What is a chalazion? Identification and treatment

A chalazion is a small, slow-growing lump or cyst that develops within the eyelid. They are not usually painful and rarely last longer than a few weeks.

A chalazion can develop when a meibomian gland at the edge of an eyelid becomes blocked or inflamed. These glands produce oil that lubricates the surface of the eye.

In this article, we look at the symptoms of a chalazion and the differences between a chalazion and a stye. We also describe causes, home treatment, when to see a doctor, surgery, and prevention.

Symptoms

In the early stages, a chalazion appears as a small, red or otherwise inflamed area of the eyelid.

Within a few days, this inflammation can develop into a painless and slow-growing lump.

A chalazion can appear on the upper or lower eyelid, but they are more common on the upper lid.

Although chalazia are generally painless, they can cause the eye to become watery and mildly irritated. A particularly large chalazion may press on the eyeball, which can lead to blurry vision.

Chalazion vs. stye

People sometimes confuse a chalazion with a stye due to the similarities in appearance. A stye is also a small lump that can develop in the eye area.

Although people often use the two terms interchangeably, they refer to different types of lesion.

A chalazion results from a blocked oil gland, whereas a stye indicates an infected oil gland or hair follicle. However, a chalazion can sometimes develop into a stye.

There are two types of stye:

  • External hordeolum: These occur at the base of the eyelash and usually result from an infection in the hair follicle.
  • Internal hordeolum: These develop inside the eyelid and tend to result from an infection in an oil gland.

The most noticeable difference between a chalazion and a stye is that a chalazion tends to be painless. A stye is usually very painful and may cause the eye to feel sore and scratchy.

Other symptoms of a stye can include:

  • swelling of the eyelid
  • a small pimple, which may contain pus
  • crustiness along the edge of the eyelid
  • sensitivity to light
  • a watery eye

Most styes increase in size for around 3 days before the pus begins to drain. They usually take around 1 week to heal.

Causes and risk factors

A chalazion typically occurs in a person with an underlying inflammatory condition that affects the eyes or skin. Some of these conditions include:

Less commonly, chalazia develop due to viral conjunctivitis, which is a type of eye infection.

Individuals who have had a stye or chalazion have an increased risk of developing chalazia in the future.

Other risk factors for a chalazion include:

Home treatment

Wearing glasses instead of contact lenses can help a chalazion heal.
Wearing glasses instead of contact lenses can help a chalazion heal.

A chalazion usually requires very little medical treatment and tends to clear up on its own within a few weeks.

In the meantime, it is important to avoid squeezing or popping the chalazion, as this can increase the risk of an eye infection.

However, there are several safe ways to promote drainage and speed up the healing process. These include:

Warm compresses

Applying a warm compress to the affected eye can help soften any hardened oil blocking the gland ducts. This helps the ducts open and drain more effectively, which can relieve irritation.

To make and use a warm compress:

  • Soak a soft, clean cloth or cotton pad in a bowl of warm water.
  • Wring out any excess liquid.
  • Apply the damp cloth or pad to the eyelid for 10–15 minutes.
  • Continue wetting the compress often to keep it warm.
  • Repeat this several times a day until the swelling goes down.

Gentle massage

Gently massaging the eyelids for several minutes each day can help the oil ducts drain more effectively.

Before doing so, ensure that the hands are clean to reduce the risk of infection.

Once the chalazion begins to drain, keep the area clean and avoid touching it with bare hands.

Over-the-counter treatments

A number of over-the-counter products can help treat a chalazion or stye. These may reduce irritation, prevent infection, and speed up the healing process.

Some of these products include ointments, solutions, and medicated eye pads. A pharmacist can provide advice.

Things to avoid

To prevent further discomfort or irritation, it is best to avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the chalazion heals.

When to see a doctor

optician or Optometrist with optometry machine checking patient
A person should speak to a medical professional if their chalazion does not go away after a month.

Consider seeing an eye doctor, an ophthalmologist or optometrist, if a chalazion does not drain and heal within 1 month.

The healthcare professional will ask about symptoms and examine the area to rule out other conditions. They may also prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments to reduce discomfort and speed healing.

For some people, a doctor may give a steroid injection to reduce swelling. This will depend on the location, size, and number of chalazia present.

If there are signs of a bacterial infection, the doctor may recommend a course of oral antibiotics.

Surgery

For a person with a severe or persistent chalazion, a doctor may recommend surgery to drain it. This typically takes place in the doctor’s office using local anesthesia.

Chalazia can sometimes recur. If this happens often, the doctor may need to take a biopsy of the lump.

A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue, which the doctor will examine for signs of a more serious condition.

Prevention

Cleansing the eye area every day can help prevent a chalazion from developing or recurring.

Using eyelid scrubs or premoistened cleansing wipes to keep the oil glands from becoming blocked.

Other chalazion prevention tips include:

  • not rubbing the eyes
  • ensuring that the hands are clean before touching the eyes
  • protecting the eyes from dust and air pollution, for example by wearing sunglasses when outdoors or safety goggles when using machinery, such as power tools
  • replacing eye makeup every 6 months to prevent bacterial growth.

Summary

A chalazion is a painless lump that can develop on the eyelid.

Although chalazia can cause irritation and discomfort, they are usually harmless and clear up on their own within a few weeks. Occasionally, a chalazion may become infected and develop into a stye.

See an eye doctor, an optometrist or ophthalmologist, if the eye area becomes particularly swollen or painful, or if the chalazion does not respond to home treatment.

A daily eye-cleansing routine may help keep a chalazion from recurring.

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Eye care and safety

Your eyes are an important part of your health. Most people rely on their eyes to see and make sense of the world around them. But some eye diseases can lead to vision loss, so it is important to identify and treat eye diseases as early as possible. You should get your eyes checked as often as your health care provider recommends it, or if you have any new vision problems. And just as it is important to keep your body healthy, you also need to keep your eyes healthy.

Eye Care Tips

There are things you can do to help keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best:

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your diet should include plenty or fruits and vegetables, especially deep yellow and green leafy vegetables. Eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut can also help your eyes.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or having obesity increases your risk of developing diabetes. Having diabetes puts you at higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
  • Get regular exercise. Exercise may help to prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These diseases can lead to some eye or vision problems. So if you exercise regularly, you can lower your risk of getting these eye and vision problems.
  • Wear sunglasses. Sun exposure can damage your eyes and raise your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Protect your eyes by using sunglasses that block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
  • Wear protective eye wear. To prevent eye injuries, you need eye protection when playing certain sports, working in jobs such as factory work and construction, and doing repairs or projects in your home.
  • Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts and can damage the optic nerve.
  • Know your family medical history. Some eye diseases are inherited, so it is important to find out whether anyone in your family has had them. This can help you determine if you are at higher risk of developing an eye disease.
  • Know your other risk factors. As you get older, you are at higher risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions. It is important to know you risk factors because you may be able to lower your risk by changing some behaviors.
  • If you wear contacts, take steps to prevent eye infections. Wash your hands well before you put in or take out your contact lenses. Also follow the instructions on how to properly clean them, and replace them when needed.
  • Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time using a computer, you can forget to blink your eyes and your eyes can get tired. To reduce eyestrain, try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

Eye Tests and Exams

Everyone needs to have their eyesight tested to check for vision and eye problems. Children usually have vision screening in school or at their health care provider’s office during a checkup. Adults may also get vision screenings during their checkups. But many adults need more than a vision screening. They need a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Getting comprehensive dilated eye exams is especially important because some eye diseases may not have warning signs. The exams are the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages, when they are easier to treat.

The exam includes several tests:

  • A visual field test to measure your side (peripheral) vision. A loss of peripheral vision may be a sign of glaucoma.
  • A visual acuity test, where you read an eye chart about 20 feet away, to check on how well you see at various distances
  • Tonometry, which measures your eye’s interior pressure. It helps to detect glaucoma.
  • Dilation, which involves getting eye drops that dilate (widen) your pupils. This allows more light to enter the eye. Your eye care provider examines your eyes using a special magnifying lens. This provides a clear view of important tissues at the back of your eye, including the retina, macula, and optic nerve.

If you have a refractive error and are going to need glasses or contacts, then you will also have a refraction test. When you have this test, you look through a device that has lenses of different strengths to help your eye care professional figure out which lenses will give you the clearest vision.

At what age you should start getting these exams and how often you need them depends on many factors. They include your age, race, and overall health. For example, if you are African American, you are at higher risk of glaucoma and you need to start getting the exams earlier. If you have diabetes, you should get an exam every year. Check with your health care provider about if and when you need these exams

Light and your eyes

Explore the latest research regarding bright lights and retina damage, and how to properly protect your eyes.

Parents will often tell children not to stare at the sun. This is good advice, since permanent retinal damage occurs after staring for just a few minutes! This is called solar retinopathy. Lasers and very bright industrial lights can also damage the retina.

Since very bright lights can damage the retina in a short period of time, can long-term exposure to moderately bright light cause retinal damage? The answer is maybe, and why not protect yourself against this possibility?

Research Findings on Bright Lights and Eye Damage

In the Chesapeake Bay Waterman Study, which analyzed fisherman exposed to bright light reflected off the water every day, blue light exposure was found to increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This conclusion, while suggestive, as not definitive, since it is difficult to quantify light exposure in everyday life. 

In experimental mice, bright light does cause permanent retinal damage. If the light has the intensity of sunlight, short exposure times can cause damage. If the light is not quite so bright, chronic exposure over days to weeks can cause permanent damage. This is thought to be due to what is called photo-oxidative damage; the light reacts with the retina to produce molecules that are very reactive and cause damage to surrounding molecules.

If light exposure is a risk factor for AMD, then it would be expected that people with lighter colored eyes, which let in more light, would have a higher risk. Indeed, African-Americans have a much lower risk of AMD than Caucasians. Some studies have suggested that people with blue eyes have the highest risk.

Some experimental mice and even a particular breed of dog have genetic mutations that make their retinas extremely sensitive to light; permanent retinal damage can be caused by light levels that would not harm animals with normal retinas. Analogously, people with AMD, Stargardt disease, or retinitis pigmentosa may be more susceptible to retinal light damage than people with normal retinas.

How Can I Protect My Eyes from Bright Lights?

The simplest way to protect against possible retinal light damage is to wear sunglasses and a hat. The sunglasses should have dark tint. If you hold the glasses up to a light, the light coming through the lenses should appear grey, brown, or yellowish brown—not blue, which is probably the most damaging light wavelength. If picking ready-made sunglasses in a store, choose the ones that transmit the least light (but only wear them if you can still see well enough).  If ordering custom sunglasses, ask the optician for a very dark tint. Polarization will also decrease the amount of light coming through sunglasses and helps reduce glare. UV protection helps protect the lens inside the eye against cataracts. Since UV light is blocked by the lens inside the eye it is the visible light that can harm the retina. 

Since it is thought that blue light can damage the retina, ophthalmologists can now offer blue-blocking lens implants when performing cataract surgery. While these may be helpful, the same effect can be achieved by wearing sunglasses.

Are Indoor Lights Damaging to the Eyes?

Could indoor lights be harmful? It is prudent to use the amount of light you need to read or perform activities of daily life, but there is no reason to exceed this amount with very bright lighting. When choosing light bulbs, those with the “warm” color spectrum, favoring reds and greens over the “cool” blues, are typically more comfortable for reading and may be safer. Energy-efficient LED bulbs come in warm or full spectrum varieties. As with most things in life, light is good, in moderation

Joshua Dunaief, MD, PhDScheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania

Road safety and your eyesight

Uncorrected vision continues to endanger the lives of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians around the world. Compounded by external factors such as nighttime driving, inclement weather, and adverse road conditions, uncorrected vision contributes to more than 1.25 million road accident deaths each year.[1] Until recently, the intersection of vision and road safety has not received adequate attention. Consequently, there is a lack of awareness around the need to address the impact of vision problems on driver and road safety. While governments and policymakers can play a significant role in raising  greater awareness of this public health threat, eye care professionals are also part of the solution as they are a competent authority in promoting effective assessment of vision and correcting drivers’ visual functions.CONTENTKEY TAKEAWAYSREFERENCES

The problematic relationship between uncorrected vision and road safety is a deadly, global phenomenon, and is growing more dangerous. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that road traffic crashes are a leading cause of road deaths globally and the main cause of deaths among those aged 15 to 29 years-old.[2] What is perhaps most disturbing is how traffic accidents disproportionately affect low- or middle-income countries, which are home to more than 80 percent of the world’s population. Though these countries account for only 54 percent of the world’s vehicles, they see 90 percent of all road traffic deaths. These road accidents also come with an adverse economic impact, estimated at US$500 billion a year –another burden on low- or middle-income countries. [2]

“These road accidents also come with and adverse economic impact, estimated at US$ 500 Billion a year – another burden on low- or middle-income countries.”

There are hopeful signs, yet much work remains. Globally, the number of traffic deaths plateaued between 2007 and 2015 despite a four percent increase in the world’s population – and an increase in motorization even four times higher than that – suggesting that intervention efforts can and do save lives. [2] However, disparity remains. Among the 68 countries that saw a rise in the number of road traffic deaths between 2010 and 2013, 84 percent were low- or middle-income.[2]

Recognizing the severity and disparity of both the human toll and economic burden that traffic accidents place on national economies and individual households alike, the United Nations, in its Sustainability Goals, included an ambitious goal of halving traffic-related deaths and injuries by the year 2020.

This new imperative to address road safety brings with it a greater urgency to understand the underlying causes of traffic accidents. Much attention has been given to the effects of drunk driving and, more recently, the use of wireless devices while driving. But in addition to the important issues of inebriated and inattentive driving, vision impairment also warrants attention.

The assumption of good vision, necessary to safely operate a vehicle, has long caused uncorrected vision to be overlooked as a factor in road safety. Drs. Cynthia Owsley and Gerald McGwin note in their analysis, “Vision and Driving,” that “the visual demands of driving are intricate.” [3] By cataloging the many and varied visual tasks involved in driving, including the simultaneous use of central and peripheral vision to monitor primary and secondary tasks, they reinforce how visually intensive driving under normal conditions is. These findings have led researchers to conclude that many visual tests for drivers are inadequate, often failing to simulate the distractions and wide ranging contrast and luminance levels experienced in real-world road conditions.[3] This is compounded by the fact that many drivers avoid seeking evaluation and treatment for vision issues; in Europe, 19 percent of drivers reported delaying visits to an optician until they notice problems with their vision.[5]

Driving and vision infographics Vision Impact Institute - Points De Vue

The contributions of Owsley, McGwin, Chakrabarty and others to the growing dialogue around driving and vision are indicative of the increased attention and analysis that this issue requires. However, though the link between vision and road safety should be a global concern, the disparity between high-income and low- or medium-income countries illustrates that it remains very much a local issue, which demands a greater understanding of local factors.

Road Safety Around the World

As the correlation between vision and road safety has come to the forefront, more data is becoming available from both high-income and low- or medium-income countries.

In India, for example, the dual forces of population growth and economic development have resulted in a higher number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, a greater number of traffic accidents. One study of vision and drivers in India calculated the road crash involvement rate of drivers with unacceptable vision test results at 81 percent, which was 30 percent higher than that of drivers with good vision.[6] While many factors, including poor vehicle and road conditions and traffic violations, have been found to affect driver safety, researchers have pointed to vision problems,  worsened by night driving, as significant causes of driver safety challenges.

As the correlation between vision and road safety has come to the forefront, more data is becoming available from both high-income and low- or medium-income countries.

In India, for example, the dual forces of population growth and economic development have resulted in a higher number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, a greater number of traffic accidents. One study of vision and drivers in India calculated the road crash involvement rate of drivers with unacceptable vision test results at 81 percent, which was 30 percent higher than that of drivers with good vision.6 While many factors, including poor vehicle and road conditions and traffic violations, have been found to affect driver safety, researchers have pointed to vision problems,  worsened by night driving, as significant causes of driver safety challenges.

Driving and vision infographics Vision Impact Institute - Points De Vue

Despite the disproportionate impact of uncorrected vision on road safety in low- or medium-income countries, high-income countries are not immune to this threat. A 2003 European analysis of health-related risk factors in traffic accidents found that the risk of car crash increased by nine percent when there was a visual impairment.[7] Research also reveals how even a relatively small percentage of drivers with uncorrected vision can cause a significant economic impact. In the U.K., for example, only seven percent of the population suffers from uncorrected vision, yet the economic impact of road accidents in relation to vision amounted to US$55 million in 2012.[9,13]

Driving and vision infographics Vision Impact Institute - Points De Vue

Vision Solution Efforts

Though uncorrected vision remains a danger to road safety, recent research is helping to make the case for policies and resources that can put the brakes on this global public health threat. With more stakeholders undertaking efforts to understand the intersection of vision and road safety, researchers, governments, organizations and eye care professionals around the world are beginning to identify promising solutions. In Italy, researchers evidenced that the use of an appropriate ophthalmic compensation with corrective lenses is able to improve drivers’ visual abilities.[10] In India, for instance, as the result of early efforts to prevent traffic accidents, drivers are now required to undergo vision screenings and be granted access to driving aids such as anti-glare glasses.[4]

Based on their research, Drs. Owsley and McGwin recommend additional screening measures to augment current visual acuity tests, which would examine drivers’ contrast sensitivity, visual field, processing speed, and divided attention. But most importantly, they call for more research methodology on vision and driving to expand upon the current database of knowledge.[3]

However, more research, more testing and even more rigorous testing will not reduce the threat of uncorrected vision on road safety if drivers do not seek evaluation and treatment from eye care professionals. The WHO released a report, “Universal Eye Health: A Global Action Problem 2014-2019,” which focuses on finding solutions to visual impairments. According to the report, if vision care – such as refractive services and surgeries – were provided, more than two-thirds of people affected by uncorrected vision could improve their eyesight.[11]

For this reason, organizations like Essilor and the Fédération Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA) have pledged to address the correlation between poor vision and driver and road safety. Essilor’s role in the partnership is to advocate for road safety and reinforce FIA’s messages about the vital role of adequate vision along with corresponding efforts to lobby against road accidents and deaths. The collaboration between these two organizations rests on the “New Golden Rule, ‘Check your vision,’” which aims to raise awareness on vision as a public health challenge by updating FIA’s ten “Golden Rules” on road safety. This partnership received the distinct endorsement of the World Council of Optometry and the Vision Impact Institute at the 2nd World Congress of Optometry in Sept. 2017.[12]

Conclusion

It is imperative that we address vision problems and their impact on the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Vision standards for driving must be a priority, and the development and implementation of these standards should not fall solely on local, state and national governments, but also on eye care professionals around the world. As we work towards our goal of expanding access to proper vision care around the world, our success will hinge on the collaboration between stakeholders to identify solutions that will improve driver vision, equip medical professionals with the information and resources they need and, ultimately, ensure road safety for drivers everywhere.

“It is imperative that we address vision problems and their impact on the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.”

Veneral warts and the eyes

Sex and the Eyes: Venereal Warts and the Eyes

Venereal warts (condylomata acuminata) are a viral infection that’s passed on by direct contact with wart tissue. The warts can show up on the eyelids, mouth, or genital or anal mucous membranes. In the eye, venereal warts can cause skin-colored bumps and long-term irritation of the surface of the eye.

The virus that causes venereal warts is one of several variants of human papilloma virus (HPV). Venereal warts can affect the eyes after direct contact between the eyes and warts, or by touching the eyes after touching the warts. Safer sex and good hand washing can reduce the risk.

 

If you have any eye infection or discomfort with the eyes, call or visit:

Eye update Eye clinic & opticals01, Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, beside BNPL filling station, Akute/Ajuwon road, off Elliot bus stop, Iju-Ishagah near Alagbole Fagba. Tel: 0803497158, 08107531046.

This information will reach people within the following areas:

Obawole, fagba, ifako,ijaye, near, ancillia,agege, iju, road,alagbole, akute, ajuwon, lambe, matogun, matogbun, giwa, okearo, koye, oke, arifanla, baale, Road, fagba, abule, egba, agege, ogba, ikeja, G. R. A, oshodi, Berger, ojodu, omole, magodo, yaba, mowe, ibafo, shagamu, Ishagah, shomolu, heritage, estate, shagamu, bola ahmed tinubu road, kudirat abiola estate, grailand estate, heritage estate, ajao, College Road, iju, Road, water, works, omole, magado, ketu, ojota, ikoyi, akiode bus stop, obawale, grammar school, first gate, Ala Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Benin, Edo, Association, Club, Ikorodu, Ketu, Ojota, Elliot, Iju, Ishagah, Fagba, ojodu, best, eye clinic, optical, toll gate, Ikeja, ojota, maryland, oshodi, apapa, ogba, College Road, near bank, station, agege, Abeokuta, sango ota, otta, Lisa, mowe ibafo, redeem camp, Lagos, Ibadan, gold valley estate, isheri, iseri pole phase 1, implemented phase II, grammar school, testing ground, jankara, alagbado, koye oke, oshere, osere, matogun, matogbun, olambe, lambe, tipper garage, otun, jolasco, Victoria Island, festac, vgc, eko atlantic, Victoria garden City, ikorodu, ketu, ajegunle, abule egba, fagba, grailand, Berger, Obawale,Agege, Pencinema,Shomolu, Cele, Ogun, Lagos, Lagos Island, Lagos mainland, Ifako, Ijaye, eti osa, Oyo, Lisa, Owode, sang ota, abule egba, redeem camp, Ijebu ode, toll gate, bus stop, Street, along, Nigeria

Gonorrhea and the eyes

Sex and the Eyes: Gonorrhea and the Eyes

Gonorrhea can infect the genitals, anus, throat and eyes. It is usually spread by partners with few or no symptoms. Gonorrhea can be treated with medication, but in recent years some strains have become resistant to the medications used most often.

When gonorrhea infects the eyes, it can cause a form of pink eye with a large amount of pus discharged from the eyes. Gonorrhea can be passed from a mother to her child during child birth.

A person gets gonorrhea in the eyes through direct contact with body fluids during or after sex, by touching their eyes during or after sex, or during child birth.Condoms and safer sex can prevent most gonorrhea infections.

 

If you have any eye infection or discomfort with the eyes, call or visit:

Eye update Eye clinic & opticals01, Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, beside BNPL filling station, Akute/Ajuwon road, off Elliot bus stop, Iju-Ishagah near Alagbole Fagba. Tel: 0803497158, 08107531046.

This information will reach people within the following areas:

Obawole, fagba, ifako,ijaye, near, ancillia,agege, iju, road,alagbole, akute, ajuwon, lambe, matogun, matogbun, giwa, okearo, koye, oke, arifanla, baale, Road, fagba, abule, egba, agege, ogba, ikeja, G. R. A, oshodi, Berger, ojodu, omole, magodo, yaba, mowe, ibafo, shagamu, Ishagah, shomolu, heritage, estate, shagamu, bola ahmed tinubu road, kudirat abiola estate, grailand estate, heritage estate, ajao, College Road, iju, Road, water, works, omole, magado, ketu, ojota, ikoyi, akiode bus stop, obawale, grammar school, first gate, Ala Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Benin, Edo, Association, Club, Ikorodu, Ketu, Ojota, Elliot, Iju, Ishagah, Fagba, ojodu, best, eye clinic, optical, toll gate, Ikeja, ojota, maryland, oshodi, apapa, ogba, College Road, near bank, station, agege, Abeokuta, sango ota, otta, Lisa, mowe ibafo, redeem camp, Lagos, Ibadan, gold valley estate, isheri, iseri pole phase 1, implemented phase II, grammar school, testing ground, jankara, alagbado, koye oke, oshere, osere, matogun, matogbun, olambe, lambe, tipper garage, otun, jolasco, Victoria Island, festac, vgc, eko atlantic, Victoria garden City, ikorodu, ketu, ajegunle, abule egba, fagba, grailand, Berger, Obawale,Agege, Pencinema,Shomolu, Cele, Ogun, Lagos, Lagos Island, Lagos mainland, Ifako, Ijaye, eti osa, Oyo, Lisa, Owode, sang ota, abule egba, redeem camp, Ijebu ode, toll gate, bus stop, Street, along, Nigeria

Syphilis and the eyes

Sex and the Eyes: Syphilis and the Eyes

Syphilis is an STD that usually causes sores and rashes. It can have much more serious—even deadly—effects on the body if not treated. Thankfully, syphilis can be cured with antibiotics in the early stages. However, damage that’s done to the body before treatment often can’t be reversed.

When syphilis affects the eyes, it can cause inflammation of the conjunctivacorneauvea (inner coat of the eye), episclera (outer coat of the eye), optic nerve and retina. Any of these can cause serious, long-lasting problems for your vision, like blurriness, pain and dryness.

Syphilis affects the whole body once you are infected. You don’t have to get anything in your eye—syphilis will travel through your bloodstream. When condoms are used correctly, they can often protect against syphilis. However, any syphilis sores that are not covered by the condom will still be contagious.

 

If you have any eye infection or discomfort with the eyes, call or visit:

Eye update Eye clinic & opticals01, Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, beside BNPL filling station, Akute/Ajuwon road, off Elliot bus stop, Iju-Ishagah near Alagbole Fagba. Tel: 0803497158, 08107531046.

This information will reach people within the following areas:

Obawole, fagba, ifako,ijaye, near, ancillia,agege, iju, road,alagbole, akute, ajuwon, lambe, matogun, matogbun, giwa, okearo, koye, oke, arifanla, baale, Road, fagba, abule, egba, agege, ogba, ikeja, G. R. A, oshodi, Berger, ojodu, omole, magodo, yaba, mowe, ibafo, shagamu, Ishagah, shomolu, heritage, estate, shagamu, bola ahmed tinubu road, kudirat abiola estate, grailand estate, heritage estate, ajao, College Road, iju, Road, water, works, omole, magado, ketu, ojota, ikoyi, akiode bus stop, obawale, grammar school, first gate, Ala Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Benin, Edo, Association, Club, Ikorodu, Ketu, Ojota, Elliot, Iju, Ishagah, Fagba, ojodu, best, eye clinic, optical, toll gate, Ikeja, ojota, maryland, oshodi, apapa, ogba, College Road, near bank, station, agege, Abeokuta, sango ota, otta, Lisa, mowe ibafo, redeem camp, Lagos, Ibadan, gold valley estate, isheri, iseri pole phase 1, implemented phase II, grammar school, testing ground, jankara, alagbado, koye oke, oshere, osere, matogun, matogbun, olambe, lambe, tipper garage, otun, jolasco, Victoria Island, festac, vgc, eko atlantic, Victoria garden City, ikorodu, ketu, ajegunle, abule egba, fagba, grailand, Berger, Obawale,Agege, Pencinema,Shomolu, Cele, Ogun, Lagos, Lagos Island, Lagos mainland, Ifako, Ijaye, eti osa, Oyo, Lisa, Owode, sang ota, abule egba, redeem camp, Ijebu ode, toll gate, bus stop, Street, along, Nigeria

Herpes and the eyes

Sex and the Eyes: Herpes and thr Eyes:

There are two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Type I causes cold sores or fever blisters. Nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population has been exposed to Type I herpes at some point in their life. Type II HSV causes genital herpes.

Either type of herpes can show up anywhere on the body. And either type can cause a serious infection in the eye—or blind you. A herpes infection in the eye can permanently scar the cornea or nasolacrimal (tear) duct. HSV is also known to cause inflammation of the retina which can lead to scarring, retinal detachments and blindness.

Both types of the herpes virus are passed on by skin-to-skin contact. Herpes gets into the eye either through direct facial contact with a herpes sore, or when you touch your eyes after touching a sore. Protect yourself by using condoms and dental dams and washing your hands thoroughly. If your partner is having an active outbreak, do not touch the sores.

 

If you have any eye infection or discomfort with the eyes, call or visit:

Eye update Eye clinic & opticals01, Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, beside BNPL filling station, Akute/Ajuwon road, off Elliot bus stop, Iju-Ishagah near Alagbole Fagba. Tel: 0803497158, 08107531046.

This information will reach people within the following areas:

Obawole, fagba, ifako,ijaye, near, ancillia,agege, iju, road,alagbole, akute, ajuwon, lambe, matogun, matogbun, giwa, okearo, koye, oke, arifanla, baale, Road, fagba, abule, egba, agege, ogba, ikeja, G. R. A, oshodi, Berger, ojodu, omole, magodo, yaba, mowe, ibafo, shagamu, Ishagah, shomolu, heritage, estate, shagamu, bola ahmed tinubu road, kudirat abiola estate, grailand estate, heritage estate, ajao, College Road, iju, Road, water, works, omole, magado, ketu, ojota, ikoyi, akiode bus stop, obawale, grammar school, first gate, Ala Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Benin, Edo, Association, Club, Ikorodu, Ketu, Ojota, Elliot, Iju, Ishagah, Fagba, ojodu, best, eye clinic, optical, toll gate, Ikeja, ojota, maryland, oshodi, apapa, ogba, College Road, near bank, station, agege, Abeokuta, sango ota, otta, Lisa, mowe ibafo, redeem camp, Lagos, Ibadan, gold valley estate, isheri, iseri pole phase 1, implemented phase II, grammar school, testing ground, jankara, alagbado, koye oke, oshere, osere, matogun, matogbun, olambe, lambe, tipper garage, otun, jolasco, Victoria Island, festac, vgc, eko atlantic, Victoria garden City, ikorodu, ketu, ajegunle, abule egba, fagba, grailand, Berger, Obawale,Agege, Pencinema,Shomolu, Cele, Ogun, Lagos, Lagos Island, Lagos mainland, Ifako, Ijaye, eti osa, Oyo, Lisa, Owode, sang ota, abule egba, redeem camp, Ijebu ode, toll gate, bus stop, Street, along, Nigeria

Keratitis treatment in Alagbole Akute Ajuwon

Overview

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea — the clear, dome-shaped tissue on the front of your eye that covers the pupil and iris. Keratitis may or may not be associated with an infection. Noninfectious keratitis can be caused by a relatively minor injury, by wearing your contact lenses too long or by a foreign body in the eye. Infectious keratitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

If you have eye redness or other symptoms of keratitis, make an appointment to see your doctor. With prompt attention, mild to moderate cases of keratitis can usually be effectively treated without loss of vision. If left untreated, or if an infection is severe, keratitis can lead to serious complications that may permanently damage your vision.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of keratitis include:

  • Eye redness
  • Eye pain
  • Excess tears or other discharge from your eye
  • Difficulty opening your eyelid because of pain or irritation
  • Blurred vision
  • Decreased vision
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • A feeling that something is in your eye

When to see a doctor

If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of keratitis, make an appointment to see your doctor right away. Delays in diagnosis and treatment of keratitis can lead to serious complications, including blindness.

Causes

Causes of keratitis include:

  • Injury. If any object scratches or injures the surface of your cornea, noninfectious keratitis may result. In addition, an injury may allow microorganisms to gain access to the damaged cornea, causing infectious keratitis.
  • Contaminated contact lenses. Bacteria, fungi or parasites — particularly the microscopic parasite acanthamoeba — may inhabit the surface of a contact lens or contact lens carrying case. The cornea may become contaminated when the lens is in your eye, resulting in infectious keratitis. Over-wearing your contact lenses can cause keratitis, which can become infectious.
  • Viruses. The herpes viruses (herpes simplex and herpes zoster) may cause keratitis.
  • Bacteria. The bacterium that causes gonorrhea can cause keratitis.
  • Contaminated water. Bacteria, fungi and parasites in water — particularly in oceans, rivers, lakes and hot tubs — can enter your eyes when you’re swimming and result in keratitis. However, even if you’re exposed to these bacteria, fungi or parasites, a healthy cornea is unlikely to become infected unless there has been some previous breakdown of the corneal surface — for example, wearing a contact lens too long.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of keratitis include:

  • Contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses — especially sleeping in the lenses —increases your risk of both infectious and noninfectious keratitis. The risk typically stems from wearing them longer than recommended, improper disinfection or wearing contact lenses while swimming.Keratitis is more common in people who use extended-wear contacts, or wear contacts continuously, than in those who use daily wear contacts and take them out at night.
  • Reduced immunity. If your immune system is compromised due to disease or medications, you’re at higher risk of developing keratitis.
  • Corticosteroids. Use of corticosteroid eyedrops to treat an eye disorder can increase your risk of developing infectious keratitis or worsen existing keratitis.
  • Eye injury. If one of your corneas has been damaged from an injury in the past, you may be more vulnerable to developing keratitis.

Complications

Potential complications of keratitis include:

  • Chronic corneal inflammation and scarring
  • Chronic or recurrent viral infections of your cornea
  • Open sores on your cornea (corneal ulcers)
  • Temporary or permanent reduction in your vision
  • Blindness

Prevention

Caring for your contact lenses

If you wear contact lenses, proper use, cleaning and disinfecting can help prevent keratitis. Follow these tips:

  • Choose daily wear contacts, and take them out before going to sleep.
  • Wash, rinse and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts.
  • Follow your eye care professional’s recommendations for taking care of your lenses.
  • Use only sterile products that are made specifically for contact lens care, and use lens care products made for the type of lenses you wear.
  • Gently rub the lenses during cleaning to enhance the cleaning performance of the contact lens solutions. Avoid rough handling that might cause your lenses to become scratched.
  • Replace your contact lenses as recommended.
  • Replace your contact lens case every three to six months.
  • Discard the solution in the contact lens case each time you disinfect your lenses. Don’t “top off” the old solution that’s already in the case.
  • Don’t wear contact lenses when you go swimming.

Preventing viral outbreaks

Some forms of viral keratitis can’t be completely eliminated. But the following steps may control viral keratitis occurrences:

  • If you have a cold sore or a herpes blister, avoid touching your eyes, your eyelids and the skin around your eyes unless you’ve thoroughly washed your hands.
  • Only use eyedrops that have been prescribed by an eye doctor.
  • Washing your hands frequently prevents viral outbreaks.

SCHEDULE YOUR EYE TEST

Optical eye clinic in alagbole akute ajuwon matogun olambe lambe koye oke iju ishaga fagba
Schedule your eye test with an eye doctor

Corona virus and your eyes

Our eyes might play an important role in the spread and prevention of the new coronavirus outbreak seen throughout the world.

For example, a Peking University physician believes he may have contracted the coronavirus while not wearing eye protection when treating patients. Medical officials, though, say while this is possible, it may be unlikely.

To cut your personal risk of contracting the new coronavirus, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. It is the mucous membranes (membranes that line various cavities in the body) that are most susceptible to transmission of the virus.

What is coronavirus?

Reports of a new coronavirus (also referred to as COVID-19) first emerged in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China.

Coronaviruses are a group of common viruses. Some affect only animals (such as bats, cats, camels and cattle), while others also affect people, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

COVID-19 can trigger ailments as minor as the common cold, or more consequential such as bronchitis, pneumonia and kidney failure. The most severe cases may be life-threatening. This is the seventh known type of coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How is the new coronavirus related to your eyes?

Patients who have contracted the new coronavirus may have ocular symptoms.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane covering the eyeball. It is often referred to as “pink eye.” Conjunctivitis often presents as an infected/red, “wet and weepy” eye.

Viral conjunctivitis is known to present with upper respiratory infections (colds, flus, etc.) and may be a symptom of the COVID-19 virus. A recent study of hospitals across China, published in the New England Journal of Medicine , found “conjunctival congestion” or red, infected eyes in 9 of 1,099 patients (0.8%) with a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus.

A study in The Journal of Medical Virology  of 30 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 had only one patient diagnosed with conjunctivitis. Based on this information, the occurrence of conjunctivitis is low.

IF YOU’RE NOT FEELING WELL… Call your family doctor. If you suspect you may have conjunctivitis, call an eye doctor near you. It is suggested that patients do not present to medical or eye care facilities without a prior phone call to help to decrease the possible spread of the virus. A phone call allows the health facility to prepare for your visit and diagnose and treat you in a proper manner.

The relationship between the transmission of the coronavirus and your eyes is complicated.

It’s thought that COVID-19 spreads from person to person mainly through airborne “respiratory droplets” produced when someone coughs or sneezes, much like the flu virus spreads, the CDC says. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, and possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Medical experts are unsure whether someone can contract this virus by touching a surface or object, such as a table or doorknob, that has COVID -19 on it and then touching their mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.

Peking University respiratory specialist Wang Guangfa believes he contracted COVID-19 when he came into contact with patients at health clinics in China.

Wang reported that his left eye became inflamed afterward, followed by a fever and a buildup of mucus in his nose and throat. He subsequently was diagnosed with the new coronavirus.

According to the South China Morning Post , Wang thinks the virus entered his left eye because he wasn’t wearing protective eyewear.

Dr. Jan Evans Patterson , professor of medicine and pathology in the Long School of Medicine’s infectious diseases division at UT Health San Antonio, confirms that a scenario like Wang’s could potentially happen.

In Wang’s situation, she says, respiratory droplets from an infected person might have reached his eyes or other mucous membranes.

Generally, though, transmission of COVID-19 comes with so many unknowns that it’s “plausible but unlikely” to contract it through hand-to-eye contact, says Dr. Stephen Thomas , chief of infectious diseases at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.

How contagious is the new coronavirus?

Currently, it’s not known how “easily or sustainably” the virus spreads from person to person, according to the CDC.

Many large gatherings and events have been canceled or postponed as a public health measure to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. U.S. health officials have implemented these emergency measures as a best practice to contain the transmission of the virus.

Schools have canceled classes and switched to online courses, and sports leagues and museums have closed as a precaution to avoid community spread.

What are the symptoms of the new coronavirus?

Symptoms of COVID-19 include a mild to severe respiratory illness accompanied by a fever, cough and breathing problems, according to the World Health Organization . Other symptoms include runny nose, sore throat and headache.

Most people develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually those who are older or have other medical complications, develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, which can be fatal.

Symptoms normally show up two to 14 days after someone has been exposed to the virus.

How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

Health care professionals diagnose the coronavirus through lab tests of respiratory or blood samples or other bodily fluids.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for the new coronavirus?

So far, no vaccine or antiviral treatment has been identified. Therefore, the best method for limiting the spread of this virus is to quickly isolate people who have it (or are presumed to have it if they’ve been exposed to it) before they infect others, the Harvard Business Review says.

How can you cut your risk of contracting coronavirus?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established a site with the most up-to-date information related to the coronavirus outbreak .

The CDC’s recommended steps to prevent illness include:

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, eaten, used the restroom, blown your nose, coughed or sneezed.Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible, but especially with unwashed hands.

Reduce your exposure

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Stay home if you’re sick — except to get medical care.

Cover coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.Throw used tissues in the trash.Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.Wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose if you are sick.

If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for health care workers, people who are sick and caregivers.

Clean and disinfect surfaces

Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials, the CDC reports. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.

At least some coronavirus can potentially remain viable — capable of infecting a person — for up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel, The Washington Post  reports, citing research  by a laboratory that is part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

How to dress to limit exposure

According to the World Health Organization, if you have the potential of being exposed to a person with coronavirus, you should be equipped with protective eyewear, a surgical mask, medical gown, medical gloves and a disposable respirator.

For more information, call us on tel: 07030000001 or visit our website:
https://eyeclinic.professional.com.ng