The Fastest Way to Effectively Cure Sore Eyes

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Even though we are experiencing now the impacts of varying rainfalls in the different parts of our country, according to PAGASA, a mature and strong El Niño is now present in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Consensus of climate model shows that it will likely to strengthen further before the end of the year and may last until the first half of 2016. This 2015-16 El Niño event will potentially be among the four strongest events since 1950 (1972-73, 1982-83, 1997-98).  This means that we are still and will be experiencing the strong heat of the sun until next year which will make us vulnerable from heat-related illnesses.  

One of the most common eye problems/disorder that we have now is sore eyes.  I am sure that you will agree that it is the trend now in every household, work area, schools, etc. Halos matalo na nga ang AlDub Kalyeserye sa taas ng tending nito haha.  But seriously, even I experienced having sore eyes and unfortunately it was only me but my whole family! Pati ang nanay at tatay ko sa kabilang bahay nahawa na! At some point in our lives magkakaroon talaga tau nito.  The bacteria spreads too fast that before you know it, you are already a carrier of it in just a blink of an eye tsk tsk.  We are all dependent on clear vision kaya just imagine the nuisance sore eyes brought to us.


The good thing is that it didn't last for 2 weeks, which is the regular time period to heal.  It only lasted 4 days in me and my husband, 5 days in my daughter (5yrs old), and a whooping 1 day (Yes, just overnight!) to my two boys (7yrs old and 15months old).

Before I continue on how we did kick that sore eyes, kindly read the literature below for you to better understand it's causes, symptoms, how to prevent it, and what are the home and medical remedies that goes hand in hand to effectively cure it the fastest way.  I'll do the research for you. It is long I know, but this might save the window of your soul. =)

Sore Eyes

Sore eyes can affect one or both eyes. The eyes may feel as if a foreign object is in them, or they may feel tired, heavy, and hard to keep open. A common cause of sore eyes is conjunctivitis (or pink eye), but the problem can also be caused by an infection, allergies, too much sun exposure, eye fatigue, or contact lens wear.

Sore Eye Symptoms

You will encounter many different symptoms if you are suffering from sore eyes. Symptoms generally peak within three or four days and last up to two weeks. These symptoms include:
  • Redness of the eyes
  • Discomfort
  • Burning
  • Gritty sensation
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
  • Pain
  • Difficulty opening eyes after sleeping
  • Eyelids stuck together after sleeping
  • Watery discharge
  • Soreness
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Lymph glands are sore (lymph glands are your body’s defensive filter, they are located behind the ears)

What Causes Sore Eyes?

Sore eyes can be caused by a variety of things. In most cases they are caused by staring at a computer screen or book for too long. Your eyes may become sore after a long day at work or if you have been deprived of sleep. An incorrect eyeglass prescription may also lead to sore eyes. Additional causes may include:
  • Airborne irritants such as chemicals, smoke, smog, animal dander, and pollen
  • Contact lens wear
  • Excessive rubbing of eyes
  • Inflammation caused by allergens or infections
  • Too much sun exposure
  • Dry eyes or inadequate lubrication of eye surface
  • Viral infections such as the common cold
  • Blepharitis
  • Pink eye
In some cases, sore eyes may be caused by a serious condition such as optic neuritis, uveitis, iritis, or orbital cellulitis. If sore eyes are occurring daily you should seek medical attention.

Diagnosing Sore Eyes

To diagnose what is causing your sore eyes, your eye care provider will ask you questions about your symptoms. He or she will also inquire about your lifestyle, previous eye problems, and diet. Then an eye examination will be preformed to check the internal and external structures of your eyes and to rule out possible causes. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options can be explored.

Treatment for Sore Eyes

The best thing you can do if you have sore eyes is to seek medical attention. Contact your health care provider or an eye doctor for an eye exam immediately. Treatment for sore eyes can begin once a diagnosis is made. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe you anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye drops or ointment.  Additional steps you can take to reduce the soreness include:
  • Get more sleep at night
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • Eat a well balanced diet
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes
  • Take “eye breaks” from activities that may be causing eye strain

Complications of Sore Eyes

Although many cases of sore eyes resolve themselves, if the cause is an underlying condition such as dry eyes, the problem will not go away until treatment is sought. If treatment is delayed, complications can arise. These complications may include:
  • Corneal scarring
  • Vision changes or loss of vision
  • Spread of infection
  • Development of other eye problems

Preventing Sore Eyes

There are many things you can do to prevent sore eyes. Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water is a great start. Avoid touching your eyes and face when you have not washed your hands. Do not share towels, eyeglasses, sunglasses, or cosmetics, as this may spread the infection.

If you have had symptoms of sore eyes, and have been using any cosmetics that are applied to your eyes or in the area of your eye, it is best to discontinue using these products and discard them. Purchase new cosmetics and wait until the condition has been treated successfully before resuming use. Disinfect surfaces, especially common ones such as doorknobs and counters, with diluted bleach solutions. Bleach is known to kill germs.

Your doctor will probably mention this to you, but be careful that the tips of eye drop applicators or tubes of ointment do not touch your eyes or eyelashes while you are using them. This goes for all types of eye drops and ointments, not just the one your doctor prescribes to you.

If someone close to you is infected, make sure to disinfect and wash all surfaces, clothes, towels, pillow cases, and anything else that may have come into contact with that person.  If you have other symptoms, it is best to stay away from others to prevent the spread of infection until the symptoms are relieved and treatment is successful.

Eat a well balanced diet to ensure that the rest of your body receives enough nutrients to function correctly. Drink plenty of water, as this can help to reduce inflammation. Try your best to get plenty of sleep so your eyes and body are not tired the next day. Visit your eye doctor once a year or as often as he or she recommends. Routine eye exams can catch problems during their early stages, which may help you to avoid sore eyes.

Talking to Your Eye Doctor

Here are some questions to ask your eye doctor if you are experiencing sore eyes:
  • How much sleep should I be getting each night?
  • What is causing my sore eyes?
  • How often should I be using my eye drops?
  • Which over-the-counter eye products should I stay away from? Which ones do you recommend most to your patients?
  • What can I do to prevent sore eyes at the end of each day?
  • Which eye exercises are known to reduce sore eyes?
  • What should I do during my “eye breaks”?
Did you know…your computer should be 17 to 26 inches from your face, and at a 10 to 20 degree viewing angle?

Okay, for my and my family's personal experience, here's what we did:
  • Scheduled an appointment to your ophthalmologist.  They are the experts and not you. So if you don't want to suffer those indicated complications of sore eyes mentioned above, please do not self-medicate without the knowledge of your eye doctor.  They will give you the best diagnosis and treatment and not your kapit-bahays.
  • The doctor prescribed us an anti-inflamatorry and antibiotic (in one) eye drops called "Tobradex".  It contains steroid and much stronger since it also treat inflammation.  But if you want an antibiotic only, you might want to use Tobrex.

         How to apply Tobradex:
  • We strictly applied 2 drops in the affected eye every 2 hours within the first 24 hours then on the third and succeeding days, we only apply 2 drops every 6 hours until totally healed.  It is a bit pricey though because it costs 520php per 5ml bottle and we consume 3 bottles of it sa sobrang dami namin haha.  But I don't care with the price for as long as it is effective and does not caused harm on us.  And I must say that Tobradex stays true to its job in killing those bacteria off in our eyes.  It is actually the key in our rapid healing. (Note: You cannot but it without a prescription so please bear in mind the first bullet)
  • In addition to applying eye drops, we take a bath twice a day or as often as we needed. This is to prevent the continuous spread of the infection (viral and bacterial). Other literature suggests to put hot compress in the affected area to reduce discomfort, but we chooses to use cold compress instead to reduce swollen eyes.  Soak a washcloth in cold water and gently press it to you eyes for about 10-15 mins., again, as often as needed.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes so as to prevent irritation.
  • Last but not the least, stay inside your home! Kung pwedeng i-quarantine, mag pa quarantine ka na haha.  Please take a leave if you are working, do not let your child go to school until completely healed.  Do not even engage in any event outside your home.  You do not want to be the factor of the sore eyes outrage in your area. 

That's all folks! 






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