Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelash follicles along the edge of the eyelid.  An overgrowth of the bacteria normally found on the skin is usually to blame.  Allergies and lice may also cause blepharitis, but these causes are less common.

People who have blepharitis often have too much oil being produced by glands along the base of the eyelashes.  This excessive oil production attracts too much bacterial growth along the lid margin.  Blepharitis may be linked to recurrent styes, eye infections, and eye dryness issues.  A person is more likely to develop blepharitis if they already have a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis affecting the face or scalp.

Symptoms associated with blepharitis include:

• Eye or eyelid redness
• Crustiness along the lid margin
• Swollen eyelids
• Itchiness of the eyes or eyelids
• Gritty sensation when blinking

An examination of the eyelids during an eye examination is usually enough to diagnose blepharitis.

Proper treatment of blepharitis includes careful, daily cleaning of the eyelid margins to remove the extra oils that cause the bacterial overgrowth.  Your eye care provider might recommend using baby shampoo or special cleansers.  Antibiotic ointment may also be helpful.  Continued attention to lid cleanliness may be required to prevent repeated problems, and with time the eyelids will become less red and more comfortable.

Dr. Bradley J. Wicklund - Optometrist

20/20 Visions, LLC

100 Carr Road

Plymouth, WI 53073

(920) 893-3937

bwicklund@20-20visions.com

www.20-20visions.com

Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer (aka ulcerative keratitis) is an inflammatory or infectious condition of the cornea involving disruption if the outer and middle layer.   Corneal ulcers are common condition in humans, particularly with people living in tropical climates.  Children with vitamin A deficiency are also at high risk of corneal ulcers and may suffer permanent visual damage.

Corneal ulcers are often caused by trauma, chemical injury, contact lens wear, and infection.  Advanced eye dryness (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is also another possible cause.  Many micro-organisms cause infective corneal ulcers; among them are bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, and chlamydia.  

Corneal ulcers are extremely painful due to nerve exposure, and can cause tearing, squinting, and blurry vision.  Eye redness and light sensitivity is also common.

A corneal ulcer is typically diagnosed by an eye care provider, and proper treatment depends on the cause.  Bacterial  ulcers require potent antibiotic therapy while fungal ulcer require intensive anti-fungal treatment.  Viral ulcers, often caused by a herpes virus, respond well to antiviral medication.  Superficial ulcers will often heal in less than a week, but deep ulcers may require more invasive treatment including surgery.  Proper nutrition including vitamin C and protein is usually advised.

If you have signs and/or symptoms of a corneal ulcer, contact your eye care provider immediately. 

Dr. Bradley J. Wicklund - Optometrist

20/20 Visions, LLC

100 Carr Road

Plymouth, WI 53073

(920) 893-3937

www.20-20visions.com

bwicklund@20-20visions.com

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red patch appearing on the white of the eye.  This condition occurs when a small blood vessel breaks open and bleeds just under the surface tissue (conjunctiva) of the eye.  A sudden increase in blood pressure is often the cause of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.  Events such as violent sneezing or coughing, vomiting, or heavy lifting can often be blamed.  People with hypertension or who take blood thinners are more prone to getting subconjunctival hemorrhages.

Subconjunctival hemorrhages do not cause pain, and there is no discharge from the eye.  Vision is unaffected.  It is often a good idea to have your eye care provider take a look at any eye redness to verify the true cause.  I would suggest checking your blood pressure if you are prone to subconjunctival hemorrhages.

No treatment is often required for a subconjunctival hemorrhage unless an underlying cause is uncovered, such as hypertension or other cardiovascular issues.  Alternating warm and cool compresses can often speed resolution of the eye redness, but a subconjunctival hemorrhage will usually go away on its’ own in about a week

Dr. Bradley J. Wicklund - Optometrist

20/20 Visions

Plymouth, WI 53073

(920) 893-3937

www.20-20visions.com

bwicklund@20-20visions.com

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis – by Dr. Brad Wicklund

While it sounds like quite a mouthful, giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is a common eye condition.  GPC is actually a chronic allergy to contact lens wear.  Patients with GPC have typically worn contact lenses for years, and it eventually makes their contact lenses feel uncomfortable.  Slight discharge from the affected eye is also common.  Sleeping in contact lenses can significantly increase the risk of GPC.

A person with asthma, hay fever or environmental allergies are at a greater risk of developing GPC.  This condition is believed to be caused by an allergic reaction to protein deposits building up on the contact lenses.  The GPC name comes from the large 2mm bumps under the upper eyelid called “giant papillae”.

The key to treatment is decreased contact lens wear time, frequent replacement of contact lenses, and diligent cleaning of the lenses each day.  Daily disposable lenses are best for people with GPC because the contact lenses are disposed of before the protein buildup occurs.  Treatment may also include medicated eye drops prescribed by your eye doctor.  Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, is a good alternative to contact lens wear, and it can help get GPC to go away.

If you have having trouble with your contact lenses, please contact our office so we can help.  We are always accepting new patients, and most insurance plans are accepted.  We can be reached at (920) 893-3937.

Visit our website at www.20-20visions.com for more information.