Eye Health:

Common Eye Conditions

 

General Information	Contacts
How Your Eyes Work	Common Vision Problems
Eye Exam/Vision Testing	Common Eye Conditions
Corrective Lenses	Protecting Your Eyes
Glasses	Frequently Asked Questions

Watery Eyes

Watery eyes make too many tears, which is why this condition is also called excessive tearing.

 

Watery eyes may be caused by:

• Blocked tear duct
• Irritation
• Dry eyes
• Cold
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Cold weather
• Wind
• Medications such as antihistamines

Is there anything I can do to soothe my eyes?

Yes. You can try applying warm compresses to your eyes and/or use saline eye drops to keep your eyes moist. If the problem doesn't go away, see your health care provider. If you have any pain or changes in vision call right away.

 

Pink eye/Conjunctivitis

A person with conjunctivitis usually has one or two eyes that look very red; this condition is often called, "pink eye". Conjunctivitis is the swelling of the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid.

 

Conjunctivitis may be caused by infection, allergy, or irritation. Infections are very contagious and may be spread at school when teens are in close contact. Not taking care of contact lenses or sharing eye makeup may also cause infection.

 

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Soreness
• Pus
• Swelling
• Crusting of the lashes, especially on awakening in the morning

Treating Conjunctivitis

See a doctor if you have any symptoms of conjunctivitis. Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause. Antibiotic ointments or eye drops may be prescribed if your health care provider is not sure if you have a virus or bacteria causing the conjunctivitis.

• Virus - There is no treatment, though cold compresses on the eyes will make you feel more comfortable. The infection should clear up in one to two weeks.
• Bacteria - Your doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to clear up the infection.
• Allergies - Antihistamines may keep the allergies under control. Cold compresses on the eyes usually help.

Preventing Conjunctivitis

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid touching your eyes.
• Keep your contacts clean and take them out at night.
• Use clean towels to wipe your face.

Colorblindness

For many people, it's hard to imagine the world without color. But for people with colorblindness, or a color vision defect, living without color is a way of life.

 

There are three types of colorblindness - not being able to see red and green, not seeing blue and yellow, and seeing no color at all. Most people inherit colorblindness from their parents and since there is no treatment, they learn to live with the condition.

 

More men than women have colorblindness. Although some medications can cause colorblindness, most people are born with the condition.

 

Bell's Palsy

Bell's Palsy is a disease that affects the muscles of the face and eyes. Someone with this condition may have trouble closing one eye or have trouble making facial expressions.

 

You should see a doctor right away if you experience any weakness or paralysis (numbness) in your facial muscles.

 

Bell's Palsy may be caused by an infection such such as Borrelia burgdorferi (causes Lyme disease), herpes simplex virus, or Epstein-Barr (causes mononucleosis) or the cause may be unknown. The infected tissues become swollen, making it difficult for the nerves of your face to send signals to the surrounding muscles. You should see your health care provider right away so you can get evaluated and treatment if needed.

 

The symptoms can go away in a month, if the infection is mild. More serious cases can cause dryness or even blindness. Most people with Bell's Palsy have a complete recovery.

 

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Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

 

Updated: 12/6/2010