Posted on

Why Are My Eyes Burning?

Burning eyes are highly uncomfortable and may make it difficult to see clearly. The stinging sensation is highly distracting, and keeping the eyes open and focused can be difficult when that burning feeling is present. Ultimately, there are many potential causes of burning eyes. Here’s an overview of some of the most common ones, as well as what to do about burning eyes. 

Allergies 

Some allergens can trigger a burning sensation in the eyes. This can occur when the allergen makes contact with the eye area. That includes when the allergen is present in the air, leading to exposure when the eyes are open, or if a person’s hand touches an allergen and they proceed to touch their eyes. 

Infections 

Many infections that impact the eyes can trigger a burning sensation. That includes conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye), infection-related blepharitis, and similar eye health concerns. 

Chemical Irritants 

Chemical irritants can cause a burning feeling in the eyes. Usually, this happens when the chemical contacts the eye area, either directly or through related fumes. The issue can arise due to common chemicals, such as pool chlorine or many household cleaners, as well as exposure to more dangerous substances. 

Dry Eyes 

When a person suffers from dry eyes, a burning sensation is a common side effect. Generally, those experiencing issues with dry eyes have insufficient lubrication, leading to inflammation and irritation that can then cause a burning feeling. 

In some cases, low humidity can lead to dry eyes in people who don’t normally experience dryness. The lack of humidity causes tears to evaporate more quickly, leading to irritation that can cause a stinging sensation. 

Air Pollutants 

Air pollutants like smog or smoke can irritate the eyes, leading to a burning sensation. Often, the contact is incident, occurring when the pollutant contacts the eyes or irritates the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to inflammation, dryness, irritation, or other issues that can make the eyes sting. 

What to Do About Burning Eyes 

Relieving the discomfort of burning eyes usually means addressing the underlying cause. For dry eyes, lubricating eye drops are a typical first step. For allergies, eye drops that combat allergens or broader allergy treatments are a potential solution. Washing the area around the eyes can also help remove any remaining allergens, which is beneficial. 

For burning eyes caused by infections, the symptoms may remain until the infection resolves. Depending on its nature, that could simply be a matter of time. However, specific infections may require prescription treatments. 

Generally, it’s best to see your eye care provider if burning eyes persist. However, if the stinging sensation is related to specific issues, such as an infection or exposure to harmful chemicals, immediate treatment is best. Additionally, if burning eyes are accompanied by vision changes, fevers, light sensitivity, facial or body rashes, or headaches, see your eye care provider right away. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’re experiencing burning eyes or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

Posted on

When Is Eye Twitching Serious?

When you experience an eye twitch, it’s common to be concerned. Not only is the sensation uncomfortable or bothersome, but it’s hard to tell if the eye twitching is benign or related to a serious condition.  

If you are dealing with eye twitching and want to understand the cause, learn how to stop the twitch, and determine whether you need to see a doctor, here’s what you need to know.  

What Is an Eye Twitch?  

Eye twitching – also called blepharospasm – is a type of movement disorder. It causes involuntary movements around the eye, including involuntary blinking or trembling. Usually, the eye twitch is an annoyance but isn’t painful. Additionally, they typically stop on their own, though it can take a while for that to happen.  

Common Causes of Eye Twitching  

Eye twitching can be caused by a variety of situations, many of which are benign. Some of the most common reasons a person may experience an eye twitch include:  

  • Fatigue or Tiredness  
  • Stress or Anxiety  
  • Eye Strain  
  • Caffeine Consumption  
  • Nicotine Consumption  
  • Alcohol Consumption  
  • Medication Side Effect  

In those situations, the eye twitch usually resolves itself in some time. For example, after resting, a fatigue or eye strain-related twitch can subside.  

However, eye twitching can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, some of which are serious. Here are some of the medical conditions that can have eye twitching as a symptom:  

  • Parkinson’s  
  • Multiple Sclerosis  
  • Bell’s Palsy  
  • Stroke  
  • Dystonia  
  • Tourette’s Syndrome  
  • Meige Syndrome  
  • Brain inflammation  
  • Corneal Abrasion  
  • Blepharitis  
  • Uveitis  
  • Conjunctivitis  

In these cases, a medical professional’s treatment is essential, not just for stopping the twitch. Without treating the underlying condition, symptoms can continue or worsen. Additionally, some of the conditions above can be fatal if left untreated.  

How to Stop an Eye Twitch  

In many cases, eye twitches caused by strain, fatigue, or tiredness will resolve on their own, particularly after some rest. For stress, relaxation exercises could make a difference. With anxiety, following your treatment regimen for acute episodes may provide relief. When it comes to consumption-related eye twitches, waiting for the substance to exit your system may be necessary to get relief from the eye twitch.  

However, if it’s related to a medical condition, treating the underlying condition might be necessary to alleviate the twitch long-term. If you have any of those conditions and are experiencing an eye twitch, you’ll need to work with your doctor to determine how best to alleviate the symptom.  

When to See a Doctor About Eye Twitching  

If you have a twitch lasting for more than 72 hours, spasms that also involve additional facial muscles, spasms preventing you from opening one or both eyes, signs of inflammation, symptoms of an eye infection, or pain, it’s best to see your doctor about your eye twitch right away.  

Additionally, if you have symptoms of any of the conditions above, you should also immediately see your doctor. If you’re experience drooping of facial muscles, slurred speech, or other signs of a stroke, call 911.  

Once you see a doctor, they can determine the root cause of the eye twitch. Then, they can create an appropriate treatment plan to address the underlying cause. This can include anything from medications to lifestyle changes to other forms of treatment, depending on the condition involved.  

Your Eye Health is Our Priority 

At ECVA, our staff works diligently to care for the eye health of our patients. If you haven’t had an eye exam recently or are concerned about an eye twitch, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

Family looking at eyeglasses
Posted on

When Are Eye Floaters Serious?

Eye floaters – those little spots, lines, or shapes that flow across your vision – aren’t usually a big deal. There’s a decent chance everyone will notice some on occasion and, while they can be incredibly annoying, they typically don’t signal a major problem.  

However, there are times when eye floaters are a symptom of a serious condition, including some that could lead to substantial, permanent vision loss or other health complications. Figuring out whether you should be concerned isn’t always easy. If you’re trying to determine whether you need to see your eye doctor about floaters, here’s what you need to know.  

What Can Cause Floaters?  

There are a few potential causes of vision issues that a person may describe as floaters. Sometimes, debris drifting across the surface of the eye can have the appearance of a floater. This can occur directly on the eye as well as on contact lenses for those who wear them.  

However, most commonly, floaters occur when the vitreous of the eye shrinks. The gel-like substance makes up about 80 percent of your eye, giving it a rounded shape. As a person ages, the vitreous shrinks and changes texture. As it becomes stringy, the strands might start to cast shadows that hit your retina, creating a floater’s appearance.  

Over time, those floaters usually “settle,” causing them to no longer impede your vision. However, there can be other causes of floaters, including some that are potentially serious.  

Serious Conditions That Cause Eye Floaters  

Several eye conditions can lead to floaters aside from normal aging. First, infections and inflammation (uveitis) can both cause floaters. For example, pink eye (conjunctivitis) can lead to floaters. While it may seem like a common bacterial or viral infection, that doesn’t mean it can’t be serious. Without proper treatment, infections and inflammation can be harmful to your eyes, causing lasting damage.  

Hemorrhaging (bleeding) in the eye may also lead to the appearance of floaters. While many eye bleeds are caused by small broken blood vessels, which can be harmless, it can also be very serious. For instance, hyphema, a form of bleeding in the eye, requires prompt treatment to ensure that pressure doesn’t build to dangerous levels.  

At times, floaters may be a sign of retinal detachment. If the number of floaters increases quickly, that could indicate a retinal detachment in progress. If that occurs, or you see any of the other retinal detachment symptoms, you need to contact an eye doctor immediately. Left untreated, retinal detachments can cause significant permanent damage. With timely treatment, the damage may be reversible or, at least, minimized.   

Ultimately, floaters can be the sign of something dangerous, which is why it’s wise to speak with your eye doctor if you notice an increase in floaters or have any other concerning symptoms. Our experienced ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work diligently to keep our patients’ eyes healthy, including identifying causes of floaters and treating when necessary. 

Have you had your eyes examined lately? 

 If you would like to make sure your eyes are as healthy as possible, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Posted on

Protect Your Vision: 5 Ways You Can Prevent Eye Injuries

Eye injuries can happen anywhere. Along with workplace risks, certain home-based activities can damage the eye, as well. Luckily, the majority of eye injuries are completely preventable, as long as you take steps to protect your vision. Here’s a look at five ways you can protect your vision by preventing eye injuries. 

1. Wear Safety Glasses When Engaged in Risky Activities 

Whether you are doing home repairs, working in an industrial role, or handling yard work, safety glasses are a must if you want to prevent eye injuries. If an activity can cause debris, dust, or objectives to fly around, safety glasses allow you to shield your eyes. 

Ideally, you want to choose safety glasses that either wrap around your head or have side shields. Otherwise, a projectile might come in behind the lenses since there is nothing to block its path. 

2. If You’re Near Chemicals, Put on Googles 

Chemicals – including many household cleaners – can damage the eye if contact is made. Plus, even the fumes from certain substances can harm the eye, meaning direct contact through a splash, dust particles in the air, or accidentally touching the chemical and then your eye, isn’t necessary to hurt your eyes. 

By wearing goggles that fully seal, you can ensure that chemicals don’t get into your eye. Essentially, you are putting a physical barrier between your eyes on the substance, reducing the chance that contact with the chemical or fumes will occur. 

3. Put on a Face Shield When Cooking 

Grease or oil in a hot pan can splatter, and small droplets can fly up into the air. If you are cooking and the oil or grease begins to pop out of the pan, protecting yourself with a face shield or goggles can make sure it doesn’t harm your eyes. 

4. Use Protective Eyewear When Playing Sports 

Nearly any sport could be a potential eye injury risk. Balls, pucks, rackets, bats, frisbees, and anything else that is swung, thrown, kicked, or otherwise sent hurling through the air is a possible threat. By wearing eyewear that is tested for sports use, you can make sure that you have the proper amount of protection. 

5. Don’t Rely on Sunglasses to Save You from Eye Injuries 

Many sunglasses aren’t designed to withstand strong impacts. As a result, wearing them can actually be dangerous during certain activities. For example, if you’re playing baseball and the lenses break when struck by a ball, the pieces of broken plastic might travel toward your eye. This could lead to a serious injury, causing more harm than if no glasses were worn at all. 

Ultimately, the five tips above can help you protect your eyes and reduce your chances of injury. If your eye becomes injured or you simply haven’t had your vision checked recently, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic. Our skilled team works diligently to manage your eye health, correct your vision, or treat eye injuries if they occur, ensuring your vision can be preserved or improved whenever possible.