words Alexa Wang
The importance of eye health cannot be overstated. Despite its importance, many people do not know what the most common eye conditions are and this can be dangerous as many can lead to long-term issues as well as cause great discomfort if not properly treated. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what the most common eye conditions are and how to recognise them.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a highly common eye condition that most people experience at some point. This is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (transparent membrane covering the white part of the eyeball), usually as a result of an infection or allergies. Commonly known as pink eye, this condition can result in itchy, watery eyes and produce pus that can cause the lashes to stick. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause—viral cases often begin with watery eyes and spread easily, while bacterial infections tend to produce thicker, yellowish discharge and may need antibiotic treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis usually presents with intense itching and is often accompanied by other allergy symptoms such as sneezing or a runny nose. If pink eye symptoms worsen, persist beyond a week, or include visual changes or significant pain, seek professional assessment to rule out complications. Meanwhile, simple precautions like handwashing and avoiding shared towels can curb transmission while you arrange care. You should speak to a pharmacist who can provide eyedrops or antihistamines to help. It is also highly contagious, so it is important to practice good hygiene.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids that causes sore, itchy eyes. In some cases, the eyelids may appear red, swollen, or crusty, especially around the base of the eyelashes. It is not usually serious and can be treated at home, but it is often long-term and can lead to repeated episodes. It is often caused by an infection or a complication of a skin condition. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Simple steps like keeping the eyelids clean with warm compresses, gently washing the eyelid margins, and avoiding eye makeup during flare-ups can help. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops if the condition is more severe. Although it can be frustrating to deal with, with regular eyelid care and proper management, most people are able to keep blepharitis under control.
Floaters
Eye floaters often develop from age-related changes occurring in the eye and cause spots in your vision, such as black specks, strings or cobwebs. It is usually nothing to worry about, but you should contact a doctor urgently if you start noticing more floaters than normal, you get flashes of light in the same eye or you experience blurry areas of vision as this indicates a retinal tear that requires immediate treatment.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is common and not a serious issue, but it can cause discomfort. This syndrome develops as a result of not being able to produce enough tears and can occur for many reasons. You can avoid symptoms by cleaning your eyelids, reducing screen time and avoiding dusty environments. If you wear contact lenses regularly, you may not need to stop due to dry eye, instead speak to your optician to find contact lenses that best suit you.
Glaucoma
There are no symptoms of glaucoma, but it can be picked up on a test which is why it is important to get regular eye tests. It can be a serious problem if not detected and treated as it can lead to a loss of vision as the optic nerve (connecting the eye to the brain) becomes damaged.
These are a few of the most common eye conditions that people need to be aware of. Eye health is hugely important and it is important to get regular tests to check the condition of your eyes and so that any issues can be treated before they lead to more serious issues.
