Pollution and Onions Stinging Eyes

July 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

What do pollution and onions have in common? They both can make you cry!

  • Probably sulfuric acid is the culprit. When an onion is cut the alliin compounds are released and converted into alliinase enzymes that result in a form of sulfur compounds to be released in vapor forms. When theses interact with the water on the mucous membranes irritation results. In higher concentrations sulfuric acid is a very strong binder of water, actually pulling it out of cells and creating damaging heat in the process. In the lower ranges that occur from cutting onions the acid shift is probably more significant. The water attraction function may accelerate the breakup of the tear fil also which is a painful process.

Cutting onions underwater is often suggested as a method to avoid the eye pain. If you can acquire this skill it probably would work but it also sounds like a method to inflict different types of pain involving sharp objects and fingers. Other than goggles, which still allow the sulfuric acid of form in the sinuses, a light fan breeze good be helpful in directing the vapors away from your face.

Normal tear functions includes a complex interaction of a water component, mucous, and oily compounds. Blinking serves to resurface the tear film like a wiper blade spreading out a new smooth surface. It also pumps the tears though the drainage system of tear ducts and washes away debree and other toxins, allowing new tears to refresh the immune and nutritional components of the tear film. Irritants like onion vapors interfere with the stabilization of the tear film between blinking. The underlying corneal tissue has the most sensitive nerve structure in the body, and this disruption can be temporarily excruciating.  Of course, rubbing your eyes after cutting jalapenos is more enlivening experience not quickly forgotten.

If you have splashed an irritant in your eye call Fort Collins Eye Doctors-Dr Kisling   9780-226-0959  immediately and tell the receptionist the problem so we can schedule you for a same day appointment. Usually your vision insurance plan services [Read more...]

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Lazy Eye-Parkinsons Drugs to Treat?

June 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Fort Collins Eye Doctors Birds And Amblyopia Treatment

Fort Collins Eye Doctors Birds And Amblyopia Treatment

If you have a child between the age of 8-27 with lazy eye (amblyopia), the National Eye Institute will soon be soliciting volunteers for a study on a new form of treatment involving the drugs levodopa and carbidopa. These drugs are precursors for the production of dopamine , one of the main neurotransmitters, and often are sued to treat Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine is synthesized in the retina tissue in the back of the eye in amacrine cells. When the eye is light adapted, a lazy eye will show reduced levels of dopamine production, Dopamine seems to have a number of roles, effecting contrast sensitivity (which is one form of vision reduced in a lazy eyes. Rescued levels also inhibit the eye elongating (or growing longer from front ot back). This action tends to make an eye farsighted with astigmatism (since it does not seem to effect chewnges in equitoriL growth).

Adding these precurseres to lazy eye treatment may help restore sight past the age where we expect good results. After age 7-8 success rates drop down to 20-30% at best. This study will compare levadopa with and without patching an eye to see if there is a marked improvement. It will be oral supplementation with Levadopa. The trial is not yet recruiting for subjects and will probably require travel out of state.

This is very noteworthy from the aspect of treating a neurodegenerative condition potentially with a pharmaceutical drug and maybe reversing sightloss at an age where recovery isn’t normally expected.

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Cataract Prevention at NASA

June 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

NASA and the National Eye Institute have been working together to develop a  non-invasive method to measure very early development of cataracts and monitor any progression. This is important to astronauts receiving higher daily dose of radiation, especially on a long mission such as the future Mars flight,  but there are great potential applications for preventing and treating cataracts in the future. The crystalline lens in the eye is composed largely of water but there is a class of  proteins present  known as alpha-crystallins.

The amount of  Alpha-crystallin Proteins in the eye are largely fixed at birth, we don’t produce more. They function to  a help the lens maintain it’s refractive index, which allows it to focus light on the retina so we can clearly see images. They also act as so called chaperone’s, dating the bad proteins that breakdown in the lens from oxidative stress. By joining up with theses proteins they prevent cross linking  between large numbers of damaged proteins and other damaged cellular substances that can develop into large clumps and form opacities in the lens. These capacities can develop large enough in size that they start to interfere with your eyesight and become clinically referred to as cataracts.

The new instrument measures how much Alpha-crystallin Proteins scatter light and can detect their levels and changes  over time. Now the potential exists to measure changes in response to environmental factors.

We have shown that this non-invasive technology that was developed for the space program can now be used to look at the early signs of protein damage due to oxidative stress, a key process involved in many medical conditions, including age-related cataract and diabetes, as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s," said NASA’s Dr. Ansari. "By understanding the role of protein changes in cataract formation, we can use the lens not just to look at eye disease, but also as a window into the whole body."

Oxidative Stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of Reactive oxygen species and your bodies capaictiy to neutrlaize them, the reactive intermediates, and repair any resultant cellular damage. Oxidative stress results from UV, radiation, drugs, chemicals,smoking, dietary components and other environmental factors that create oxygen is states where free electrons readily bind to cellular substances, Free radicals are atoms, molecules, or ions with unpaired electrons that also readily bind to proteins, lipids, and the DNA of our cells. When the threshold of repair is passed, and the Alpha-crystallin Proteins become lowered with age to the point where they can’t adequately act as chaperone’s to prevent these damgaed proteins from aggreagting into the clumps, you will likley develop cataracts.

Hopefully we can start to clarify some of the lingering questions and move forward into the arean of cataract prevention and reversal. Antioxidants have held out great hope for cataract prevention and anti-aging in general, but questions have been raised in some recent studies about the capacity of antioxidants to help.There is even a small school of thought that believes low doses of oxidative stress is essential in prolonging life. At this point, the only certainly is Vitamin A is contraindicated in smokers.

I still strongly believe in the value of antioxidants in a preventative role. Some studies have shown lutein and zeathin have reduced the incidence of cataract formation. Extensive studies are underway to test their role in treating macular degeneration. Vitamin C is still on my list as anti-catarogenic. One factor to keep in mind is natural is not always good. St John’s Wort does have some properties that my causes cataracts and sunglasses need to be worn and sunlight limited if you are taking St Johns Wort (commonly used for depression). This does not appear to be a strong causative factor but one to consider and compensate for when working in the sun.

Other lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and eating a high glycemic index (highly refined high sugar,highly refined foods) are controllable risk factors. While I have not see the reasons published, presumably oxidative stress is the common factor. Smoking is know ot decrease antioxidants systemically  in your body, the cellular damage from free radicals is obvious in the loss of  skin elasticity. Even visible blue light causes oxidative damage in the retina and probably in the lens, Lutien and xeanthin may act as antioxidants in the lens to help prevent cataract development.

We can look forward to a great future in early detection (prior to visible damages) from cataracts and determining what lifestyle, dietary,and potential drugs ans supplements may prevent cataracts at some point in the future.

For now diet,exercise, a healthy body weight, a daily supplement (without the Vitamin A for smokers,  added Lutien, Zeanthin, and vitamin C is probably your best bet. And everything you can get from food (such as Lutein from spinach or other foods with high levels is presumably better than a pill.—Add protect your eyes from the UV sunlight with quality sunglasses or UV blocking contact lenses.

The next time you see your Eye Doctor they may just be measuring your alpha-crystallins levels, especially if you signed up for that 3 year cruise to Mars.

Our office is a Proud Participent in Vision Service Plan, and we work with you to maximize your understanding of  your vision insurance plans benefits. It is one more way of thankng you for entrusting your eye axam and vision care with us.

Fort Collins Optometristfort-collins-eye-doctor-contact-lens-emergency-eye-examvision-insurance-plans-often-cover-services

Filed Under: Cataracts, Eye Diseases, Eye Nutrition, Eye Symptoms, Eye Vitamins, Fort Collins Eye Doctor, Fort Collins Optometrist, Vision Insurance, Vision Service Plan -VSP Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Local Search For Fort Collins Eye Doctors-Dr Kisling

June 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

If you are doing a search for a local eye doctor in Fort Collins for your family please take a moment to look over our web site. You can find many answers to the questions you have about your families eye conditions, eye problems, and eye symptoms. If you don’t see an answer leave a comment and we will be try to find the information you request. We would like to have the opportunity to serve you family eyecare needs. We are a locaaly owned an operated eye care center serving Fort Collins and all of Northern Colorado. We will make your vision insurance claims as effortless as possible and accept most vision insurance plams including Vision Service Plan, EyeMed, Anthem, and most others. Please give us a call at:

970-226-0959

Filed Under: Common Eye Questions for Your Optometrist, Eye Symptoms, Fort Collins Eye Doctor, Fort Collins Optometrist, Vision Insurance, Vision Service Plan -VSP Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flu Pandemic Declared

June 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Today the World Health Organization officially recognized the World Pandemic of H1N1 Flu. This is not really a cause for concern as there are no significant changes in the situation, only an acknowledgement of what has been occurring for a while. This is still a mild flu virus but has spread geographically and been transmitted person to person in different zones of the the world thus meeting the criteria of a pandemic. While the conditions could change dramatically in the fall, at this time there is no indication of a serious pandemic. We have seen no signs of pinkeye or eye symptoms related to H1N1 flu to date in our office but as always, we take preventative measures to prevent the transmission of any eye or systemic diseases.

Summary of Situation

Updated June 11, 2009, 12:30 PM ET

A Pandemic Is Declared

On June 11, 2009, theWorld Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.

More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.

WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die from novel H1N1 infection. Experience with this virus so far is limited and influenza is unpredictable. However, because novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against novel H1N1 virus.

In the United States, most people who have become ill with the newly declared pandemic virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment, however, CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this pandemic in the coming days and weeks. In addition, this virus could cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths in the fall and winter during the U.S. influenza season.

Background

Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus, but it may also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth. Novel H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

The first novel H1N1 patient in the United States was confirmed by laboratory testing at CDC on April 15, 2009. The second patient was confirmed on April 17, 2009. It was quickly determined that the virus was spreading from person-to-person. On April 22, CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to better coordinate the public health response. On April 26, 2009, the United States Government declared a public health emergency and has been actively and aggressively implementing the nation’s pandemic response plan.

Since the outbreak was first detected, an increasing number of U.S. states have reported cases of novel H1N1 influenza with associated hospitalizations and deaths. By June 3, 2009, all 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were reporting cases of novel H1N1 infection. While nationwide U.S. influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall influenza activity is decreasing in the country at this time, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense activity.
CDC is continuing to watch the situation carefully, to support the public health response and to gather information about this virus and its characteristics. The Southern Hemisphere is just beginning its influenza season and the experience there may provide valuable clues about what may occur in the Northern Hemisphere this fall and winter.

 

CDC Response

CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to the outbreak. CDC’s response goals are to reduce the spread and severity of illness, and to provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this new public health threat.

CDC is issuing updated interim guidance in response to the rapidly evolving situation.

Clinician Guidance

CDC has issued interim guidance for clinicians on  identifying and caring for pateints with novel H1N1, in addition to providing interim guidance on the use of antiviral drugs. Influenza antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) with activity against influenza viruses, including novel influenza H1N1 viruses. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak is to treat people hospitalized with influenza illness, and to treat people at increased risk of severe illness, including pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes and other metabolic diseases, heart or lung disease, kidney disease, weakened immune systems, and persons with neurologic or neuromuscular disease.

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Free Treatment For Lazy Eye?

June 11, 2009 By 6 Comments

Free treatment for lazy eye? Well free eye care is worth what it costs-but a simple eye drop prescription  may be able to save you a thousand dollars or more in treatment fees. And that’s equivalent to a lot of free office visits.

Forget the pirate patch, eye drops are the treatment of choice today for lazy eye. No more daily struggles with your child to keep an eye patch on, one drop in the morning and your responsibility is done for the day. Lazy eye, (technically referred to as Amblyopia), is the most common cause of permanent sight loss in children and if not treated by age 7 to 9 it persists into adulthood  with permanent damage to the visual cortex area of the brain. It is the leading cause of vision loss in one eye in the 20-70 year old age group, occurring in around 3% of the population.

Most of the information on the success of treatment of lazy eye has been from limited,uncontrolled studies. There is a great opportunity for future learning about improving the treatment of lazy eye.


Amblyopia   is still usually treated with outdated methods of occlusion (patching) of the eye that sees well. Patching therapy typically has very poor compliance, especially since you cannot be with your child every minute of the day. Kids don’t like wearing patches after the novelty wears off and may be subjected to ridicule by peers. Evidence indicates that compliance is probably the most important factor in the outcome of treatment of lazy eye.


Using a cycloplegic eye drop that prevents the good eye from focusing forces the lazy eyes to work to see thing at closer distances. As a side effect of the drops the pupil of the good eye stays dilated, so it needs some form of UV protection in eyeglasses or sunglasses. This is not a new method but it has started catching on due to recent studies showing it is effective and very well accepted by parents and children. Without a patch blocking one eye completely the child is able to maintain some level of binocular vision which helps the treatment process. It also assures there is no impairment to peripheral vision, making it a safer alternative to a patch.

Atropine is the drop normally used but we substitute homatropine. It is safer and in my opinion there is really no need  to keep the effect lasting overnight while the child is asleep.

There is a tremendous cost and time saving to the parent due to less frequent office visits and a great reduction in the amount of eye exercises needed to restore the sight. If you think there is no way you can get a drop in your child’s eye every day we have a secret for that too. If your child has a lazy eye we can help make it easy and fun!

Filed Under: amblyopia, Eye Symptoms, Fort Collins Eye Doctor, Fort Collins Optometrist, lazy eye, Vision Conditions, vision related reading problems Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Your Source For Vision And Eye Knowledge

June 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Welcome to Dr Kisling-Fort Collins Eye Doctors Choice Website. Our vision is to be the premier resource for answers about your eye symptoms and eye problems. You can use the search box to find answers to questions about your eyes. You will find articles on contact lenses, dry eyes, glaucoma, eye nutrition pinkeye ad other eye diseases.

There is also information about eye examinations, eyeglasses, prescription eye glasses for different conditions;nearsightedness,farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

We carry a unique selection of eyeglasses for women, men and children with the latest lens technologies including glare free anti-reflection coatings, no line progressive 5th generation eye glass lens designs, transition sunglasses tints, thin and light hi-index prescription lenses.

We also try to make your vision insurance processing as simple as possible. We welcome most insurance including Vision Service Plan (VSP).

If there is a topic you would like more information on please feel free to leave a request in the comment box. Thank you for visiting our website and we hope we can become your partner in preventative eyecare for a lifetime of healthy eyesight!

Filed Under: amblyopia, Bifocal Contact Lenses, Common Eye Questions for Your Optometrist, computer vision syndrome, Contact Lenses, Contact Lenses For Astigmatism, Dry Eye Syndrome, Dry Eyes, Eye Diseases, Eye Nutrition, Eye Symptoms, Eye Twitch, Eye Vitamins, Eyestrain, Floaters, Fort Collins Eye Doctor, Fort Collins Optometrist, glaucoma, Headaches, Macular Degeneration, Muiltifocal Contact Lenses, Pinkeye, Presbyopia, Stinging Eyes, strabismus, Vision Conditions, Vision Insurance, Vision Service Plan -VSP Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dr Kisling’s Answers For Eye Twitching

June 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Twitchy eye? Many people become concerned when they start having an eyelid that twitches intermittently or even constantly. This may occur for weeks, months, or even years. Typically it does not occur constantly and has been coming and going for a month or so when the patient finally show up at the eye doctors office concerned they have acquired a serious vision problem. Most of the time after a lengthy eye exam and detailed analysis an accurate diagnosis is made-benign eye twitch. Essentially that means the doctor has no idea what is causing your eye problem but has ruled out  serious diseases

Sometimes a cause for eye twitching is found. Anything that causes ongoing low grade irritation of the eye can elicit twitches. An eyelash growing in towards the eye, dry eyes, a foreign body such as small particles of vegetation, insects, metal, etc. can all be provoke twitching eye lids. Some prescription medications and serious medical problems can precipitate eye twitches.

A well kept secret today is there are effective treatments for benign eyelid twitches. Specific types of topical antihistamine prescription eye drops frequently can alleviate the twitch, even though an eye allergy is usually not the cause. Reducing stress may help in many cases. Stress reductions techniques that help can include improving your sleep cycle by eliminating caffeine, relaxation techniques, and looking for areas to reduce the areas of high stress in your life. Cool packs on you eyes for 5-10 minutes several times per day can be tried as a palliative measure. Cold compresses probably reduce the nerve transmissions responsible for the eye twitching. If cool packs don’t work, warm packs sometimes will. Artificial non preserved tears can be used several times per day; they are not harmful and if a dry eye is part of the problem they could provide needed relief. Often a placebo effect can occur with artificial tears and is beneficial even when you are aware that it is a placebo.  Medications that can evoke eye twitches include stimulant drugs for attention deficient disorder, medications for Parkinson’s disease, some cold medications, and even asthma inhalers. If the problem is severe you should discuss your medications with your physician.

Some limited studies have shown complimentary alternative medicine may be useful is certain patients. Acupuncture has reportedly helped some people. Most simple eye twitches are probably similar to the twitches you have from time to time in you legs and arms. These are often due to muscle fatigue and electrolyte imbalances. Make sure you are well hydrated and have adequate magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D in your diet. Some healthy food to add are bananas, raisins, apricots, cantaloupes and leafy green vegetables like spinach. Avocado lovers can benefit also. Gentle stretching of leg muscle spasms has become the accepted standard replacing gentle massaging. You might try the eye equivalent of gentle stretching by slowly closing your eye, pause briefly, then open it slightly larger than normal and pause for a second. Try doing ten repetitions ten time per day.

When eye twitches become severe and spasm the eye closed it can be caused by an over stimulation of the brain center responsible for blinking. This has a genetic predisposition so if you have other family members with similar problems that is significant information you should tell your optometrist. Usually it begins with more frequent blinking and progresses to eye closure spasms. When eyelid twitches become constant and severe, they may keep the eye closed and interfere with vision. Injections of Botox, the face lifting drug, are a tremendous asset in these rare cases. Although many people are frightened by the though of injecting something into their eyelid that is so toxic it is considered a potential terrorist weapon, the doses used resemble homeopathy and are exceedingly safe. It would probably take at least 30 to 40 thousand doses at once to be lethal. Drugs in the same class as valium have had some success in treatment. As a last resort eyelid surgery can be attempted.

Uncontrollable, progressive eye spasms that effect you eye sight need further evaluation for serious underlying neurological diseases. The majority of cases are benign and the initial visit to an eye doctor can help you on the road to recovery.

Filed Under: Common Eye Questions for Your Optometrist, Dry Eyes, Eye Nutrition, Eye Symptoms, Eye Twitch, Eye Vitamins, Fort Collins Eye Doctor, Fort Collins Optometrist, Vision Insurance, Vision Service Plan -VSP Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Eyes Pseudotumor Cerebri

June 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Pseudotumor cerebri is an eye condition that can be confused with a brain tumor due to swelling of the optic nerve. Like a brain tumor, the fluid inside the skull that cushions the brain and flows around the spinal column develops elevated pressure.  It is also referred to as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension or Benign Intracranial Hypertension. It is more prevalent in  women between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri are usually an undiagnosed chronic headache, and in more severe cases there may be visual symptoms such as double vision. Also nausea and vomiting may occur. There is an unusual effect of  pulsating sounds within the head that are synchronous with the heart rate referred to as   Pulse-synchronous tinnitus.

A routine eye exam is where the initial diagnosis of mild cases of pseudotumor cerebri is often first made. The optic nerve that enters the back of the eye appears elevated in both eyes, a condition referred to as papilledema. Because the nerve is an extension of the brain and enclosed by the same tissues and fluid that cushion the brain, elevation in the pressure inside the brain also cause the nerve to swell. Since most cases occur in young to middle age overweight females, an elevated nerve with a history of chronic headaches and otherwise healthy is often indicative of pseudotumour cerebri. Other visual symptoms include double vision, brief periods of blurred vision or dim vision, and occasionally patient will have temporary episodes of blindness in one or both eyes. Changes in posture such as suddenly standing up or bending over may elicit symptoms, as may coughing or sneezing.

Double vision may occur when looking to the side. This is caused by a defect in abduction or the ability of an eye to turn out. due to a restriction in the capacity for one or both eyes to turn out. This presents a confusing picture when taken out of context because it is not due to damage to the abducens nerve (6th Cranial Nerve)  that controls the eyes outward motion. In this case, the double vision is called a false localizing sign. Pain can occasionally be associated with eye movements.

Rarely, the pressure can become very high and cause severe problems with vision and alterations in  levels of awareness. Most of the time truly is benign idiopathic intracranial hypertension and is managed by weight loss and occasionally medications. Sometimes discontinuation of certain medication may resolve the problems. The most severe cases may require a shunt to drain the increased fluid from the ventricles in the brain into the abdominal cavity.

Filed Under: double vision, Eye Diseases, Eye Symptoms, Fort Collins Eye Doctor, Fort Collins Optometrist, Headaches, Pseudotumor Cerebri, Vision Conditions, Vision Service Plan -VSP Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bleeding Eyes Aren’t All Bad But See Your Eye Doctor!

May 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The sudden appearance of a red spot on the white of your eye can be very unnerving as it appears that the eye is bleeding. When it materializes without a history of trauma or other health problems, there is usually not a serious problem. Still, is hard to imagine anything more disturbing to look at than a blood red eye.

The Front of your eye has a mucous membrane layer called the conjunctiva. This thin transparent tissue forms a loose covering over the white part of the eye, the sclera, and extends under the eyelids. It has a thin layer of surface cells called the epithelium and a layer of connective tissue below this where small blood vessels,nerves, goblet cells (that secrete mucous) are located. The conjunctiva is extremely sensitive to inflammation because of a large number of mast cells(the cells that release histamine when you are exposed to an allergen).

Since the conjunctiva is loosely bound to the underlying sclera there is a potential space for blood to accumulate in.  The small blood vessels in the tissue are capillaries, and they have fenestration to allow fluid exchange. Because they are so small and are subject to more movement and subsequent shearing forces in the loose conjunctiva tissue, it is not uncommon for a vessel to break and bleed. This blood spreads out in the space underneath the conjunctiva and appears to be a much larger volume than it is due to the thinness of the film of blood.

A number of events can trigger a hemorrhage under the conjunctiva.  Coughing, vomiting, sneezing, straining for a bowel movement all increase blood pressure temporarily and can cause a sub-conjunctiva hemorrhage. Some  activities such as rides at amusement parks with rapid acceleration and deceleration  increase the blood pressure in the thoracic cavity and the head, which has been shown to cause  hemorrhages. Merry go rounds can have the same effect. Rubbing your eyes may also mechanically burst a capillary as can any form of trauma to the eye.

Conjunctiva  hemorrhages are not painful and do not lead to sight loss. They are equivalent to a bruise and undergo color changes over several weeks as they resolve and gradually reabsorb.

Any bleeding seen on the eye needs a thorough eye examination by your eye doctor to rule out other serious problems. Trauma could cause an unknown eye perforation that results in blindness if not treated. Any recurrent episodes warrant evaluation for underlying problems and diseases that make you more susceptible to having fragile blood vessels.

High blood pressure, arteriosclerosis (accumulation of cholesterol on your blood vessels), some types of blood cancers,diabetes,HIV and other diseases increase the frequency of conjunctiva hemorrhages. Drugs can cause hemorrhages including blood thinners (Coumadin), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and even Birth Control Pills in rare instances. Some systemic diseases; flu,measles, malaria, and rare viruses similar to Ebola are factors.
Conjunctival hemorrhage has been reported as a result of embolism from breoken bones and different types of surgery.

Some viral eye infections can cause  hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is a specific viral disease seen more commonly in lessor developed countries and is characterized by large outbreaks of eye infections with conjuctival hemorrhages.

One other rare cause of  conjunctiva hemorrhage is referred to as Vicarious Menstruation. Little or no uterine bleeding occurs but bleeding occurs monthly and can occur almost anywhere on the body, though it is more common in the respiratory track,noes, gums, and conjunctiva. There have been patients who have eye hemorrhages every month at the time of their menstrual cycle.

Relax, Call the office and let us take a look at your eye. The odds are overwhelming it is an innocuous event that will causes you no problems other than a slightly scary looking eye.  Although occasionally a torn contact lenses edge can cause the problem, it is often not necessary to stop wearing contact lenses for the eye to heal. If you have teenagers tell them “Twilight” wasn’t really fictions after all!

The conjunctiva tissue is small but vital to keeping mucous on your eye surface for a healthy tear film, allows the eyelid to smoothly resurface the cornea on and keep your vision clear, while preventing dry eyes. It is very active in the eyes own immuine system. Make sure you keep it healthy with routine eye check ups. Most vision insurance plans like Vision Service Plan (VSP) provide well coverage visits.

Filed Under: Common Eye Questions for Your Optometrist, Contact Lenses, Dry Eyes, Eye Symptoms, Fort Collins Eye Doctor, Fort Collins Optometrist, Vision Service Plan -VSP, vision therapy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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