Introduction
Part I Eye Problems, Possible Causes and Advice By AGE Grouping
Section (A) INFANTS and PRE-SCHOOLERS
Section (B) SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS
Section (C) YOUNGER ADULTS (UP TO EARLY FORTIES)
Section (D) MIDDLE AGE (UP TO SIXTY YEARS)
Section (E) OLDER AGE (OVER SIXTY YEARS)
Part (II) Selected Eye problems of Importance to All Age Groups.
Section (A) ASTIGMATISM
Section (B) COMMON CHRONIC INFECTIVE CONJUNCTIVITIS
Section (C) Hints on Eye Usage with Computers
Section (D) Lifestyle and Glaucoma
CONCLUSION
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Eye Trauma, Infection and Dry Eye
Eye trauma related to employment and the home
continues to be an important cause of unnecessary grief for many
people in this age group as well. (Refer to Eye Trauma in Part
IC). Some people who suffer a scratching of the cornea, may
develop recurrent corneal erosion syndrome or recurrent
damage of the corneal epithelium. This usually occurs upon opening
the eyes after sleeping. The initial damage to the epithelium is
often caused by a tree branch or a finger nail injury etc. The epithelium
sometimes fails to heal properly and recurrence of the wound occurs
up to several months later. I have found that that chronic infective
conjunctivitis can contribute to the recurrence of this condition.
The recurrent epithelial damage probably occurs due to adhesions
created by the infective secretions, between the corneal surface
and eyelids. Chronic infective conjunctivitis should thus be addressed
in those people who are prone to recurrent corneal erosions.
Chronic conjunctivitis
is a common finding in this age group as well for reasons that apply
to the previous age group, with the added factor of drying of the
eyes becoming more important. The symptoms of chronic infective
conjunctivitis are exacerbated in the presence of dry eye.
Menopause and other factors such as arthritis and certain medications
tend to pre-dispose to dry eye problems.
As age increases, the symptoms of dry
eye affect a greater proportion of the population. For
a discussion on the causes and treatments available, see Part I
(E) on dry eye.
Next
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