Eye conditions

Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

• This is a bright red patch on the white of the eye that is caused by blood leaking from a broken blood vessel on the surface of your eye.  It may be caused by a minor injury to the eye, or it may follow coughing, vomiting or sneezing.  However, in most cases the cause is not known.  The bleeding is not painful and should not affect your vision.  Although the appearance of your eye may be frightening, the condition is not serious and usually disappears without treatment within a few days.  The blood on the surface your eye will change colour gradually to brown or yellow before disappearing.
• Do not worry about the appearance of your eye.  You may continue your usual activities.
•  If your vision is affected see your GP
• It is advisable at some point to get your blood pressure checked by your Practice Nurse or GP

Conjunctivitis

• This is an inflammation of the underside of the eyelid and the white surface part of the eye.  It can be caused by infection, chemical irritation or allergy.  The most common symptoms are:
• Clear, green or yellow discharge from the eye
• Swollen eyelids
• Gritty, scratchy or itchy feeling in the eye
•  This can be infectious and therefore, we recommend that you treat it as such.  Use your own face towel and flannel and wash your hands before and after touching your eyes.
• Wash both eyes with clean water as the lids may tend to stick together.  A clean flannel soaked and wrung out can be applied to the closed eyes.  Remember NOT to share this with anyone else.
• Gently wipe away any discharge from each eye with a clean tissue each time, wiping from the nose outwards
• Wash your hands often and do not touch or rub your eyes.
• Do not use eye make up until the infection is cleared.
• If the condition is not improving within a day or two or if the eyes are very red then see your own GP

Blepharitis

• This is an infection to the edge of the eyelid.  It is a very common problem and is often associated with oily skin and/or dandruff.  It may also occur with some external irritation and/or infection. 
• In the most common form, the lids are red and slightly swollen.  Small scales form at the base of the lashes.  As these become coarser they form crusts, which may cause the lids to stick together in the morning.
• Bathe your eyelids with cooled water and bicarbonate of soda solution (1/4 teaspoon to 1 cup water). You can use a baby shampoo which has a neutral pH to clear the lids
• Using cotton buds, dip the end in the solution and gently clean along the lid margins and lashes.  Carefully remove scales from the eyelid daily.  This should be done in the morning and evening.
• Do not wear make up until the eyelid is healed.