Eye Conditions: Pink Eye, Amblyopia and Styes
 
  “Pink Eye,” also known as conjunctivitis, is a usually minor eye condition that causes swelling and redness in the conjunctiva, or the mucous membrane lining the eyelid.

Symptoms of pink eye include:

  • Eye and eyelid that are red, swollen, itchy and burning
  • Abnormal tearing or discharge
  • Eyelashes feel “glued” together when you wake in the morning

Always see an eye doctor when you notice signs of Pink Eye, as lack of treatment in some rare cases can cause damage to other parts of the eye.

Amblyopia, or “Lazy Eye,” is a condition seen in young children. One eye’s central vision does not develop well (called the amblyopic eye). Untreated amblyopia can lead to blindness in the affected eye.

Symptoms of amblyopia include:

  • Squinting one eye
  • Closing one eye to see better
  • Headaches and eyestrain
  • Poor vision overall

Children with amblyopia are often treated with vision therapy, atropine eye drops, prescription glasses/contacts or surgery.

A stye, or chalazion, is a lump that forms in the eyelid, usually caused by an obstruction of an oil gland.
 
Signs of a stye include:
  • Swollen, red bump on the lower or upper eyelid
  • Eye is tender and sore around the bump

Styes can often be treated at home with warm compresses and lid massage. If this doesn’t help, however, your eye doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications to heal the condition. 

If you would like more patient education information like this, contact the experienced Charlotte, North Carolina ophthalmologists and optometrists at Horizon Eye Care at (704) 405-4123.



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