Allergic Conjunctivitis: Understanding Inflammation Triggered by Allergies

Safe Songkran Celebration - Protecting Your Eyes from Infections Eyes are vulnerable to various infections, particularly when exposed to impure water during the Songkran festival. Water used for the festivities may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or even fungi. Before joining the water splashing fun, it's crucial to examine the water you'll be using for any contamination like dust, debris, sand, or impurities.   Eye Conditions Arising from Unclean Water and Contaminants Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Symptoms include redness, itching, eye discharge, excessive tearing, and inflammation of the white part of the eye. It can be caused by allergies or infections, including bacteria or viruses transmitted through contaminated water. Corneal Abrasions and Ulcers: The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, can be scratched due to foreign objects or improper use of contact lenses. Severe cases can lead to corneal ulcers when infections occur. Stye: Styes are inflamed oil glands on the eyelid. When these glands get blocked, they can become painful and red. Red Eye: This condition includes symptoms like a red and swollen white of the eye, excessive eye discharge, itching, eye pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. If you get water or foreign objects in your eye, rinse with clean water. Afterward, observe if the symptoms improve; if not, consult a doctor within 1-2 days.   Precautions for Songkran Celebration Before participating in the water festivities, ensure that the water is sufficiently clean and free from impurities. If something foreign enters your eye, do not rub it as this may dislodge your cornea. Rinse your eye with clean water and seek medical attention if necessary. If contaminated water causes eye irritation, such as redness, itching, or tearing, rinse your eyes with flowing clean water. For contact lens wearers, it's not recommended to wear lenses while participating in water activities to prevent infections. After the Songkran celebration, check for any signs of eye discomfort or redness. If you experience eye irritation that doesn't improve, consult an eye doctor.   In Summary While celebrating Songkran, take steps to protect your eyes from infections caused by impure water and contaminants. By following these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and joyful Songkran festival without compromising your eye health.        

Sudden Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Symptoms and Risk Factors The term "sudden angle-closure glaucoma" itself conveys the abrupt onset of symptoms, including sudden eye redness, intense eye pain, and rapid vision impairment. This condition manifests suddenly, and understanding its underlying mechanisms is crucial.   Within the human eye, a delicate balance exists between clear and dense aqueous humor components, exerting pressure on the eye. Typically, this intraocular pressure measures between 10-20 millimeters of mercury. Aqueous humor flows in and out of the eye, maintaining a harmonious equilibrium with blood circulation. In cases of sudden angle-closure glaucoma, an anomalous shift disrupts this balance, leading to reduced outflow compared to inflow. This sudden disruption results in a rapid surge in intraocular pressure, potentially reaching levels as high as 50-60 millimeters of mercury, causing immediate and severe eye and head pain. The increased pressure induces haziness in the normally clear cornea, leading to sudden blurred vision.   This condition primarily affects individuals with an anatomically predisposed eye structure. Externally, their eyes may appear normal, but specific factors create internal abnormalities. For example, certain medications can contribute to this condition, and it is more prevalent in elderly women. As women age, changes in eye dimensions narrow the angle between the iris and cornea.   Symptoms In some cases, there are warning signs that precede the onset of sudden angle-closure glaucoma. These warning signs may include sporadic eye pain during eye strain, temporary evening eye haziness, or occasional halos around lights. However, these symptoms are intermittent, and rest often alleviates them. When these symptoms occur, especially in older individuals, particularly women, seeking immediate consultation with an eye specialist is essential. If the specialist identifies these symptoms alongside an internal eye structure anomaly, the use of laser therapy is highly effective in preventing this condition.   Risk Factors for Sudden Angle-Closure Glaucoma While the precise cause of sudden intraocular pressure increase may not always be clear, several factors heighten the risk of sudden angle-closure glaucoma:   Ethnic Background: Some ethnicities, such as Asians, have a higher susceptibility compared to Europeans. Gender: Women are more affected by this condition than men. Age: The risk escalates with age, particularly in individuals aged 60 and older. Genetics: A family history of this disease suggests a genetic predisposition. Eye Conditions: In most cases, sudden angle-closure glaucoma occurs abruptly without prior eye conditions. However, it can be linked to pre-existing eye conditions, such as mature cataracts that remain untreated or traumatic eye injuries causing lens displacement.   In summary, the primary symptoms of sudden angle-closure glaucoma encompass eye redness, severe eye pain, and blurred vision. These symptoms are considered medical emergencies, necessitating immediate attention. With a prompt diagnosis and treatment, patients can be discharged without hospitalization. Hence, individuals with risk factors should undergo regular eye check-ups, ideally on an annual basis.