With review and feedback from CEENTA Ophthalmologist Payal Patel, MD (Monroe)
While doctor’s offices are healthy places to visit, many people might still be reluctant to do so these days. Fortunately, if things aren’t too serious, some conditions are simple enough to be treated at home. Today, CEENTA and the American Academy of Ophthalmology would like to talk about how you can treat a few simple eye conditions at home.
BLACK EYES
If you take a bump at home and find the skin around your eye bruising, you can treat it with ice. Apply an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a towel to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes at a time once every hour. Don’t use steak or frozen vegetables, as there is too great a risk of bacterial infection or other contamination. That said, if you have blurred vision, blood in the eye, or you can’t move it, it’s recommended you see a doctor.
ALLERGY PROBLEMS
Allergies can affect your eyes as much as they can your nose and breathing. The best way to help your eyes is to minimize your exposure to allergens. Don’t go outside during peak allergy times, keep your windows closed, run air filters, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Artificial tears and over-the-counter allergy eye drops can be useful. If your symptoms persist, though, a visit with an allergy specialist may be necessary.
EYE STRAIN
Many of us are staring at screens far more now than ever. Wearing computer glasses, using artificial tears, and taking plenty of breaks are all very helpful.
STYE
A stye can be treated with a warm compress applied about four times a day for a week. You may also want to clean the area with baby shampoo or an over-the-counter eyelid scrub or foam once a day. Don’t wear makeup or contact lenses, and don’t squeeze or pop the stye.
“I recommend making ‘at-home eye care’ part of your daily routine for good ocular hygiene,” CEENTA Ophthalmologist Payal Patel, MD, said. “Taking frequent breaks from your electronic devices can prevent headaches and dry eye, and ensuring your eyelids and lashes are clean can help prevent and treat redness and itching.”
WHEN YOU SHOULD ALWAYS GO TO THE DOCTOR?
If you ever experience blurriness, double vision, pain in your eye, or a serious eye injury, seek medical attention immediately. CEENTA has eye doctors in North and South Carolina ready to make sure your eyes remain as healthy as possible.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. Would you like an appointment with Dr. Patel? Call 704-295-3000. You can also request an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart. In-office and virtual visit appointments are available.
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