William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2012-05-01 / 5. szám

Our Health Corner Debbie Wolfe, rn

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WE NEVER APPRECIATE how much our eyes do for us. They help us navigate through our world and allow us to appreciate a beautiful sunset. We don't really think about them until something goes wrong. Our eyes are more sensitive than you think. Eyes are affected by everything from makeup to air conditioning and all those birthdays flying by. Common complaints—like dryness, puffy eyelids and trouble reading tiny print—may not be something we just have to live with. Try these simple fixes for daily an; noyances.

Itchy Eyes. Seasonal allergies can make eyes itch like crazy, thanks to the histamine release in response to pollen and other irritants. Staying indoors with the windows shut is ideal, but we know you can't become a total hermit. So use over the counter allergy eye drops or ask your doctor for a script for a more potent one. Shower before bed, so pollen is not lingering on your face and in your hair all night long.

Puffy, Pink Eyelids. If one or both of your eyelids are inflamed, itchy and red, you may have blepharitis, which occurs when bacteria or excessive oil from your eyes coats the lid near the eyelash line. It can also be caused by allergies. Blepharitis is not contagious and usually doesn't require antibiotics. It often gets mistaken for pink eye. Pink eye is caused by a virus and is highly contagious. Check with your doctor to figure out which one you have. A pink eyelid can also be a sty, a bacterial infection on your lid that takes the form of a painful, pus-filled pimple. Prevent and treat both sties and blepharitis by keeping the eye clean. Soak a washcloth with warm water, wring it out and place it over your closed eye for a minute or two. Do this two or three times a day. Remove all eye makeup every night and never wear eyeliner inside your lash line. And no matter how tempting it is, don't ever pop a sty, or you could spread the infection.

Burning Eyes. If you feel a gritty, scratchy, or even stabbing pain in your eyes, you may be one of the 10 million Americans suffering from dry eye syndrome. Our modern life, with air conditioning and central heating, can leave eyes parched. Studies also have shown that when we stare at a television or computer screen, we don't blink as often, so our eyes lose their natural lubrication. If you wear contact lenses, smoke or take medications such as antihistamines or decongestants, you are more prone to dry eyes. Try artificial tears. Gels that are labeled "for severe dry eyes" are thicker and last longer, but they can feel

10 ° May 2012 ° William Penn Life