General EYE ADVICE

Eye Irritation and Infections

Environmental irritants become important sources of external eye inflammation in this age group, whilst allergy affects fewer people than in the previous age group. Work-place fumes, dust, air-conditioning; vehicle-emitted air-pollution and home environmental air-pollution such as carpet dust and cigarette smoke (especially in the presence of ducted-heating), can all induce chronic eye irritation. These irritants can affect the eyes directly, but more importantly, can also affect the eyes indirectly, by causing infection in the nasal or sinus areas. Refer to appendix (II) below entitled NASAL RINSING, for information on nasal hygiene to alleviate the effects of polluted air environments.

Apart from nasal rinsing, which often is the long-term solution to chronic infective conjunctivitis, eye rinsing with saline is also of benefit by producing temporary relief of eye irritation, taking away the need to rub the eyes. Rubbing the eyes should be avoided as it can worsen an eye inflammation. Sterile preservative-free saline in spray-pack form is available at chemists. It is relatively inexpensive in the long term as it can last up to a year without fear of contamination, compared to only a month for drop-bottles with preservatives. One can soak some clean cotton wool with this saline and then squeeze out the saline into the eyes. Every household would benefit by having a saline spray-pack handy for any kind of eye or lid irritation, but also for emergencies involving chemical eye burns etc.

Inadequate tears or dry eye can also contribute to eye irritation. For a discussion on the causes and treatments available, see Part I (E) on dry eye.

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