Common eye problems include such scary conditions as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma, all of which can threaten vision. There are, however, other conditions that are just as common and less damaging. Since some of these conditions have many of the same symptoms as more serious problems, it is still a good idea to have a doctor examine your eyes.
Green Discharge From Eyes
Eye discharge, also known as “sleep,” gunk, or rheum, is a combination of mucus, skin cells, oil and other debris that collect in the corner of the eye when you are sleeping. When you are awake, you blink your eyes and get rid of any discharge before it can accumulate or harden. Some sleep in the eye is normal when you wake up, but if there’s a lot, you could have an eye infection. This is especially true if the discharge is green or yellow and accompanied by such symptoms as pain, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light. If you have such symptoms, see your doctor.
Cornea Scratch
As the name suggests, a cornea scratch or abrasion is a scrape or scratch of the cornea. It can cause such symptoms as sensitivity to light, blurry vision, headache, pain, and a feeling that something is in the eye. Cornea scratches can be minor and heal within a few days, but if it scars, the results could impair your vision. Given that, cornea scratches should always be examined by an ophthalmologist. You should especially go to the doctor if you are in a lot of pain or have trouble seeing.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition in which your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or they produce poor-quality tears. In the latter case, the tears either don’t spread evenly over the cornea or they evaporate too fast. Dry eye can cause symptoms like a burning sensation, a feeling that something is in the eye, blurred vision, and irritation. Ironically, dry eye can also cause the eyes to water excessively. You can try OTC eye drops or artificial tears to relieve your symptoms. You should also drink plenty of water, for dehydration will make your eyes worse.
Eyestrain
Eyestrain is a very common condition that can produce such symptoms as dry eye, soreness, itching, or burning in the eyes, difficulty keeping the eyes open, double or blurred vision, watery eyes, and increased sensitivity to light. Eyestrain is caused by intense use of the eyes like driving long distances or staring at a computer screen for hours on end. You can treat eyestrain simply by resting your eyes and taking breaks from the computer or from reading. If you develop dry eye, you should use artificial tears.
You can often take care of minor problems like eyestrain at home. If your symptoms don’t improve, or if they even get worse, call your doctor. Your condition could be more serious than you think.
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Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
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Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.