Everything you need to know about common EYE complaints, and how to treat them!
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As the well-known saying goes,the eyes are the windows to the soul. As it turns out, they're the windows to our health as well!
After two demanding years of the pandemic and countless hours spent on digital devices, many people are noticing the impact on their eye health. After all, the eyes are the first part of the face to show signs of ageing.
So if you are among those who are struggling with dark circles, puffy or dry eyes, or crow's feet, it might help to know what's causing your particular eye problem and what you can do if you wish to fix it.
Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, who specialises in ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery, is an eye expert who is passionate about highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving one's eye health.
'It's wrong to assume that visiting an eye specialist is something that you only do when you've got something wrong with your eyes,' she said.
'Maintaining regular check-ups is vital. Your eyes reveal a great deal about your overall health, and through a thorough examination, problems can be identified early to get treatment quickly.'
Dr Hawkes is here to discuss a few common conditions that may affect our eyes and to offer us some treatment recommendations for them.
Credit: Healthline.
DRY OR WATERY EYES
Dry eye is probably the most common of the eye conditions mentioned here on this list, and it affects women more frequently than it does men.
According to estimates, 15 to 33% of adults 65 and older have a dry eye disease, though the actual number is likely much higher because so many people with minor symptoms don't visit a doctor.
'People with dry eyes often don't make enough tears to keep their eyes moist, or the tears they do make are of poor quality. This makes the front of the eye dry out too quickly, causing irritation,' explained Dr Hawkes.
'Symptoms of dry eyes include eyes that are itchy, sore, feel gritty, red, blurry, sensitive to light or are more watery than normal.'
What causes it
There are many reasons why people might have dry eyes. Here are a few:
Dr Hawkes suggests that the most effective way to treat dry eyes is to ensure that your eyes are always clean and well lubricated and to take frequent breaks from staring at electronic screens.
'Also, make sure you're not straining your eyes when using a computer. Do this by making sure the screen is at eye level. Humidifiers at home can help to stop the air from getting dry,' she added.
'If you wear contact lenses, it can help to take them out and wear glasses to give your eyes a rest occasionally.'
Sleeping well is also very important. The use of eye drops, gels, or allergy medications are a few examples of potential treatments that a pharmacist may be able to suggest to you. But if the issue persisted, she advised visiting an eye doctor for a complete eye exam.
Credit: SkinKraft.
PUFFY EYES
Puffiness around the eyes is another extremely common eye complaint, particularly during the time of year when allergens are almost present.
'Puffy eyes typically present as mild swelling of the upper and lower eyelid. They may or may not be accompanied by itchy eyes, watery eyes, and itching of the eyelid skin,' explained Dr Hawkes.
What causes it
According to the eye doctor, puffy eyes can be caused by a number of things, such as not getting enough sleep, having allergies, having a stuffy nose, being dehydrated, or eating too much salt.
It can also be a result of things such as:
Ice globes, for example, are a type of cold tool that can be very useful when dealing with puffy eyes. According to Dr Hawkes, using these cold tools sends a 'cold shock' to the skin, which makes our body send more blood to the targeted area.
'More blood essentially means more oxygen and richer nutrient delivery, which helps to flush away toxins and reduce water retention,' she said.
'When used correctly, they can reduce inflammation and puffiness, especially in the morning, help lymphatic drainage and sinus pressure, and provide skin benefits by reducing redness and reactivating circulation to provide a radiant glow.'
She did warn, however, that while ice globes and cooling tools have benefits, it is important not to expose the skin to something extremely cold for an extended period of time.
'I'd generally suggest that people use them for no longer than 15 minutes each morning. Apply them to the skin and very gently roll them underneath the eye from the side of the nose out towards the cheekbone.'
'Follow by cleansing and applying your daily antioxidant eye serum and a broad-spectrum SPF,' said Dr Hawkes.
Other remedies include getting more sleep, slightly elevating your pillow, and drinking more water. If you suspect an eye infection is to blame for the swelling, schedule an appointment with an eye specialist as soon as possible.
Credit: Blissoma.
DARK CIRCLES
It is common knowledge that being tired is reflected in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Dr Hawkes says, though, that this isn't always true.
'Eyelid skin is unique to the rest of the body. Importantly there is no subcutaneous fat underneath the skin. The eyelid layers are skin, orbicularis muscle, septum, and fat (eyebags). Whereas in the rest of the face there is a subcutaneous layer of fat directly underneath the skin. For this reason, eyelid skin is prone to appear darker than the rest of the face,' she explained.
What causes it
Topical creams can help with some dark circles, but Dr Hawkes says this largely depends on what's causing them in the first place.
'Topical creams are good for dehydration & allergy relief, but they will not restore volume. They will not cause the blood vessels under the eyes to constrict, nor will they reverse a family history of dark circles,' she explained.
According to her, it is possible to treat dark circles in the clinic but to do so effectively, you should see an oculoplastic specialist. He or she will take a full medical history and do a thorough exam to find out what's causing the dark circles and how to treat them.
'The treatments vary depending on the cause, and include; topical prescription creams, a chemical peel, dermal filler to restore volume or surgical lower eyelid blepharoplasty may be required as an option for dark circles,' she went on to say.
'A thorough ophthalmic examination is necessary to exclude an eye disease or allergy that could be affecting the skin, such as allergic conjunctivitis secondary to pollen.'
Credit: Orange County Opthalmology.
RED, BURNING OR STICKY EYES
Blepharitis is a condition that can manifest itself with symptoms such as redness, burning, or stickiness in the eyes, excessive watering, ocular discomfort, sensitivity to light, and the feeling that there is a foreign body in the eye.
What causes it
'This is a chronic inflammatory condition of the eyelids caused by a bacterial overgrowth on the eyelashes and eyelids,' Dr Hawkes explained.
Many people know about the common menopause symptoms, such as hot sweats, low libido and brain fog, however, not many people realise that it can affect your eyes too.
'The hormone changes that occur during menopause can result in Blepharitis,' she added.
How to treat
The eye specialist laments the fact that blepharitis does not currently have a treatment that can be considered a cure, adding that lid hygiene is the primary focus of treatment at every stage to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
'Other treatments such as antibiotics, steroids and ocular lubrication may also be necessary for different sequelae of the condition,' she explained.
Credit: Dr Brandt.
CROW'S FEET
The term 'Crow's Feet' refers to wrinkles at the sides of the eyes that extend outward towards the temples and resemble a crow's claw.
Dr Hawkes said that the eyes are the first place on the face to show signs of ageing. Since the skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of the face, it is more likely to get lines and wrinkles.
What causes it
When you laugh, squint, or frown, your face contracts. Over time, this, along with the natural loss of collagen and elastin that comes with getting older, and lifestyle factors like sun damage and pollution can cause Crow's Feet to form.
How to treat
To prevent premature ageing of the skin in this region, Dr Hawkes recommends using an eye cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and wearing sunglasses. This will help to shield the eyelids and the skin around the eyes from the sun's rays.
You may experience a variety of eye conditions, but these are just some of the most typical ones that we thought you might like to know about!
Please keep in mind that the information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical guidance. If you are worried about the condition of your eyes, the best course of action is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
After two demanding years of the pandemic and countless hours spent on digital devices, many people are noticing the impact on their eye health. After all, the eyes are the first part of the face to show signs of ageing.
So if you are among those who are struggling with dark circles, puffy or dry eyes, or crow's feet, it might help to know what's causing your particular eye problem and what you can do if you wish to fix it.
Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, who specialises in ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery, is an eye expert who is passionate about highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving one's eye health.
'It's wrong to assume that visiting an eye specialist is something that you only do when you've got something wrong with your eyes,' she said.
'Maintaining regular check-ups is vital. Your eyes reveal a great deal about your overall health, and through a thorough examination, problems can be identified early to get treatment quickly.'
Dr Hawkes is here to discuss a few common conditions that may affect our eyes and to offer us some treatment recommendations for them.
Credit: Healthline.
DRY OR WATERY EYES
Dry eye is probably the most common of the eye conditions mentioned here on this list, and it affects women more frequently than it does men.
According to estimates, 15 to 33% of adults 65 and older have a dry eye disease, though the actual number is likely much higher because so many people with minor symptoms don't visit a doctor.
'People with dry eyes often don't make enough tears to keep their eyes moist, or the tears they do make are of poor quality. This makes the front of the eye dry out too quickly, causing irritation,' explained Dr Hawkes.
'Symptoms of dry eyes include eyes that are itchy, sore, feel gritty, red, blurry, sensitive to light or are more watery than normal.'
What causes it
There are many reasons why people might have dry eyes. Here are a few:
- The most typical cause of dry eye disease is blepharitis. This is an inflammatory condition in which the oil-producing glands in the eyelids, called meibomian glands, get clogged.
- Exposure to cold, dry air and wind, as well as central heating, can dry out the eyes because heating dries out the air.
- Long periods at a computer screen, lack of sleep, a poor diet lacking omega-3 and other nutrients, smoking, and drinking alcohol can aggravate dry eyes.
- People over 50, especially women, and people who wear contact lenses are also sometimes more likely to have dry eyes. This is mostly because of the changes in hormones that happen when a woman is pregnant, using birth control, or going through menopause.
- Dry eye disease is sometimes caused by other health problems.
Dr Hawkes suggests that the most effective way to treat dry eyes is to ensure that your eyes are always clean and well lubricated and to take frequent breaks from staring at electronic screens.
'Also, make sure you're not straining your eyes when using a computer. Do this by making sure the screen is at eye level. Humidifiers at home can help to stop the air from getting dry,' she added.
'If you wear contact lenses, it can help to take them out and wear glasses to give your eyes a rest occasionally.'
Sleeping well is also very important. The use of eye drops, gels, or allergy medications are a few examples of potential treatments that a pharmacist may be able to suggest to you. But if the issue persisted, she advised visiting an eye doctor for a complete eye exam.
Credit: SkinKraft.
PUFFY EYES
Puffiness around the eyes is another extremely common eye complaint, particularly during the time of year when allergens are almost present.
'Puffy eyes typically present as mild swelling of the upper and lower eyelid. They may or may not be accompanied by itchy eyes, watery eyes, and itching of the eyelid skin,' explained Dr Hawkes.
What causes it
According to the eye doctor, puffy eyes can be caused by a number of things, such as not getting enough sleep, having allergies, having a stuffy nose, being dehydrated, or eating too much salt.
It can also be a result of things such as:
- poor lymphatic drainage within the eye area
- eye infections such as viral conjunctivitis and blepharitis
Ice globes, for example, are a type of cold tool that can be very useful when dealing with puffy eyes. According to Dr Hawkes, using these cold tools sends a 'cold shock' to the skin, which makes our body send more blood to the targeted area.
'More blood essentially means more oxygen and richer nutrient delivery, which helps to flush away toxins and reduce water retention,' she said.
'When used correctly, they can reduce inflammation and puffiness, especially in the morning, help lymphatic drainage and sinus pressure, and provide skin benefits by reducing redness and reactivating circulation to provide a radiant glow.'
She did warn, however, that while ice globes and cooling tools have benefits, it is important not to expose the skin to something extremely cold for an extended period of time.
'I'd generally suggest that people use them for no longer than 15 minutes each morning. Apply them to the skin and very gently roll them underneath the eye from the side of the nose out towards the cheekbone.'
'Follow by cleansing and applying your daily antioxidant eye serum and a broad-spectrum SPF,' said Dr Hawkes.
Other remedies include getting more sleep, slightly elevating your pillow, and drinking more water. If you suspect an eye infection is to blame for the swelling, schedule an appointment with an eye specialist as soon as possible.
Credit: Blissoma.
DARK CIRCLES
It is common knowledge that being tired is reflected in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Dr Hawkes says, though, that this isn't always true.
'Eyelid skin is unique to the rest of the body. Importantly there is no subcutaneous fat underneath the skin. The eyelid layers are skin, orbicularis muscle, septum, and fat (eyebags). Whereas in the rest of the face there is a subcutaneous layer of fat directly underneath the skin. For this reason, eyelid skin is prone to appear darker than the rest of the face,' she explained.
What causes it
- Skin can be darker because of a person's race, which is caused by higher levels of melanin and a family history of dark circles.
- The blood vessels on the eyelids can get bigger if the blood flow isn't good. This will make them stand out under the skin of your eyelids and make dark circles look worse.
- Allergies like hay fever and eczema can cause the skin on the eyelids to thicken and turn red, which can make the eyes look older.
- Dehydration and Smoking
- Ageing
Topical creams can help with some dark circles, but Dr Hawkes says this largely depends on what's causing them in the first place.
'Topical creams are good for dehydration & allergy relief, but they will not restore volume. They will not cause the blood vessels under the eyes to constrict, nor will they reverse a family history of dark circles,' she explained.
According to her, it is possible to treat dark circles in the clinic but to do so effectively, you should see an oculoplastic specialist. He or she will take a full medical history and do a thorough exam to find out what's causing the dark circles and how to treat them.
'The treatments vary depending on the cause, and include; topical prescription creams, a chemical peel, dermal filler to restore volume or surgical lower eyelid blepharoplasty may be required as an option for dark circles,' she went on to say.
'A thorough ophthalmic examination is necessary to exclude an eye disease or allergy that could be affecting the skin, such as allergic conjunctivitis secondary to pollen.'
Credit: Orange County Opthalmology.
RED, BURNING OR STICKY EYES
Blepharitis is a condition that can manifest itself with symptoms such as redness, burning, or stickiness in the eyes, excessive watering, ocular discomfort, sensitivity to light, and the feeling that there is a foreign body in the eye.
What causes it
'This is a chronic inflammatory condition of the eyelids caused by a bacterial overgrowth on the eyelashes and eyelids,' Dr Hawkes explained.
Many people know about the common menopause symptoms, such as hot sweats, low libido and brain fog, however, not many people realise that it can affect your eyes too.
'The hormone changes that occur during menopause can result in Blepharitis,' she added.
How to treat
The eye specialist laments the fact that blepharitis does not currently have a treatment that can be considered a cure, adding that lid hygiene is the primary focus of treatment at every stage to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
'Other treatments such as antibiotics, steroids and ocular lubrication may also be necessary for different sequelae of the condition,' she explained.
Credit: Dr Brandt.
CROW'S FEET
The term 'Crow's Feet' refers to wrinkles at the sides of the eyes that extend outward towards the temples and resemble a crow's claw.
Dr Hawkes said that the eyes are the first place on the face to show signs of ageing. Since the skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of the face, it is more likely to get lines and wrinkles.
What causes it
When you laugh, squint, or frown, your face contracts. Over time, this, along with the natural loss of collagen and elastin that comes with getting older, and lifestyle factors like sun damage and pollution can cause Crow's Feet to form.
How to treat
To prevent premature ageing of the skin in this region, Dr Hawkes recommends using an eye cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and wearing sunglasses. This will help to shield the eyelids and the skin around the eyes from the sun's rays.
You may experience a variety of eye conditions, but these are just some of the most typical ones that we thought you might like to know about!
Please keep in mind that the information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical guidance. If you are worried about the condition of your eyes, the best course of action is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
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