Epiphora is simply increase in outflow of tears from the eyes due to either over production of tears or blockage of the tear drainage system.
It can be caused by infectious and inflammatory conditions.
Treatment basically depends on the cause.
HETEROCHROMIA IRIDIUM
This is a term used to describe a difference in colour of the iris, it could be sectorial, or different colors in both eyes altogether.
The cause is mainly attributed to genetics. Though an inflammation in the iris can cause heterochromia iridium.
PINGUECULA
Pinguecula is a slightly raised yellowish growth over the bulbar conjunctiva.
It’s believed to be as a result of exposure to sunlight, smoke and dust.
It occasionally cause some form of discomfort in the eyes, foreign body sensation et.c
Generally it is not a problem, as the discomfort can be resolved with medications.
HYPHEMA
Hyphema is a term that is used to describe a situation where blood pools in the anterior chamber ( outer space between the iris and the cornea.
Hyphema is usually treated as an ocular emergency and it occurs mainly as a result of trauma to the eyes..
Signs and symptoms includes pains, headache, blurry vision , increased intraocular pressure.
Treatment involves the use of topical mydriatic drugs, topical and systemic NSAIDs, topical pressure reducing drugs, patient should ensure that they double their pillow when sleeping at night.
BEYOND GLAUCOMA
There are so many more terrible eye issues than Glaucoma. Because of the awareness surrounding Glaucoma, people tend to forget that there are many other eye conditions that can render one totally blind.
That’s why a thorough and comprehensive eye examination is very important as it helps uncover any visual threat that’s been faced by an individual.
Some other serious eye conditions includes:
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Keratoconus
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment
- Retinal artery and Retinal vein occlusion.
HYPOPYON.
HYPOPYON is a collection of white blood cells in the front part of the eyeball called the anterior chamber.
HYPOPYON is not pus per se, seeing that it’s not made up of dead blood cells. Although most physicians refer to it as sterile pus.
It is usually caused by inflammatory and infectious conditions of the eye. During an infection or inflammation, lots of white blood cells are pumped into the eyes, the excess of it then flows into the anterior chamber as hypopyon.
Symptoms includes blurry vision, eye pain, red eyes.
Treatment largely depends on the cause of the hypopyon.
CLASSES OF ANTI GLAUCOMA DRUGS.
Since the cause and cure for glaucoma are both unknown, the goal of Glaucoma management for now is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP).
The main classes of anti Glaucoma medications includes the following:
1.Alpha 2 adrenergic agonist: these class of drugs reduces IOP by reducing the production of aqueous and increase the out flow of aqueous. The above attributes makes it a strong drug for glaucoma management. Examples of drugs in this category includes brimonidine, apraclonidine et.c.
2. Beta blockers: this class of drugs reduces the production of aqueous humor. We have general beta blockers and selective beta blockers. Examples of drugs in this class are timolol, levobunolol, betaxolol et.c.
3.Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor: This particular class of drugs reduces IOP by acting as an antidiuretic. They’re available as systemic and topical formulation. Examples are acetazolamide, brinzolamide, dorzolamide et.c
4. Prostaglandin analogues: This class of drugs works primarily by increasing outflow of aqueous humor. Examples includes latanoprost, travoprost.
5. Hyperosmotics: This class of drugs acts on the principle of osmosis. They draw out liquid from area of lower concentration to area of higher concentration. Examples includes salacin, osmoglyn.
Other classes of anti Glaucoma medications are the miotics. They help open up the anterior chamber to increase outflow of aqueous humor ( especially in angle closure glaucoma) examples includes pilocarpine.
THINGS TO AVOID, IF YOU WANT TO REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF HAVING DRY EYES
Dry eyes is either as a result of poor production of tears or fast evaporation of tears from the ocular surface.
The tear film and tears in general is super beneficial to the eyes.
One of the major benefits is lubrication of the ocular surface.
Dry eyes has lots of consequences, which have been discussed in many of our articles.
How do we reduce our chances l of having dry eyes?
- Avoid abuse of antihistamines and corticosteroids.
- Ensure that the eyes are well protected from irritants and harsh weather conditions.
- Spending long time on screen should be done with protective eye wears.
- Always have lubricating eye drops within reach. Especially if you reside in dry and Dusty areas.
- Always take periodic breaks when spending time on screen
LIFESTYLE PRACTICES THAT CAN PREDISPOSE YOU TO GLAUCOMA
Inasmuch as there’s no known cause of Glaucoma, there are lifestyle practices that can actually predispose one to Glaucoma, and these lifestyle practices includes
- Abusing medications like steroids.
- Feeding on artificially processed and junk food. These type of food are packed with free radicals that causes cell death, optic Nerves inclusive.
- Smoking and high alcohol intake can also trigger an increase In IOP and optic nerve damage.
- Not checking your eyes regularly.
DEAR EXPECTANT MOTHER
Before you take in, there are things you ought to know and do, to safeguard the health and well being of your neonates.
There are a lot of embryological, congenital and genetic issues that plague humans and some of these can be avoided.
Before you take in, it is very important to:
- Be sure that you’re rhesus compatible with your spouse, as incompatibility in rhesus factor can result in a still born.
- Ensure that your genotypes are compatible to prevent giving birth to sickle cell kids.
- Ensure that there’s no genetic condition peculiar to your family that can cause problem for your future kids.
- Avoid certain medications and substances that can cause a malformation of your baby’s tissues and organs.
- Consume certain vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy baby formation.
- Treat all forms vaginal and urinary tract infection, as baby can become infected while gliding down into the world
- Take ante natal seriously.
