Red eyes
Viruses: Viruses or a localized infection can cause red eyes – the problem usually starts in one eye but can spread to the other. Other symptoms of inflammation are pain around the eyes, sensitivity to light (photophobia) and wet eyes. Antiviral drops that can be prescribed by your general practitioner will help. If you get oral herpes, wash your hands after every touch, Tportal writes.
Iritis: if your eyes turn dark red and you feel throbbing pain, this indicates that you have iritis – inflammation of the iris, the colored part of the eye. This disease is caused by a reaction of the immune system, but its real causes are not known. Redness appears in the very center of the eye and spreads widely within 24 to 48 hours. It usually does not spread to the other eye. Corticosteroid drops help suppress inflammation, and in more severe cases, antibiotics.
High blood pressure: persistent redness on the whites of both eyes can indicate high blood pressure. The high pressure causes the capillaries to dilate or burst, which leaves red dots on the sclera (but not the iris).
Bleeding: If one eye suddenly becomes red without other symptoms, this indicates internal bleeding – where blood leaks into the thin membrane of the skin on the outside of the eye. It is a very common occurrence, especially in the elderly. Bleeding can be caused by a heavy cough, vomiting or a strong runny nose when straining to clean it.
Dry eyes
Menopause: it causes changes in hormone levels, which causes, among other things, a weakening of the eye moistening system. The production of liquid that moistens the surface of the eye is reduced. To solve the problem, close your eyes for 20 seconds every ten minutes. Also, working in air-conditioned areas or wearing contact lenses for too long also dry out the eye. This is where drops known as artificial tears help.
Sjogren's syndrome: an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack the moisture-producing glands, leading to abnormally dry eyes. Other symptoms include extremely dry mouth and muscle fatigue. The disease develops slowly. It affects more women than men, and is usually diagnosed in the forties and fifties. Symptoms can be alleviated with artificial tears.
Keratitis: A condition in which the cornea, the dome at the front of the eye, has become dry. The causes can be different: if you did not close your eyes properly during sleep, if you do not blink enough or as a result of an eye injury. Treat this condition with artificial tears.
Itchy eyes
Blepharitis: This is an irritation and infection of the skin of the inner eyelids. Sometimes flakes appear on the eyelids that look like dandruff, but they are actually flakes of the skin of the eyelid. The condition can be caused by a bacterial infection, but is also associated with rosacea.
There is no cure for blepharitis, but some doctors advise dissolving a pinch of baking soda in a glass of warm water, wetting the pad and running along the lash line twice a day to reduce irritation.
Allergy: Itchy eyes are often a symptom of an allergy, a problem known as allergic conjunctivitis. There are two types: seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (if you are exposed to grass, pollen, weeds) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (which occurs year-round due to exposure to allergens such as household mold, dust, pet dander). Symptoms may subside when the causes disappear. Antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays can often control eye symptoms.
Colored rings around the lens
High cholesterol: A milky white ring around the lentil can be a sign of high cholesterol. Known as arcus senilis, this white ring is caused by fatty deposits in the cornea. The ring should disappear with therapy and lifestyle changes. Not everyone with high cholesterol will develop this symptom.
Wilson's disease: A copper-brown ring around the eyes can be a sign of Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from getting rid of excess copper.
It most often occurs in younger people under 35 years of age. It is treated with medication and avoiding foods that are rich in copper such as liver, chocolate and mushrooms. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to liver and brain damage.
Watery eyes
Blocked tear ducts: If the tear ducts are blocked, fluid cannot drain, and fluid stagnation can lead to infections, making the eyes watery and irritated. About 20 percent of newborns have a blocked tear duct at birth, but this usually clears up within the first year of life. In adults, the problem is usually caused by infections, inflammations, injuries or tumors. Treatment depends on the cause and age (a chronic problem often requires minor surgery), but it can usually be treated well.
Dry eyes: Dry eyes can also cause watery eyes. If the eyes are dry, irritation occurs, which causes the accumulation of tears.
Shape changes
Cysts: A possible cause of bulging eyes can be a large, internal cyst that is not always painful. It is known as a chalazion, and it is caused by a blockage of one of the glands in the eye. The fluid cannot be excreted properly, so it forms in the form of a pea in the eyelid. Warm compresses can soothe the area to encourage canal drainage, and sometimes need to be surgically removed.
Diabetes: A droopy eyelid can sometimes be a sign of muscle problems or nerve damage elsewhere in the body. Diabetes can damage the fine blood capillaries that support the nerves in the back of the eye.
However, if it is a sudden drooping of the eyelid, the cause could be a small aneurysm in the brain, a brain tumor or a tumor at the top of the lung, so seek medical help immediately.
Pain in the eye
Corneal Abrasion: Corneal abrasion causes very sharp pain and the eye instinctively closes to protect the cornea from bright light. Such injuries usually heal on their own, although antibiotic eye drops can prevent further infections.
Ulcer: A corneal ulcer can cause sharp, constant pain in the eye and also reduce the brightness of the eye. People who wear contact lenses most often suffer from this condition, but it can also be the result of an eye infection. It is important to see a doctor quickly in order to start treatment with antibiotic drops or steroids in time.
Glaucoma: Deep, persistent pain can be a sign of glaucoma, which, if left untreated, can lead to blindness.
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