There is a new eye drop to protect your vision

Severe scarring on the surface of your cornea may lead to loss of sight. But don't worry, a new-found treatment will protect your eyes. Read on to know more about various eye infections.

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: December 27, 2018 6:31 pm

Conjunctivitis is a common type of eye infection which can be treated with the help of your ophthalmologist. © Shutterstock

A new eye drop developed by scientists can help reduce sight-threatening scarring which can occur at the surface of the eye or the cornea. The cornea, which is usually transparent, may become opaque due to the scars from an eye infection or trauma, resulting in blurred vision or blindness (in extreme cases). There is a fluid gel present in the newly-developed eye drop which is made up of a natural wound-healing protein namely Decorin. The fluid gel forms a protective barrier which can help safeguard your eye surface from further damage caused by blinking.

There are very many infections that keep troubling our eyes from time to time, stye being the most common among them. The usual symptoms of infection in your eyes include redness, irritation, constant pain, burning sensation, lump under your eyelids, etc. Here is a low-down on some eye infections that may give you a tough time. Consult an ophthalmologist if the symptoms don’t subside on their own within a couple of days, or are unbearable.

Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea is what is known as keratitis in the medical fraternity. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, injury, dirty water and even contaminated contact lenses. According to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, poor contact lens hygiene can lead to the outbreak of this corneal infection. The symptoms include eye redness, eye pain, excessive tears or other discharge, blurred or decreased vision, etc. If you experience these symptoms, you should visit an ophthalmologist for a slit lamp examination and corneal scraping. An antifungal or anti-acanthamoebal therapy can also be recommended. The treatment may take some months.

Stye
A small, painful lump on or inside the eyelid or around the eye can be called a stye. You may get a stye due to dust, heat, travel, makeup, strain and rubbing of the eyes. If you get a stye, your skin may become red, swollen and get filled with yellow pus like a pimple. To tackle your stye, visit your ophthalmologist. Furthermore, you should wash your face thoroughly and remove the makeup before going to bed. Avoid rubbing your eyes if you have a stye. Refrain from wearing contact lenses and sharing your towel with someone who has a stye.

Fungal infections
Various studies observed that fungal eye infection can occur due to an injury or surgery (for example, cataract or corneal transplant surgery), contact lenses, presence of yeast like candida which can spread from your bloodstream to other parts of your body. Your expert may prescribe you an antifungal eye drop and other medications. If you are wearing contact lenses then make sure you handle your lenses with care.

Conjunctivitis
An inflammation of the lining of the eye and eyelid due to bacteria, viruses, chemicals or allergies can be called conjunctivitis or pink eye. Bacteria, allergic reaction to pollen, dust or smoke, fungi and parasites can cause conjunctivitis. You will also be shocked to know that one may get conjunctivitis due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs ) as well. It may also lead to vision loss if not treated at the right time. In case you are suffering from conjunctivitis, avoid sharing your cosmetics, don’t keep on touching your eyes and you should also change your pillow covers too often.

Published: December 27, 2018 3:43 pm | Updated:December 27, 2018 6:31 pm

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