Infections and Inflammations:

There and many different infectious and inflammatory problems that can be treated in the office. One of the most common is conjunctivitis, often referred to as pink eye. In most cases, eye drops and hot compresses will suffice. Not all inflammations, however, are infections. Iritis, for example, an inflammation of the colored part of the eye, occurs commonly in persons who have arthritis or other similar systemic problems. Iritis usually is not infectious...that is, there is no known germ causing the problem. Mistreated as pink eye, it may result in serious damage to the eye. Our physicians, using state-of-the-art equipment, can differentiate iritis from simple infectious conjunctivitis.

Other types of conjuctivitis may be allergic, chemical or toxic. Contact lens-related allergic conjunctivitis ("giant papillary conjunctivitis") is very common, especially with the large number of contact lens wearers these days. This problem can usually be helped, but proper diagnosis must come first.

A tender, swollen gland in the eyelid, better known as a chalazion and commonly confused with a sty, is easily one of the most frequently misdiagnosed problems we see. These may be red, draining and quite swollen even though not infectious. Appropriate eye drops often can give relief, but again, proper diagnosis is first and foremost essential.

If you have a red, swollen, tender and/or irritated eye or eyelid, let us know. What may seem to be a simple "cold" in the eye could be something totally different. If this problem develops while you normally wear contact lenses, you should immediately remove the lens and seek professional help. Serious ulcers of the cornea can develop from improperly treated infections. Never use anesthetic eye drops while you are waiting for an appointment with your eye doctor. This practice can lead to serious and permanent consequences.

Dry eyes are an increasingly common complaint.  Often this situation is caused by chronic inflammation which has been problematic because of readily available treatment.  Today, however, looking beyond the standard artificial tear drops, newer anti-inflammatory medications have made a significant improvement in our ability to provide relief from this disorder.  

With the popularity of contact lenses, we are also seeing a significant number of lens-related corneal infections.  If you wear contacts and develop a red or painful eye, please remove the lens immediately and let us know.. Early treatment can often prevent serious consequence.

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