Eyes are a sensitive organ and need to be cared for gently and continuously. As an experienced ophthalmologist, Dr. Alan Mitchell at Mitchell Eye Center stresses the importance of keeping your eyes clean and bacteria-free. Unfortunately, if bacteria gets too close to your eyes it can cause problems like styes, blepharitis, and chalazions. If you are suffering from any of these bacteria based eye problems, please call our Boca Raton eye doctor.
Styes
When an oil gland on your eyelid is blocked by an acute infection or inflammation, the oil produced will become congested and form a red bump that protrudes from the wall of the gland. That lump is called a sty. When a sty grows it causes tenderness and burning. To remedy a sty, apply a warm compress 4 - 6 times a day, 15 minutes at a time, to help drain the sty and it should go away in about a week. If you are suffering from a sty, it is crucial that you stop using eye makeup, eye creams and lotions, and contact lenses. These products will increase your risk of the infection spreading to your cornea.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is the inflammation of an eyelash follicle which is caused by the overgrowth of bacteria. This bacteria overgrowth is the result of too much oil production by the glands near the eyelids. Recurring styes can also cause blepharitis. Some symptoms of blepharitis include crusty eyes, red eyes, loss of eyelashes, swollen eyes, itchy eyes, and burning eyes. Blepharitis can be avoided by carefully cleaning your eyelids.
Chalazions
When oil-producing sweat glands inside the skin of your eyelid become blocked, they can rupture. This leads to inflammation, which leads to the development of a lump on the eyelid (a chalazion). Chalazions are usually only on the upper eyelids and may cause pain, redness, and a substantial amount of swelling. To reduce swelling use a warm compress for 10 - 15 minutes, 2 - 4 times a day. If the swelling doesn’t go down after 3 – 4 days, contact your Boca Raton eye doctor. You should also immediately reach out to your ophthalmologist if you experience fever, blurred vision, drainage, headache, swelling of both eyes, extensive swelling and/or redness.
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To avoid these bacteria based eye problems, please keep your eyes as clean as possible. Additionally, you should regularly visit your Boca Raton eye doctor for routine eye exams to ensure your eyes are healthy and functioning properly. Mitchell Eye Center provides eye care for patients of all ages and offers specific procedures like botox injections, LASIK eye surgery, and other eye surgeries in Boca Raton, FL. To schedule your next appointment with the ophthalmologist, contact Mitchell Eye Center today! We look forward to seeing you soon!