as taking breaks from your computer and using lubricating eye drops. If eye drops are not working or not working for long enough, then see your Optometrist to determine the underlying cause so that better treatments can be recommended.

2. CATCHY CONJUNCTIVITIS 

Also known as ‘pink eye’ or ‘sticky eye’, conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions. The white part of the eye becomes pink or red and one or both eyes may be watery, sore, itchy or have a sticky white, yellow or green discharge. These symptoms are caused by inflammation of the eye’s clear outer layer (called the conjunctiva) and the inside of the eyelid. Some cases of conjunctivitis are seasonal and can be triggered by allergens including pollen, dust or animal hair. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious and it’s important that an Optometrist diagnoses the correct cause so they can ensure you receive the right treatment to clear it up quickly.

How to treat conjunctivitis

Treatment for conjunctivitis varies depending on the cause but for all types it’s recommended to gently wash the eyes several times per day with clean cotton wool soaked in warm water.

Viral conjunctivitis improves on its own without treatment. However, bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with antihistamine drops or tablets, it’s also a good idea to find the allergic trigger. If you wear contact lenses, it’s recommended you discard those along with your contact lens case and avoid contact lenses for at least a week after your symptoms have disappeared. It’s also recommended to replace eye makeup and eyelash extensions that may have been in contact with the infection.

Dr Nick recommends washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your eyes, not sharing towels, and avoiding day care, work and other public places for at least five days or until the exudate has stopped coming out of your eyes.

3. BOTHERSOME BLEPHARITIS 

Blepharitis is an inflammation of your eyelids which often affects both eyes. It can occur on the inside of your eyelids (posterior blepharitis), outside of your eyelids (anterior blepharitis) and the corner of your eyelids (angular blepharitis). You will likely experience pain, heat and swelling of your eyelids and while it feels uncomfortable, it doesn’t lead to vision loss. Bacteria or demodex mites are the most common causes of blepharitis, and these can be found at the base of your eyelashes or in the glands of your eyelids.

How to treat blepharitis

Upon examining your eyes and asking questions, your optometrist will diagnose blepharitis. If they suspect an infection, they may prescribe a combination of cleansing, antibiotic or antiparasitic products which will help to reduce the swelling.

Unfortunately, blepharitis can take weeks or months to clear up and it can come back. To prevent blepharitis, keep your eyelids clean, avoid wearing makeup around the eyes and book in for regular eye examinations.

4. CATCH CATARACTS QUICKLY 

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions. They are the leading cause of blindness in adults worldwide. Thankfully, in most cases cataracts can be treated and your vision can be restored. Usually, your eye will have a clear lens, but if you have a cataract, the lens of the eye is cloudy. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes and usually develop in older people, but young people are also at risk. In rare cases, babies can be born with a cataract (congenital cataract).

Cataracts usually develop slowly and you may not notice any symptoms at first. Eventually your vision may become blurred or distorted, your eyes may be sensitive to light and glare, you may feel like you’re seeing double, or you may see halos. Poor night vision when driving or seeing details clearly may become difficult too as cataracts change your eyes focus.

How to treat cataracts

If your glasses prescription needs changing frequently or your vision has changed, book an appointment to see your Optometrist for an eye examination. It’s recommended you visit your optometrist for an eye examination annually, even if you don’t have vision problems as you can still have eye disease.

5. SWOLLEN & SORE STYE 

Have you ever had a small, painful lump on the outside or inside of your eyelid that looked like a pimple? It was likely a stye. Due to swelling, a stye is often a different colour to your eyelid and will often have a white spot in the middle which is the pus inside. Styes often feel sore and tender and cause your eyes to water. As one of the most common eye conditions, a stye is caused by a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle.

How to treat styes

Styes sometimes clear up by themselves within a few days. A warm compress held against your closed eyelid for two to five minutes can help open the blockage. Keep your eye clean and avoid makeup and contact lenses until the stye has gone.

You should see your Optometrist if the stye has not gone within a few days, if it obstructs your vision, the skin around your eye is painful, red, or swollen, or you experience other symptoms such as fever, eye discharge, nausea, headaches, or loss of appetite.

6. MANAGING MACULAR DEGENERATION

Macular degeneration is one of the most common eye disorders among people over 50. It’s caused by the breaking down of the inner layers of the macula, the part of the retina that gives the eye clear vision and direct line of sight. This can result in blurred or reduced vision which can affect your ability to do things such as read, drive and recognise faces clearly.

How to prevent macular degeneration

Early detection and self-care measures can delay vision loss due to macular degeneration. We recommend regular eye examinations, and you should notify your optometrist if you notice any changes such as distortion or blind spots in your central vision or if you start to lose the ability to see fine details. These changes are some of the first signs of macular degeneration, especially if you’re over age 60. Currently there’s no way to reverse the damage from macular degeneration but you can slow its progress by taking vitamin supplements, eating healthy and not smoking.

7. GUIDANCE FOR GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that causes vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. Usually, the deterioration of vision is very gradual, and you may not notice you’re losing sight so regular eye exams are recommended, especially for people over 50. Once detected, glaucoma can be treated to prevent or delay further vision loss.

How to treat glaucoma

There are different types of glaucoma and if you have acute angle-closure glaucoma, you need prompt treatment to reduce the pressure in your eye. This may be done with eye drops or an intravenous medicine, or you may need surgery. Nerve cells damaged by glaucoma cannot be repaired but treatment can prevent or slow further damage. As with many eye conditions, early prevention is key so be sure to visit your optometrist regularly.

HOW TO MANAGE OR PREVENT THE MOST COMMON EYE CONDITIONS 

We’ve covered seven of the most common eye conditions and how to treat them. The best way to ensure you don’t end up with one of these conditions is prevention. We recommend attending regular eye examinations so we can check your eyes for any signs and symptoms and take action before the condition develops. Book an appointment today with Dr Nick or one of the team to have your eyes assessed.