Common eye problems

Sore, irritated, inflamed or red eyes can have different causes. Allergies can lead to red, watering, itching eyes in some people. In others, problems with tear production cause grittiness and irritation known as 'dry eye'. Allergic eye (allergic conjunctivitis) and dry eye are two common eye problems. It is important to let your doctor check the exact cause of your eye problem as the correct treatments vary considerably.

See our topic on dry eye.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva - the wet surfaces of the white of the eye and the inner eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis affects people of all ages, and itching is a classic symptom. Other symptoms are enlarged blood vessels, watering eyes and swelling. A stuffy nose and other allergic symptoms are likely.

Allergic eye problems can be caused by airborne allergens, such as pollen (hayfever), or direct eye contact with allergic triggers such as cosmetics or preservatives (even some in eye drops). Allergy symptoms may be seasonal (eg, due to pollen, grass), perennial (year-round, with allergens such as dust mite or pets) or sporadic (eg, on direct contact).

Treatment of allergic eye may require anti-allergy drops or antihistamine tablets to reduce the allergic response. It is also important to identify and avoid allergic triggers.

Bacterial or viral infection can also cause conjunctivitis. If the cause is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops to clear the infection. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically causes a thick yellow discharge, unlike the thin watery or white mucous discharge of allergic or viral conjunctivitis.

Viral infection may be more painful and cause greater redness. There is no effective antiviral treatment for common viral conjunctivitis (often caused by the common cold virus), it just gets better on its own over seven to 10 days. Artificial tears can relieve the discomfort in viral conjunctivitis. Paracetamol and cool compresses can help, and with either infection it important use general hygiene measures to avoid spreading it (eg, hand washing and not sharing towels). Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious.

How to apply drops and ointment
To apply drops:

• always wash your hands first 
• open the container, and pull the lower eyelid gently down with your forefinger to form a pocket
• tilt your head slightly back and look up; and 
• holding the bottle between the thumb and forefinger, gently squeeze the recommended number of drops in the lower eyelid pocket.

To apply ointment:

• hold the tube between the thumb and forefinger
• rest your hand against your nose to position the tip of the ointment tube
• apply a small strip of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket.

Do not touch the eye with the dropper or tube tip. You should also discard all drops, solutions and ointments one month after opening to avoid bacterial contamination. Single dose lubricant eye drops remain sterile until opened, if used before the expiry date.

Original material provided by everybody, reviewed November 2008.