Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin, transparent layer that lines the inner eyelids and covers the white part of the eye. Common symptoms include red watery eyes, mild discomfort, inflamed inner lids, blurred vision, a scratchy feeling in the eyes and occasional discharge.

There are three types of conjunctivitis:

• Infectious
• Allergic
• Chemical

Infectious conjunctivitis, or "pink eye", as it is commonly called, is caused by a virus or bacteria. Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Warm compresses help soothe your eyes as well. Viral conjunctivitis typically clears up on its own after a few days. Antibiotic drops are prescribed to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a side effect of the body's allergies to pollen, cosmetics, certain fabrics or animals. It is estimated that over 22 million Americans suffer from some form of allergic conjunctivitis. Antihistamine eye drops are recommended to control the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Allergy pills may be added if the symptoms are severe.

Chemical conjunctivitis is caused by irritants such as air pollution and chlorine in swimming pools. Soothing eye drops are recommended to decrease the irritation. The eye doctors at the Shammas Eye Medical Center will examine the eyes, determine the type of conjunctivitis and start the appropriate treatment.

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Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic lack of sufficient tear lubrication to naturally moisture the eye or in some cases tears may have a chemical composition that causes them to evaporate too quickly. It is estimated that over ten million Americans suffer from the symptoms of dry eyes.

One of the most common causes of dry eye syndrome is the normal aging process. The condition is also a common complaint among long term contact lens wearers. Thinning tear film may also be a side effect of taking medications such as antihistamines, birth control pills, and anti-depressants. Individuals living in dry dusty, windy climates often have dry eye syndrome.

Common symptoms include itchy, burning, scratchy eyes, redness or blurred vision that improves with blinking and excessive tearing. Many people find relief simply by using artificial tears on a regular basis available both over the counter and by prescription.

For more severe conditions, eye doctors are able to close the tear drain in the eyelid with special inserts called punctal plugs. These special plugs prevent drainage of the tears, keeping the eye moist. This treatment options is available as both a temporary or permanent solution depending on individual diagnosis.

The eye doctors at the Shammas Eye Medical Center will assess the degree of dryness of the eyes and start the appropriate course of treatment. In advanced cases, punctal plugs are used to preserve the largest amount of tears inside the eyes.

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Floaters and Flashes

Floaters and flashes of light are common eye symptoms that may or may not indicate a serious vision problem. Many people describe floaters as specks, clouds or cobwebs floating around in their central or side vision, and describe flashes as brief, bright spots of light or seeing stars.

Floaters are small particles of protein or other matter trapped within the jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye, called the vitreous humor. These can form at birth or as the vitreous begins to deteriorate as part of the aging process. Certain eye diseases or injury can cause floaters to appear. Floaters are very common in individuals who are nearsighted or have undergone eye surgery.

Flashes of light occur when the vitreous humor thickens and begins to tug on the retina causing small tears or holes. Flashes of light that appear in waves or as jagged lines in one or both eyes lasting as long as 20 minutes are caused by a spasm of blood vessels in the brain, known as an ocular migraine.

Floaters appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, as individual spots or threadlike strands. Most floaters are not harmful and rarely limit the vision. However, a sudden increase in floaters can indicate a serious vision problem.

The onset of new flashes of light can be an indicator of serious vision threatening problems such as the presence of a retinal tear or the beginning of a retinal detachment. The eye should then be checked immediately.

The eye doctors at the Shammas Eye Medical Center routinely check the retina in the presence of vitreous floaters or flashes of light. If a retinal tear is found, our eye surgeons will seal it with laser to prevent any additional damage.

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