Spring and summer means allergy season for many of us: seasonal allergic rhinitis or hayfever affects about 20 per cent of the population and common symptoms include itchy, red, dry, or watery eyes. What causes eyes to react? We have receptor cells called mast cells on the mucous membrane covering the white surface of our eye and the inner lining of the eyelids. When we come in contact with an allergen, it binds to the mast cells which releases a chemical called histamine that stimulates the nerves in the eye to make it itchy and watery. This is our body’s
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Archives for keratoconus
Keratoconus: causes and treatment options
Keratoconus – Progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea Keratoconus is an eye disease of the cornea: the thin, clear tissue covering the surface of the front of the eye. A normal, healthy cornea is round in shape, but sometimes the cornea can weaken, losing its shape. Instead of a dome, it becomes cone-shaped, preventing clear vision. This is known as keratoconus. It is a progressive disorder that can either progress rapidly or take years to develop. It may affect only one eye but more commonly occurs in both. Causes of Keratoconus The cause of keratoconus is unknown. It is
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Keratoconus Subsidy – Need Help?
If you suffer from keratoconus, there is financial help available. What is keratoconus? Keratoconus: progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea causing reduced vision. The cornea is the window of the eye. Light travels through the cornea past the lens to the retina and then the brain to form a visual image. A normal, healthy cornea holds its round shape. However, sometimes the cornea becomes structurally weakened and loses its shape. Instead of a dome, the cornea becomes cone shaped and the surface irregular. This prevents the light entering your eye from being focused correctly on the retina, so a
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Allergy Season Itchy Eyes
What Can I Do About Allergy Season Itchy Eyes? Spring usually means allergy season is here. Seasonal allergic rhinitis or hayfever affect about 20 per cent of the population during spring and early summer. Common symptoms include itchy, red, dry, or watery eyes. Seasonal allergies are caused by the high pollen released by trees, grass, outdoor moulds and weeds. Have you ever wondered what’s actually causing our eyes to react? We have receptor cells called mast cells on the surface of our conjunctiva, the mucous membrane covering the white surface of our eye and the inner lining of the eyelids.
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