Allergic conjunctivitis is a compound word and this condition can be defined as the inflammation of the conjunctival tissues Triggered by allergic reaction.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Allergic reaction occurs when the body is exposed to allergens ( unpleasant particles). This particles causes a disruption in the mast cells of the body. Once the mast cells are distabilized, protective substances known as histamines are released into the blood stream. These histamines then triggers the symptoms peculiar to allergic reactions.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: signs and symptoms of Allergic conjunctivitis includes: Redness, itching, swollen conjunctiva, foreign body sensation, tearing.
TREATMENT: Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis basically involves the use mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines, ocular decongestants and corticosteroids.
Myopia or short-sightedness is a type of refractive error where parallell rays of light coming frfom infinity are focused in front nof the retina when accommodation is at rest. Beacuse of this, the individual can only see objects that are close to him/her but not objects that are far away.
TYPES OF MYOPIA
Congenital Myopia; This is present from birth and is usually diagnosed by 2-3 years.
Developmental Myopia: This is usually present during the school going age and it’s sharpest rise occurs between 8-12 years. It is nicknamed ‘school myopia‘. It is not associated with any disease. Major causes include diet, genetics and some researchers claim excessive near work, like reading may aggravate it.
SYMPTOMS
Poor vision at far
The child may half-shut the eyelids in order to achieve greater clarity.
Tiredness of the eyes
Drowsiness
Upon examination and diagnosis of myopia by the optometrist, minus lenses are prescribed.
The word, ‘cataract’ dates from the Middle Ages and has been derived from the Greek word ‘katarraktes’ which means ‘waterfall’. As of today, cataract refers to the development of opacity in the lens or it’s capsule. There are so many types of cataract, classified based on it’s shape and cause. But the common types include:
Congenital and developmental cataract
Capsular cataract
Subcapsular cataract
Cortical cataract
Supranuclear Cataract
Nuclear cataract
Polar cataract
CAUSES OF CATARACT
They include:
Acquired causes e.g diabetes mellitus, drugs like steroids, miotics, etc
Systemic conditions like Lowe’s syndrome, osteomalacia, dwarfism, etc
Aging
Hereditary factor
SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT
Glare: This basically means an affected person would be extra sensitive to all sources of light,
Coloured halos: The affected person may complain of seeing rainbow in field of view when exposed to any light source
Image blur
Loss of vision
SIGNS OF CATARACT
The optometrist would perform the following tests:
Visual acuity testing
Ophthalmoscopy
Slit lamp examination
Thereafter, grading is done to determine if the cataract is mature or immature.
TREATMENT
Cataracts are usually removed surgically. However non-surgical measures can also be taken, to delay it’s progression and reduce it’s symptoms. Non-surgical measures include:
Treatment of cause of cataract. e.g for diabetic patients, controlling blood sugar can stop the progression of cataract
Topical preparations containing iodide salts of calcium and potassium are instilled in it’s early stages to delay progression
Prescribing of lenses at regular intervals helps improve vision at different stages it’s maturity
Use of dark goggles in patients with central opacity provides great source of comfort outdoors
Mydriatics are particularly useful in patients with small axial cataract as its allows light to pass through unhindered through the now enlarged pupil, hence improving vision.
The importance of a perfect vision cannot be overemphasized, considering that the options for replacement are limited. There are various causes of avoidable blindness. Research has shown that visual impairment affects the quality of life of the affected individual. This is because, he/she does not only become a liability to himself, but to his family and the nation as a whole as he/she now becomes dependent on others to fend for his/herself. If all things were equal, he should be providing for himself and even create wealth for others. Therefore, for every individual that goes blind, the economy suffers a loss. Now, this is at the national level. For his/her family members, the time and energy that would have been utilized for improvement of their own lives and finance, is dedicated to taking of the blind relative. This also affects their standard of life and general output to the economy. Sadly, blindness does not only rob the nation of the affected individual’s input, but close relatives that he/she becomes dependent on, thereby reducing the general economy of the nation.
Lastly, the visually impaired or blind individual is majorly affected, as all of his/her dreams have to be put on hold. For someone who has had a very active lifestyle, the change of pace once he/she becomes blind, may be too hard too bear. Research has shown that individuals with visual impairment/blindness tend to die quicker because they are prone to hypertension, depression, mood swings, etc.
Therefore, the importance of ensuring that one has a perfect sight cannot be overemphasized. The eye is the candle of the body. Without sight, life becomes meaningless and may even be cut short untimely. Hence the phrase, MY SIGHT……MY LIFE!!!
