Understanding Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

 Cataracts: What You Really Need to Know

Ever feel like your vision isn't as sharp as it used to be? Like you're looking through a slightly foggy window? If so, you're definitely not alone. Millions of people around the world develop something called cataracts, especially as they get older. It's a super common eye issue, and while it can sound a bit scary, understanding what it is and what can be done about it can really put your mind at ease.

So, What Exactly ARE Cataracts?

Think of the lens inside your eye like the lens of a camera. It's normally clear, allowing light to pass through and focus perfectly on the back of your eye (the retina) so you can see crisp, clear images.

Now, imagine that camera lens getting a little cloudy or frosty. That's kind of what happens with a cataract. The natural lens inside your eye starts to become opaque or cloudy. This cloudiness blocks or changes the way light passes through to your retina, leading to blurry, hazy, or less colorful vision.

It's not like a film on the surface of your eye; it's actually happening inside your eye, within the lens itself.

Different Flavors of Cataracts:

Just like there are different types of clouds, there are a few different types of cataracts. The most common one is related to age – we all have a chance of getting some form of it as we get older (usually after 50). But there are others too:

• Nuclear Cataracts: These form in the central part of the lens and can sometimes initially cause a temporary improvement in near vision (a "second sight"), but eventually, they'll make things blurry. They can also cause your vision to become more yellow or brown-tinted.
• Cortical Cataracts: These start in the outer layer (cortex) of the lens and look like white, wedge-shaped opacities pointing towards the center. They can cause problems with glare.
• Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: These develop at the back of the lens and can progress faster than other types. They often cause trouble with reading and seeing in bright light.
• Congenital Cataracts: Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in early childhood. These can be caused by infections during pregnancy, genetic problems, or other issues.
• Traumatic Cataracts: These can happen after an eye injury, even years later.
• Secondary Cataracts: These can develop after surgery for other eye problems, like glaucoma, or from certain medications like steroids.

Why Do We Get Cataracts Anyway?

The main culprit for cataracts is simply getting older. Over time, the proteins in the lens of our eye start to break down and clump together. This clumping is what causes the cloudiness.

But age isn't the only factor. Other things can increase your risk of developing cataracts, such as:

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to get cataracts and get them earlier.
• Prolonged Exposure to Sunlight: UV radiation from the sun can damage your eyes over time.
• Smoking: Smoking is linked to an increased risk of cataracts.
• Certain Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids (steroids) can increase the risk.
• Eye Injury or Inflammation: Trauma to the eye or inflammation inside the eye can lead to cataracts.
• Family History: If your parents or siblings had cataracts, you might be at a higher risk.
• High Blood Pressure and Obesity: Some studies suggest a link to these conditions.
• Previous Eye Surgery: Surgery for other eye conditions can sometimes lead to cataracts.

How Cataracts Mess with Your Vision:

The clouding of the lens can affect your vision in various ways:

• Blurry or Cloudy Vision: This is the most common symptom. Things just don't look as sharp as they used to.
• Trouble Seeing at Night: You might find it harder to see in low light conditions.
• Sensitivity to Light and Glare: Headlights, sunlight, and even indoor lighting can seem too bright or cause a halo effect around lights.
• Seeing Halos Around Lights: This can be particularly noticeable at night when looking at streetlights or car headlights.
• Faded or Yellowish Colors: Colors might not appear as vibrant as they once did.
• Double Vision in One Eye: This is less common but can occur.
• Frequent Changes in Eyeglass or Contact Lens Prescription: Your vision might keep changing, requiring more frequent updates to your eyewear.

Finding Out if You Have Cataracts (Diagnosis):

The good news is that your eye doctor can easily diagnose cataracts during a routine eye exam. They'll do a few things, like:

• Visual Acuity Test: This is the standard eye chart test to see how well you can see at different distances.
• Slit-Lamp Examination: This special microscope with a bright light allows your doctor to see the structures at the front of your eye, including the lens, in detail to check for any clouding.
• Dilated Eye Exam: Your doctor will put drops in your eyes to widen your pupils, allowing them to get a better view of the lens and retina at the back of your eye.
• Tonometry: This test measures the pressure inside your eye (usually to check for glaucoma, but it's part of a comprehensive exam).

What Can Be Done About Cataracts (Treatment):

The only proven way to treat cataracts is with surgery. There are no eye drops, medications, or lifestyle changes that can make cataracts go away once they've formed.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgical procedures performed today. Here's a simplified rundown of what happens:

1. Anesthesia: Your eye will be numbed with eye drops and sometimes a mild sedative is given to help you relax. You'll usually be awake during the procedure but won't feel any pain.
2. Small Incision: The surgeon makes a tiny incision (cut) on the surface of your eye.
3. Breaking Up the Cataract: Using specialized instruments, the cloudy lens is broken up into small pieces (often using ultrasound technology called phacoemulsification).
4. Removing the Cataract: The small pieces of the cataract are gently suctioned out of the eye.
5. Inserting a New Lens: A clear, artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL) is inserted into the space where your natural lens used to be. This new lens becomes a permanent part of your eye and helps you see clearly again.
6. No Stitches Usually: The incision is often so small that it heals on its own without the need for stitches.

The surgery is typically quick, often taking less than an hour, and most people can go home the same day. Recovery is usually pretty fast, and many people notice a significant improvement in their vision within a few days or weeks.

Can You Prevent Cataracts?

While you can't entirely prevent cataracts, you can take steps that might help slow down their development or reduce your risk:

• Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB radiation whenever you're outdoors.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially those containing antioxidants, might be beneficial for eye health.
• Don't Smoke: Smoking is bad for your eyes in many ways, including increasing your risk of cataracts.
• Manage Diabetes: Keeping your blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes can help protect your eyes.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake might increase the risk.
• Have Regular Eye Exams: Regular checkups can help detect cataracts and other eye problems early on.

Living with Cataracts:

In the early stages, when cataracts are mild, you might not even notice them, or your vision might only be slightly affected. Your eye doctor might suggest stronger glasses or contact lenses to help you see better. However, as cataracts progress and start to interfere with your daily activities like reading, driving (especially at night), or watching TV, surgery is usually recommended.

It's important to talk to your eye doctor about your vision and the impact it's having on your life. They can help you decide when the time is right for cataract surgery.

So, the bottom line is that cataracts are a very common eye condition, especially as we age. They're caused by the natural lens inside your eye becoming cloudy, leading to blurry or distorted vision. The good news is that they can be effectively treated with surgery, which is generally safe and has a high success rate in restoring clear vision. Taking care of your overall health and protecting your eyes from UV light might help slow down their development. If you're noticing changes in your vision, don't hesitate to get your eyes checked – it's the first step towards seeing the world clearly again!

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Astigmatism: A Common Eye Condition You Need to Know About

Astigmatism: It's More Common Than You Think!

Ever heard the term "astigmatism" thrown around at your eye doctor's office? You're not alone! It's super common, and chances are, you might even have it to some degree. This isn't some scary disease, just a quirk in how your eye is shaped. Think of it like this: instead of a perfectly round eyeball, yours might be a little more oval, like a football. This can make light bend unevenly, leading to blurry or distorted vision.

What's it like to live with astigmatism?

Well, everyone's experience is a bit different. Some people don't even realize they have it until they get glasses. As one person shared, "At 21 I’ve just been diagnosed with 0,75 astigmatism lol, and now I have to wear glasses. I thought I saw fine, and it wasn’t severe enough to be noticed, but now that i have glasses it’s crazy! I see so much better now!" It can be a real eye-opener (pun intended!) to see the world with corrected vision.

For others, astigmatism can make certain activities challenging. Driving at night seems to be a common issue, with one person commenting, "Driving at night is the worst when you have astigmatism." The glare from headlights can create a starburst effect, making it hard to see clearly.

What does astigmatism look like?

Imagine looking in a funhouse mirror – things might appear a bit warped or stretched. This is similar to how astigmatism can affect your vision.

Diagnosis and Correction

The good news is that astigmatism is easily diagnosed during a routine eye exam. And there are several ways to correct it:

• Glasses: The simplest solution, with special lenses to compensate for the uneven curve of your eye.
• Contact Lenses: Many people prefer contacts for a wider field of view and more natural vision. Toric lenses are specifically designed for astigmatism.
• LASIK: This surgery can permanently reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism.

Real Talk from Real People

The comments on the YouTube video are full of people sharing their experiences with astigmatism. It's a reminder that you're not alone in this! Here are a few highlights:

• "22 years later, I've found out that it's not normal to see lines or lights looking like stars at night."
• "This was the best explanation I've ever encountered on what an Astigmatism is and how it impacts people who have them."
• "I really appreciate the way you explain things relatively simply for the masses...Your channel has been very helpful with my eye challenges. Thank you."

The bottom line?

If you're experiencing blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain, especially when driving at night, it's worth getting your eyes checked. Astigmatism is a common condition, and with the right correction, you can see the world clearly and comfortably.

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Finding Affordable Lens Solutions

 

Do You Have Vision Problems?

Do things look blurry to you? Do you find yourself squinting or straining your eyes to see clearly, whether it's for reading or looking at distant objects? If so, you might have a vision problem. Don't worry, you're not alone! Millions of people worldwide face this issue, and fortunately, solutions exist. In this blog post, we'll discuss the symptoms and causes of vision problems and, most importantly, how affordable lenses can help address them.

Do You Have Vision Problems?

Vision problems can develop gradually or even suddenly. Some common symptoms include:

• Blurred Vision: Near or distant objects don't appear sharp.
• Eye Strain: You have to squint or narrow your eyes to see clearly.
• Headaches: Persistent eye strain can lead to headaches.
• Eye Fatigue: Your eyes feel tired after reading or working on a computer.
• Difficulty Seeing at Night: Trouble seeing clearly in low-light conditions.
• Halos Around Lights: Bright circles appearing around lights, especially at night.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult an eye care professional.

Causes of Vision Problems

Vision problems can arise from various factors, including:

• Refractive Errors: This is the most common cause. It occurs when the shape of the eye doesn't bend light correctly onto the retina, resulting in blurry vision. This includes myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
• Aging: As we age, the lens of the eye loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus on close objects (presbyopia).
• Medical Conditions: Certain health issues like diabetes and glaucoma can also contribute to vision problems.
• Eye Injuries: Trauma to the eye can impact vision.

Treating Vision Problems

Fortunately, several effective treatments are available for vision problems, including:

• Eyeglasses: These are the most common and often the most affordable way to correct vision problems. Various lens types are available to suit your specific needs.
• Contact Lenses: These are a popular alternative to glasses and come in various prescriptions and types.
• Refractive Surgery: Procedures like laser eye surgery can permanently reshape the cornea to improve vision. However, this is a relatively expensive option.

Affordable Lens Solutions

If you're experiencing vision problems and are concerned about the cost of treatment, affordable lenses can be an excellent solution. Many online and local options offer good quality eyeglasses and contact lenses at reasonable prices.

Tips for Finding Affordable Lenses:

• Online Retailers: Numerous online companies sell prescription glasses and contact lenses at prices often lower than traditional optical stores. Compare their prices and be sure to read customer reviews.
• Discount Optical Stores: Some large retailers and discount stores also offer optical services and budget-friendly eyewear.
• Government Programs: In certain countries and regions, programs exist to provide free or low-cost eyeglasses to individuals with limited income. Research these options in your area.
• Promotions and Sales: Optical stores frequently offer promotions and sales. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.

Important Note: 

When choosing affordable lenses, ensure you prioritize quality along with price. Always get your prescription from a qualified eye care professional and select lenses that are comfortable and safe for your eyes.

Vision problems are a common issue that can be effectively managed. If you're experiencing any difficulties with your vision, don't hesitate to seek advice from an eye doctor and explore the best solution for your needs and budget. Affordable lenses offer a viable option for many to achieve clear and comfortable vision.

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3 Things You Need to Know About Visual Floaters - A Comprehensive Guide

3 Essential Facts About Visual Floaters

Visual Floaters

Introduction:

Have you ever experienced visual floaters, those drifting spots or cobwebs in your vision? In this article, we'll cover the three essential things everyone should know about this common ocular condition. So let's dive in!

What Are Visual Floaters?

Visual floaters are a prevalent complaint among eye doctors. They appear as tiny spots, akin to gnats or bugs, drifting or moving in our field of vision. Often resembling cobwebs, they seem to elude our direct gaze. If you're unfamiliar with floaters, they can be alarming, leading to concerns about vision impairment. However, understanding their nature is crucial for prompt and proper management.

Facts About Eye Floaters

1. Floaters Are a Normal Part of Aging:

As we age, the gel-like substance inside our eyes, called the vitreous humor, gradually degrades into a more liquid form. This process results in collagen deposits and strands that float within the liquid. When light enters the eye and hits these deposits, it causes scattered light, manifesting as floaters. It's essential to know that floaters are a normal part of the aging process. By the age of 60 or older, you have a 25% chance of experiencing them, increasing to 66% by the age of 80. Additionally, individuals with higher prescriptions, like nearsightedness, may develop floaters earlier.

2. The Risk of Retinal Tear or Detachment:

The vitreous gel's peeling from the retina can occasionally tug on the retinal edges, causing a tear or detachment. This situation is an ocular emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms such as sudden onset of new floaters, blurry vision, or seeing flashes of light should not be ignored. Prompt detection and treatment are vital to minimize potential complications like macular edema or macular holes that can severely impact vision.

3. Treatment Options for Floaters:

Observation is a common approach as most floaters do not require treatment. Over time, they tend to drift out of the field of view or become less noticeable. However, if floaters significantly impair daily activities, two treatment options are available. Vitrectomy, a surgical removal of the vitreous gel, is an older procedure. A newer option involves a laser procedure to eliminate floaters with promising success rates and lower complications.

Conclusion:

Understanding visual floaters and their nature can alleviate anxiety and encourage timely professional consultation if necessary. While they are often a normal part of aging, being aware of the risk of retinal tears or detachment is crucial. If floaters significantly affect your vision, discussing treatment options with an eye care professional can lead to improved quality of life. Take care of your eyes; they are precious and deserve the best care possible!

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When you and your family members should get an eye exam?

 Getting an eye exam is important to staying healthy. But do you know when you and your family members should get an eye exam? Do you know what a complete eye exam should cover? Get the right exam at the right time and make sure your vision lasts a lifetime.

When should you have an eye exam?

Childhood eye exam

From birth to adolescence, children's eyes grow and change rapidly. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus have developed specific guidelines for children's eye exams. Follow these guidelines to have your child tested at the appropriate times. These checkups help identify when your child may need a comprehensive eye exam.

Benchmark Eye Exams for Adults

If your eyes are healthy and your vision is good, you should have a full eye exam by your ophthalmologist once in your 20s and twice in your 30s.

There are some exceptions:

If you have an eye infection, injury or pain, or notice floaters and sudden flashes or patterns of light, call your eye doctor.

If you wear contact lenses, go to the ophthalmologist every year.

If you have diabetes or have a family history of eye disease, talk to your ophthalmologist about how often to have your eyes examined.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults have a comprehensive eye exam at age 40. It is then that the first signs of disease or vision changes may appear. It is important to detect eye diseases in time. Early treatment can help preserve your vision.

Not everyone should wait until age 40 to get an eye exam.

Some adults should not wait until age 40 to get a comprehensive eye exam. See an ophthalmologist now if you have an eye disease or risk factors such as:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• family history of eye diseases

After an exam, your ophthalmologist can tell you how often you should have your eyes checked in the future. It is important that you follow the schedule that your ophthalmologist tells you, especially as you get older. The risk of suffering eye diseases increases with age.

Older people and eye exams

Older people and eye exams

If you're 65 or older, be sure to get an eye exam every one to two years. Your ophthalmologist will check for signs of age-related eye diseases, such as:

• waterfalls
• Diabetic retinopathy
• age-related macular degeneration
• glaucoma

Remember, always follow the schedule that your ophthalmologist recommends for future optical check-ups.

What do ophthalmologists check during eye exams?

A complete eye exam is simple and comfortable. It shouldn't last more than 45 to 90 minutes. Your doctor may ask a staff member to do part of this exam. This is what the exam should include:

your medical history

Your doctor will ask about your vision and general health. They will ask you about:

• your family's medical history
• what medications you take, and
• If you wear corrective lenses.

your visual acuity

This is the part of the eye exam that people are most familiar with. An eye chart is read to determine the quality of vision at various distances. One eye is covered while the other is examined. This exam will determine if you have 20/20 vision or not.

Your corrective lens prescription

Your doctor will ask you to look at an eye chart through a device called a phoropter. The phoropter contains different lenses. It will help you determine the best eyeglass or contact lens prescription for you.

your pupils

Your doctor can check how your pupils respond to light by shining a bright beam of light into your eye. The pupils usually respond by narrowing. If the pupils become wide or unresponsive, this may reveal an underlying problem.

your side vision

Loss of side vision (peripheral vision) can be a symptom of glaucoma. This test can detect eye problems that you are not aware of because you may lose side vision without realizing it.

The movement of the eyes

A test called ocular motility assesses the movement of your eyes. Your ophthalmologist checks if your eyes are aligned. He also checks that the eye muscles are working properly.

eye pressure

An eye pressure test, called tonometry, measures the pressure inside the eye (intraocular eye pressure, or IOP). An elevated IOP is a sign of glaucoma. The test may consist of a quick puff of air over the eye or the gentle application of a pressure sensitive tip near or against the eye. Your eye doctor may use numbing drops for this test for your comfort.

the front of the eye

Your ophthalmologist uses a slit-lamp microscope to illuminate the front of your eye. This includes the eyelids, cornea, iris, and lens. This test checks for cataracts or any scars or scratches on the cornea.

The retina and optic nerve

The ophthalmologist will put dilator drops in your eye to dilate, or widen, the pupil. This will allow him or her to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage caused by the disease. Your eyes may be sensitive to light for a few hours after the dilation.

Other tests during an eye exam

Your ophthalmologist may suggest other tests to further examine your eye. This may include specialized imaging techniques such as:

• optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• fundus photos
• fluorescein angiography (FA)
• topography, which is an examination of the surface of the cornea
• automated field of view

These tests help your ophthalmologist detect problems at the back of the eye, on the surface of the eye, or inside the eye to diagnose diseases early. Each part of the comprehensive eye exam provides important information about the health of your eyes. Be sure to get a complete eye exam as part of your general health care.

Reference: American Academy of Ophthalmology

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Painful Burning Eyes Causes Diagnosis Therapy

Painful Burning Eyes, What is Behind It? 

Burning eyes causes diagnosis Therapy

Burning eyes can burden everyday life. At the same time there are often other eye complaints. The causes of burning eyes can be harmless. Some, however, are in need of treatment.

Eye Burning

Contents

• Overview
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Therapy

What is Eye Burning? 

Eye burning is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the eyes.

Possible side effects of eye burning include symptoms such as:

• dry eyes
• Pressure in the eye
• Foreign body sensation in the eye
• red eyes or eyelids
• itchy eyes
• glued eyes when waking up
• watery eyes
• watery, slimy or purulent discharge in the eyes
• Dandruff on the eyelids or on the lash line

Burning eyes may have harmless causes that (usually) disappear by themselves. Eye burning is sometimes also an expression of various diseases that require treatment. Anyone who suffers from burning eyes for a long time and has other complaints or  pain should therefore go to the doctor. He can find out the exact causes and, if necessary, handle them. A common cause of eye burns are for example dry eyes (Sicca syndrome) or conjunctivitis.

If your burning eyes are not only on short notice, you should have the complaints cleared up by a doctor.

Painful Burning eyes, Possible causes

Burning eyes can have different causes. Some of the common causes include:

• conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis) by infections with bacteria, viruses or fungi
• the so-called dry eye (sicca syndrome)
• an inflammation of the tissue between dermis and conjunctiva (episcleritis)
• inflammation of the eyelid margin ( blepharitis )
• Injuries of the ocular surface

Burning eyes rarely have the following causes:

Painful Burning eyes causes

• inflammation of the dermis of the eye (scleritis)
• a so-called wing-pelt (pterygium), ie a proliferation of vascular tissue of the conjunctiva on the cornea
• a corneal inflammation (keratitis)

Especially in the elderly burning eyes can often age-related conjunctivitis change the Lidspaltenfleck (pinguecula) caused. The eyelid spot on the side of the iris, in the white area of the eye, forms a yellowish, mostly flat, less prominent spot. It is a harmless change on the eye.

In case of Painful Burning Eyes, the following  causes are  also possible:

• Allergies  (eg hay fever , house dust allergy )
• Excessive eye strain, eg after a long work on a computer screen or with altered eyesight
• Irritation of the eyes, eg by dust, smoke, air conditioning or drafts
• Toxins like chlorine, formaldehyde or  amalgam

Painful Burning eyes : diagnosis

To determine the cause of the eye burn, the doctor first needs more information from the person concerned - for example, if he suspects a particular trigger. Therefore, the doctor may ask various questions, such as:

• Since when do your eyes burn?
• Is only one eye or are both eyes affected?
• Does the burning of the eyes only occur in certain situations?
• Do you often work on the computer?
• Do you come into contact with dusts, gases or toxic substances during your work?

Burning eyes diagnosis

The doctor then examines the eyes, paying attention to abnormalities such as signs of inflammation, such as swelling or redness of the eyes and eyelids. In most cases, he also performs an  eye test in order to exclude any possible eyestrain from undetected low vision.

Depending on the suspected cause of the burning eyes, the doctor initiates further examinations, such as:

• an examination of the tear fluid,
• an allergy test or
• a microscopic examination of a smear from the eye, in which possible pathogens can be detected.

Painful Burning Eyes : Therapy

Painful burning eye diagnosed

In eyestrain the therapy depends on the particular cause . If the reason for the burning eyes is an overexertion due to poor eyesight, this can be corrected with a  visual aid . If you work on the computer for a long time, you should take regular breaks to relieve the strain on the eyes. Cold compresses and  tear replacement fluid can calm burning eyes in the short term.

Painful Burning Eyes as a result of a bacterial eye infection, the doctor usually prescribed antibiotics in the form of eye drops. Eye inflammation caused by viruses can usually not be treated causally. The treatment is usually limited to relieving the symptoms until the inflammation heals on its own. An exception are eye infections with herpes viruses (ocular herpes):  agents such as  acyclovir (eg in the form of eye drops) inhibit the proliferation of herpes viruses. In other cases, decongestant eye drops with cortisone relieve the symptoms in eye burns  . A fungal infection of the eye can be controlled by anti fungal (Antiphonals).

Has the person affected by a Allergy (eg hay fever ) burning eyes, is the first step of the therapy, as far as possible to avoid the allergy-causing substance. To relieve the symptoms, the doctor may prescribe eye drops with so-called  mast cell stabilizers and / or antihistamines . A causal treatment of the allergy can be done by means of ahyposensitization.

If burning eyes appear as an acute emergency, because (usually liquid) toxins have entered the eye, it is important to rinse the eye immediately with water and to see a doctor as soon as possible.

If Eye Burning is an accompanying symptom of another underlying disease, it should be treated.

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Eye Health and Allergies in Spring Season

Eye allergies increase with the arrival of spring

Eye allergies and spring

With the arrival of spring, allergic diseases begin to irritate many people because of pollination. The eyes are usually one of the most affected by allergies. "In the office, complaints of eye allergies usually double at this time. They often manifest themselves in patients who have rhinitis, allergic cough, asthma and dermatitis, "says ophthalmologist Marco Canto, director of Clinica Canto.

Dry eye is another disease that can also occur. "This is a disease that is also more common in the spring, especially when the air humidity is very low.

Symptoms of ocular allergies and dry eye may include itching, red eyes, eventual secretion and sensitivity to light. "However, the diagnosis can only be made through an ophthalmologic examination," says Dr. Ana Paula, who treats allergies including lubricating eye drops, antiallergics, corticosteroids, or immunomodulators. "It is important to remember that no eye drops should be used without medical advice, especially corticosteroids, which may have as a side effect increased eye pressure and the development of cataracts," he points out.

Eye allergies increase

Ophthalmologists also advise patients with ocular allergies to make icy compresses to relieve discomfort and itching. "However, under no circumstances should the patient scratch the eyes, as this can hurt or cause deformities in the cornea, which is the transparent lens in front of the eye," warns Dr. Geraldo Canto, an ophthalmologist.

Prevention

Allergies are a recurring chronic disease, especially in spring, when triggering factors, such as pollen, are in the air. "Allergy is a hypersensitivity to an antigen, which is every substance foreign to the body. And the antigens can be anything from dust and dust mites to plant components, "notes Marco Canto, adding," Allergies increase with substance contact and progress into adulthood. In the third age they usually decrease, because the immune system becomes less reactive. "

But, it is possible to take some steps to try to prevent allergies. hear, we give tips to help prevent allergic attacks:

• Try to identify what causes the allergy, if it is when you have contact with a plant, dust, some cleanser, creams, among other substances;
• Avoid eating foods that are potentially allergic, such as seafood, eggs, peanuts, among others, especially for children and the elderly;
• Keep the house clean and airy. To do this, try to use vacuum cleaner instead of brooms and use a damp cloth to remove the dust;
• Try to wash sheets, pillows, cushions, curtains, carpets and stuffed animals more often;
• Do a weekly cleaning on air conditioners and fans;
• Try to avoid environments with a lot of dust or smoke;
• If the weather is very dry, use air humidifiers, wet towels or water basins to help increase the humidity of the air in the rooms of the house.

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Is Makeup Bad for Our Eyes?

Inappropriate use of makeup may cause eye disease

Making a habit of sleeping in makeup, lending beauty products or using them overdue, lack of hygiene with brushes and other utensils, and even a famous trick of feminine beauty can bring problems to the eyes. Inflammation, allergies, eyelid swelling, itching, tearing, sore eyes, burning, blurred vision or ocular discharge are some of the most common complaints. "When one of these symptoms appears, it is necessary to seek an ophthalmologist as soon as possible so that there is no worsening of the condition," says Dr. Ana Paula Canto, ophthalmologist.

Make and Eye Problems 

Keeping eyes on the spotlight can also be a problem, says the ophthalmologist. "The famous black pencil, passed on the palpebral margin (the white line of the eyelid), should be avoided, because there are glands that produce part of the tear and tear point. If this area is clogged, it can cause inflammation and dry eye symptoms, "he warned.

Dr. Ana Paula Canto also explains care for those who wear contact lenses. "The lenses should be put on before starting the makeup and withdrawals before you make-up. The purpose of this is to not carry residues that can damage it or cause discomfort and blurred vision, "he explains.

Make and Eye Problems 

The expert advises that you should always do the makeup removal before bed. "Products should be removed to prevent inflammation of the eyelids, called blepharitis, allergies or other eye irritations," he explains. Another warning is regarding the loan of beauty accessories such as brushes, eye pencils, shadows and rímeis. "You have to be careful when sharing makeup, not only when you go to beauty salons, but also with your belongings. If another person has an eye disease, such as conjunctivitis, it can be transmitted, "he points out.

For the time to make-up, the ophthalmologist points out that a good option are the specific products for the eyes. "There are already demaquilantes developed and tested specifically for the area of the eyes and for the cleaning and hygiene of the eyelashes. But despite being eye products, care must be taken that they do not get into the eyes so it does not cause any injury, "he explains.

Make and Eye Problems 

 Poor hygiene can also cause problems. "Once a week, makeup brushes should be washed with mild soap and water and can not be kept moist. Let them dry naturally or use the dryer, "says the doctor, who remembers that cosmetics also have shelf life. "When the product is overdue bacteria and fungi can lodge and cause eye infections when used." According to expert, to increase the shelf life, some women mix other products to the kidney, for example saline and oils. "They do not increase the validity and contribute to eye irritation, allergies and infectious conjunctivitis," he points out.

Make and Eye Problems 

Eye care and beauty products should be daily. The ophthalmologist advises that:

• When mascara or eyeliner is taken care not to cause trauma to the cornea. If there is irritation or allergy, stop using the cosmetic;
• Hypoallergenic products should be preferred. If you have conjunctivitis, do not use make-up and discard used products a little earlier;
• You should not rub your eyes hard to remove the shadow and mascara, because the eyelids are very sensitive;
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying makeup and make-up.

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