Conjunctivitis
A common eye infection amongst children and adults, conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, which causes a thick, sticky and then crusty discharge that, lines the eyelids and lashes. Causing redness and itchiness, this irritating affliction is extremely contagious and easily spread through hand- to-eye contact. Contact lenses shouldn’t be used until the infection is gone. Antibiotic eye drops offer a fast recovery for bacterial conjunctivitis, however in most cases you won’t need antibiotic eye drops, as conjunctivitis is often viral. Other treatment options are usually focused on symptom relief and include; using artificial tears, cleaning your eyelids with a wet cloth, and applying cold or warm compresses several times daily. Washing hands regularly and using clean towels and pillowcases are other good measures.
Hay Fever
Hay fever usually occurs during spring and autumn, when the season’s change, and can affect anyone. Itchy, watery eyes are one of the most common—most annoying—symptoms of hay fever. Due to different types of pollen, the eyes can produce excess tears to flush out irritants, which can result in temporary blurred vision, puffy eyes and a gritty feeling. While there’s no cure for hay fever, you can manage symptoms and lessen the severity of your symptoms. Reduce your hay fever by staying indoors when pollen is high and wear glasses instead of contact lenses to protect the eye. Rinse your eyes with anti-allergy drops, and use cold compress to reduce swelling together with antihistamines. Chat to one of our Pharmacists in-store to find the right products to help you relieve your hay fever symptoms.
Dry Eyes
You won’t know how uncomfortable dry eye syndrome is until you’ve experienced it, and those suffering know this unbearable, sometimes long-term discomfort isn’t fun. Dry eyes happen when a thin film of tears that sweep over our eyes with each blink is no longer producing moisture to keep the eyes lubricated between blinks. Ageing, menopause, arthritis, climate, some medications, laser or cataract surgery, and lengthy screen-time are common causes of dry eyes. If you think you might be experiencing dry eye syndrome, chatting with an Optometrist and/or Pharmacist is a good place to start. Treatments include; eye drops, gels, ointments, and other lifestyle options such as blinking more, lessening screen time, and dry eye treatments.
Allergies
Suffering from eye allergies (also known
as allergic conjunctivitis) impacts many Australians, though it is different to bacterial or viral conjunctivitis that occurs infrequently. Having eye allergies is a feeling that something is in your eye; they are constantly over-sensitive, red, irritated or itchy. Outdoor allergens such as pollen and grass, indoor allergens such as dust, mold or pet hair, and irritants such as perfume and pollution can all trigger a reaction. There is hope however – when symptoms occur, try and identify what the trigger is and manage accordingly. You can stay in closed, air-conditioned spaces during high-pollen days, use mite-proof bedding, wear glasses where possible, use artificial teardrops, antihistamines, or see an Optometrist.