betteryou
H
ow long has
it been since
you had your
eyes tested? Well, if you
can read this page okay,
everything must be fine,
right? Not necessarily!
We demand a lot from
our eyes and, when they
become tired, sore or
bloodshot, we tend to
put it down to the
stresses and strains of
everyday life. But these
symptoms could also
indicate a more serious
problem, which is why
it’s vital to have regular
check-ups. Read on for
our focus on eye health.
What to look for
Eyes are amazingly resilient and generally
quick to heal from minor injuries, infections,
abrasions and other irritations. But it’s really
important to have a full eye check every two
years —
which is covered by Medicare —
or
annually, if you’re over 50, to spot problems
before they become too serious.
And as well as regular check-ups, if your
eyes begin to bother you or your vision
suddenly changes, don’t delay seeking help.
Here are a few problems to look for.
Symptom: Dry, sore, tired eyes.
It could be: Lack of sleep, air-conditioned
or smoky environments, or eye strain. If you
work on a computer, take regular breaks from
the screen and get some fresh air (see Top Tips
For Better Eye Health, over page). Eye drops
may help, but consult your pharmacist or GP
to make sure there’s no underlying condition.
Symptom: Scratchy, gritty or itchy eyes.
It could be: Lack of lubrication can cause
eyes to feel dry and scratchy. This could be
caused by medications, hormonal changes,
recovery from eye surgery, seasonal allergies
or reactions to products such as make-up,
cleansers or detergents. If problems persist,
see your doctor.
Symptom: Red, swollen eye rims, crusty
build-up on lids, itching, burning.
It could be: Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation),
a bacterial infection, seborrhoeic dermatitis
or allergies. See your GP as soon as problems
occur to determine the best course of action.
Symptom: Pimple-like sores on eyelids.
It could be: A sty, generally caused by
bacteria, a blocked pore or oil gland. It usually
resolves itself, but may need antibiotic drops.
Whatever you do, don’t try to pop it!
Symptom: Bloodshot, gunky, weeping eyes.
It could
be: Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) —
a contagious condition caused by a viral
or bacterial infection, which may require
antibiotic treatment by your doctor.
Symptom: Sudden flashes of light or floaters
(tiny spots that seem to swim in front of you),
or a sense that a shadow is falling across your
eye from the top or side.
It could be: Warning signs of a detached retina,
a serious condition that needs immediate
attention as it can lead to vision loss and
blindness. It can happen as a result of eye trauma
but, often, it occurs for no known reason. It’s
not painful, so heed the symptoms —
it’s better
to be overcautious than risk your sight. ►
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, APRIL 2011 bhg.com.au
159
