WASHING EYES WITH WATER – GOOD OR BAD ?

We have been often advised by our peers to splash water on our faces while we sit on computer or hook on to a television for longer hours. The reason, they say, is to get fresh and give a rest to our eyes and we have just held on to that advice as if it were a bible.

But has one ever wondered that washing the eyes by splashing water on them is actually asking for an eye trouble?

Many of our ancient traditions like yoga seem to advocate frequent washing of eyes. But, a detailed study on the activity by doctors has revealed that routinely washing your eyes with tap water is NOT a good idea. What it actually does is it washes away the tear film which covers the surface of the eye. The tears are not just water; they have lipids to lubricate the surface, electrolytes to maintain the pH and immune proteins to protect against infection, etc.

The optical surface is optimized to clean itself. The normal protection mechanism of the eye is for the dust etc. to collect at the base of the eye lashes. Hence, doctors often advice their patients to wash their eyes with their eyes closed. So if you have been out in a dusty atmosphere, close your eyes and wash the outside of the eyes especially the roots of the eye lashes.

The only time washing is indicated is when an irritating chemical gets into the eye .If an acid or alkali gets into the eye , wash the eyes continuously for about 10 minutes and then seek the help of an eye doctor.

So, if a particle has gone in the eye, blink a lot – this will dislodge it .If it doesn’t, try splashing water for a few minutes. If this too doesn’t help, go to an eye doctor. It is not a good idea to try and remove it with a wet cloth – you will ultimately dislodge a lot of epithelium and eye infection can occur.

In Monsoons, Prevent Red Eye

In Monsoons, Prevent Red Eye

With the onset of monsoons comes a host of viral diseases that one needs to be cautious of and definitely not the one to missed is the ‘Conjuctivitis’, also known as the ‘pink eye’. ‘Conjuctivitis’, most of the times is viral in nature and causes irritation in the eye. Eyes also tend to turn red due to the disease though it is better to check with the doctor before forming a conclusion.

It is extremely important to study the cause of the disease in order to avoid it.

HOW IS CONJUNCTIVITIS CAUSED and HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

Conjunctivitis is generally caused when a person comes in contact with the virus. It spreads by what are called ‘fomites’ objects, which when handled by the patient causes the virus to be transferred. .When that object is handled by another person he gets the virus on his hand and then transfers it to his eye .Common ways of spread are by the viruses on objects like pens etc. exchanged with the patient or sitting on a chair vacated by a patient and touching the handrest touched by the patient etc. It does not spread through the air.

As we commonly say, prevention is better than cure, lets see how we can avoid them.

PRECAUTIONS:

Its important to keep your hands clean, especially if you come across somebody with red eyes.
It is quite possible that the virus may come in contact with your eyes.
Wash your hands with soap. Make sure your child washes his hand after he comes from school or playground.

WHAT IF I GET RED EYES?

Do not use eye drops advised by chemists .They have a tendency to dispense a steroid called ‘pyrimon’ which can be harmful in certain cases.
Visit your eye doctor to make sure it is conjunctivitis (there are many other causes of red eyes )
Make sure that your ‘cornea the transparent front portion of your eye’ is not involved .
The doctor will then provide the appropriate medicines.