External Eye Disease includes any condition that affects the exterior of our eyes, including the eyelids and eyelashes.
Blepharitis affects the lid margins of the eye. It occurs when the oil glands along the lid margins of the eye become clogged. This causes oil secretions to become sticky and/or crusty. Blepharitis is a chronic condition.
Conjunctivitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane that covers the eye and inside of the eyelids. There are three types of conjunctivitis; viral, bacterial, allergic.
Viral conjunctivitis is could by a virus and is therefore highly transmissible. Symptoms include red and watery eyes, with pain and photophobia. Treatment generally includes lubricating eyedrops for comfort.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, and is transmissible only via contact with the infected eye. Symptoms include redness, discomfort, sticky discharge and a gritty feeling in the eyes. Treatment generally includes an antibiotic ointment or drop.
Allergic conjunctivitis involves inflammation of the eye due to allergies, and is therefor not contagious. Symptoms include redness, discomfort, watery eyes, and photophobia. Treatment generally includes antihistamine tablets and/or drops.
Trichiasis is a condition involving the eyelashes. It results in eyelashes growing inward toward the eye, as opposed to away from the eye. As a result, the eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye causing abrasions. This can result in mild to severe discomfort and tearing. In extreme cases, scarring of the cornea may occur.
The only treatment fort trichiasis is removal of the inward growing eyelashes. In mild cases were only a few lashes are involved, they may be simply removed with forceps. In more severe cases, electrolysis can be used to permanently remove the lashes.
A chalazion is a cyst in one of the meibomian glands of the eye. It can be on the upper or lower eyelid. A chalazion occurs when a blockage of the Meibomian gland occurs.