PHARMACY - common ailments

Red eye:

'Red eye' is a term used when the eye is red, itchy, watery and feels gritty. It may be caused by an infection, an allergy such as hay fever or an irritation such as smoke, dust, eye make up, or computer screens.

When an infection causes the eye to look red, there is usually a thicker discharge and a 'gritty' feeling in the eye.

An allergy results in bloodshot, glazed eyes that are watery and very itchy. The surrounding area may be puffy or there may be dark circles under the eyes.

'Dry eye', which is common in the elderly and may be caused by some medicines, may also redden the eyes but requires different treatment to 'red eye'.

Tips and advice for customers:

• Contact lenses should be removed before using some types of eye drops
• Contact lenses should not be worn if an eye infection is present
• Some drops contain medicines or preservatives that will damage contact lenses
• Try to avoid substances which irritate the eye, such as smoke, dust, cosmetics and chlorine in swimming pools, if these are known aggravating factors
• Discard all drops, solutions and ointments one month after opening. Unit dose lubricant eye drop packs remain sterile until opened, if used within expiry date printed on the packet

When to seek further professional advice:

• The discharge from the eye is thick
• The eyelids are stuck together on waking
• There is a change in vision or vision is blurred
• The patient has a foreign object in the eye
• If the patient has been working with metal shavings or wood turning etc
• A halo effect is seen around lights
• The pupils are different sizes
• There is swelling around the eye or the lower lid
• There is pain or feeling of tension in or around the eyes
• The patient complains of 'tired' eyes, but does not have the accompanying signs of 'red eye'. (This could be eye strain and requires eye tests)
• The 'red eye' has lasted more than 5-7 days
• There is a coexisting eye problem such as glaucoma in the elderly

Vitamin supplement suggestions:

• Bilberry and eyebright
• Pine bark extract
• Multivitamin