patient education

information about eye problems

Allergies
Corneal transplantation
Corneal ulcers
Dry eye

Allergies

Many patients consult ophthalmologists for allergies in their eyes. Patients who suffer from eye allergies generally complain of itching, redness or tearing, often accompanied by an intense desire to rub the eyes. Some patients may also have nasal allergies for which they take nasal sprays or pills. There are patients who have allergic symptoms all year round, and there are others whose symptoms only occur during certain seasons, like the spring.

The white part of your eyes, visible when you look in the mirror, is called the conjunctiva. Because the conjunctiva is exposed to the outside world, it can come into contact with substances like pollen or animal hair. If you are allergic to these substances, then the mast cells in your conjunctiva will release a chemical called histamine, which in turn causes the eyes to itch and turn red. Occasionally, severe eye allergies can even cause scarring in the eyes, which can lead to loss of vision.

Currently available treatments include anti-histamine and mast cell stabilizing eye drops, steroid eye drops, and refrigerated artificial tears. Patients also benefit from identifying and avoiding those things to which they are allergic. Visit us to discuss these and other therapies, to determine which ones are right for you.

Corneal transplantation

The clear front part of your eye, which is exposed to the outside world, is called the cornea. In this way, the cornea is similar to the clear face of your watch. Light first enters the eye through the cornea, much in the way light enters your house through a window. In order to for you to see well, the cornea must be clear and have a smooth, regular shape. Some people have poor vision, or even eye pain, because their corneas are not healthy. For example, the cornea might be scarred from a previous infection or injury, or the cornea might have a distorted shape from a condition called keratoconus.

Sometimes, the corneal problem can be treated with medication or contact lenses. However, there are times when nothing more can be done to fix the problem with your own cornea. In a situation like this, a corneal transplant can be performed. This involves removing your unhealthy cornea and replacing it with a healthy donor cornea, which is given by someone who is recently deceased. Typically, the donor cornea is attached to the rest of your eye using very small stitches, which may stay in the eye for years. Because the donor cornea comes from another person, eye drops must be used on a long-term basis in order to prevent your body from rejecting the cornea. After a corneal transplant, vision or eye pain problems can be significantly improved.

Corneal transplantation is one of the many expert services provided by Precision Eye Care.

Corneal ulcers

The clear front part of your eye, which is exposed to the outside world, is called the cornea. In this way, the cornea is similar to the clear face of your watch. Sometimes, the cornea becomes infected, a condition called a corneal ulcer. Typically, a person with a corneal ulcer will experience eye pain, redness, tearing, and sometimes blurring of vision as well. A corneal ulcer is, in general, much more serious than an infectious conjunctivitis ("pink eye"). This is because a corneal ulcer can cause the cornea to become permanently cloudy, leading to a loss of vision.

Corneal ulcers are more common in people who use contact lenses, although people who don’t use contact lenses can develop this infection also. People who sleep in their contact lenses or clean them improperly are at especially high risk for getting an infection. There are many different organisms which can cause the condition, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. During your examination, the doctor may culture the eye in order to determine what organism is causing the ulcer. This process is similar to a pediatrician swabbing a sore throat to discover whether or not it is a strep infection. The ulcer is then treated with antibiotics, which are carefully selected depending upon the particular patient.

Expert diagnosis and treatment of corneal ulcers are among the many services provided by Precision Eye Care.

Dry eye

Dry eye is a common problem which accounts for a large number of visits to ophthalmologists. People who suffer from dry eye may experience grittiness, soreness, burning, sensitivity to light, or even blurred vision. Some people may also find crust or stringy mucus in their eyes. These symptoms occur while reading, working with a computer, watching television, or driving. Wind, air conditioning, and areas with low humidity often make the symptoms worse.

The clear front part of your eye, which is exposed to the outside world, is called the cornea. In this way, the cornea is similar to the clear face of your watch. The cornea is kept wet and moisturized by the tear film, which, like salad dressing, is composed of both water and oil. Problems with the tear film, either the water part or the oil part, cause irritation of the cornea and lead to the symptoms of dry eye.

Dry eye can be challenging to treat, but experienced professionals can help. Currently available treatments include artificial tears and lubricating ointments, punctal plugs, Restasis eye drops, lid hygiene, tetracycline pills, steroid eye drops and ointment, and dietary supplementation with fish oils. Visit us to discuss these and other therapies, to see which ones are right for you.