Your eyes are the most delicate features of your face, they are easily harmed, whether by air, bacteria or viruses, this is why they need constant care. I for one, am very careful when it comes to my eyes, anything that has the potential to even get closer to my eyes (that is not my glasses) I avoid by all means. This includes your eyeliners, eyelash extensions and just eye make-up in general.
There are many infections and diseases that are eye-related and several health publications detail some of them.
Conjunctivitis: Healthline states that conjunctivitis, famously known as pink eye, is a common eye infection caused by bacteria or viruses infecting blood vessels in the conjunctiva “the thin outermost membrane surrounding your eyeball”, causing inflammation and a pink or red appearance. It is further mentioned that the bacteria can spread up to two weeks after infection. “Depending on your type, you may need different treatments. This includes antibiotic eye drops and over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines. Sometimes, the only treatment is to wait and apply a clean, warm, wet cloth to your eyes to relieve discomfort.”
Stye: The above publication states that another common eye infection is a stye, which is a pimple-like bump on the outer edges of eyelids caused by clogged oil glands. “These glands can get clogged with dead skin, oils, and other matter, allowing bacteria to overgrow in your gland. The resulting infection causes a sty. Like blepharitis, styes are generally not contagious.”
Cataracts: Cataracts are cloudy patches on the eye’s lens, affecting vision as you age, states the Cleveland Clinic. They are considered an inevitable part of ageing but can be treated with surgery by ophthalmologists to restore vision, allowing you to see the world through a cleaner window.
Amblyopia: The National Eye Institute claims that amblyopia, better known as lazy eye, is a vision condition affecting one eye, but less common in both. It is said to occur when there is an interruption in how the brain and eye communicate, causing the brain to be unable to recognise vision from only one eye. “Over time, the brain relies more and more on the other, stronger eye — while vision in the weaker eye gets worse.”
Also see: Struggling with dry eyes? Here’s how massaging them can help you
