Ocular Surface Conditions and Management
Ocular surface conditions (also known as ocular surface diseases) affect the surface of the cornea, the clear tissue that covers the front of the eye. In addition to protecting the eye from germs and debris, the cornea focuses light entering the eye and filters out harmful ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. Ocular surface condition symptoms will vary depending on the specific type of eye disease present, but they often include pain, itchiness, redness and blurred vision.
Types of Ocular Surface Conditions
There are numerous types of ocular surface diseases, including the following:
Dry Eye
This condition occurs when tears fail to provide sufficient lubrication for the eyes, either because the eyes aren’t producing enough tears or because the tears produced are poor in quality. Dry eye symptoms often affect both eyes and may include:
- A burning, scratchy or stinging sensation
- A feeling of having something in the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue
- Redness
- Watering
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
Many people with dry eyes tend to have trouble wearing contact lenses and driving at night.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis develops when the oil glands located at the base of the eyelashes become clogged, irritating the eyelids and causing them to become inflamed. Often affecting both eyes, blepharitis can cause the following symptoms:
- A burning, gritty or stinging sensation
- Redness
- Watering
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Increased blinking
- Red, greasy, swollen, itchy eyelids that stick together
- Skin flakiness around the eyes
- Crusty eyelashes
Many individuals with blepharitis report that their symptoms tend to be worse in the morning.
Ocular Rosacea
Often occurring in individuals who have skin rosacea, ocular rosacea is characterized by eye inflammation, redness, burning and itching. Other symptoms may include:
- Dilated blood vessels in the white portion of the eye
- A gritty sensation
- The feeling of having something stuck in the eye
- Eye dryness or watering
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Eyelid redness and swelling
It’s common for individuals with ocular rosacea to repeatedly develop infections affecting the eyes and eyelids, including conjunctivitis and styes.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
This condition occurs when the eyelid glands that produce the oily layer of tears (the meibomian glands) become clogged and inflamed. This causes tears to evaporate more quickly than they otherwise would, which in turn leads to eye dryness and irritation. Meibomian gland dysfunction symptoms often include:
- A burning sensation
- A feeling that something’s stuck in the eye
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Watering
- Light sensitivity
- Intermittent blurred vision
Common Causes of Ocular Surface Conditions
Ocular surface diseases each have their own set of potential causes. In some cases, researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes these types of conditions to develop.
Ocular Surface Condition Diagnosis & Treatment
Eye disease diagnosis often begins with an eye exam and a discussion of symptoms and personal and family medical histories. Additional diagnostic testing, as well as treatment, will depend on the specific type of ocular surface disease in question. For example, most individuals with mild dry eye are able to relieve their symptoms by administering eye drops, while ocular rosacea treatment often requires the use of oral antibiotics. An optometrist can recommend the treatment approach that’s most appropriate for your specific circumstances.
Your Top Choice for Optometry Services in Tampa Bay
If you’re experiencing symptoms of any of the ocular surface conditions mentioned above, you can confidently turn to Florida Medical Clinic’s skilled optometrists for diagnosis and treatment. We have offices throughout Tampa Bay—including ones in Land O’ Lakes and North Tampa—and we proudly offer a full range of optometry services.
Click here to schedule an appointment with one of Florida Medical Clinic’s experienced optometrists. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you achieve relief from your eye disease symptoms.
Proudly Serving: Land O’ Lakes, and North Tampa.