Many common eye conditions can be dealt with successfully at the pharmacy counter
It is often said the eyes are the window to the soul, and there is no doubt that looking after our eyes is an important part of our health and wellbeing, a fact acknowledged by patients, parents, and healthcare professionals.
There are an estimated 270,000-plus people living in Ireland who are blind or vision impaired. Furthermore, a significant proportion, particularly in the older population, suffer from sight loss which is almost entirely preventable. Sight loss or impairment is, of course, the most serious of eye problems, and requires medical attention. However, positive lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and exercising regularly, all greatly help to protect eye health and preserve vision.
The Irish College of Ophthalmologists says that regular sight tests are essential to make sure your eyes stay healthy.
“More than half of all sight loss is avoidable when detected early and a regular eye test can identify early indications of eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, diabetes, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD),” the college said.
Fortunately, the community pharmacy is ideally placed both as a source of advice and as a signpost to other services. It can also provide over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for a range of common eye conditions, such as amblyopia, conjunctivitis, and dry eye.
Many people will experience conjunctivitis at some point in their lives. It can vary from a mild redness to a severe condition resulting in inflammation or infection which can even lead to eye damage. The most common type of conjunctivitis is viral, very contagious, and can spread rapidly, especially among children. It will usually disappear on its own.
There is also allergic conjunctivitis, which can often be a symptom of hay fever. People experiencing this problem are advised to refrain from rubbing their eyes as it only makes the inflammation and itching worse.
As with many health issues, these conditions can be managed with advice and products available OTC from the pharmacy.
Amblyopia, more commonly known as ‘lazy eye’, is reduced vision in an eye due to a lack of normal visual development during childhood. It affects 3-4 per cent of children and usually involves one eye, although it can, rarely, involve both. The best time to correct amblyopia is during infancy or early childhood. After the first nine years of life, the visual system is usually fully developed and cannot be significantly changed. It is treated by patching the stronger eye to strengthen the weaker eye. Patching may vary from a few hours a day to almost the entire day depending upon the visual acuity.
Blepharitis is a common, inflammatory condition which affects the eyelids. It is not contagious, occurs in children and adults, and in most people is not harmful – but it is the most common trigger for dry eye symptoms. It can recur and is most common in those with eczema, acne, and scalp dandruff. The signs and symptoms include red eyelids, sore eyelids, dandruff-like flakes seen at the base of eyelashes, and a stinging sensation in the eyes.
A range of products are available to help to maintain eye health, including Macushield Original+ Capsules. This is a food supplement for eye health which contains all three macular carotenoids as well as Vitamin B2, which helps to maintain normal vision. There is also MacuShield Original+ Chewable, a tasty bilberry-flavoured chewable tablet which offers the same great LMZ3 and vitamin B2 formula as MacuShield Original+.
Omega-3 is an important part of maintaining overall health, helping the heart, brain, and eyes to function properly. It is essential because the body cannot produce it from scratch and can only get it from outside sources such as diet and supplements. Numerous OTC supplements contain Omega-3, including Seven Seas and the Sona range.
Dry eyes are a very common problem, causing eyes to be itchy, sore, gritty, red, blurry, sensitive to light, and more watery than normal. A person may be more likely to get dry eyes if they are over the age of 50, wear contact lenses, and look at computer screens for a long time without a break. Factors such as air-conditioning, smoking or alcohol, as well as certain medicines, eg, some antidepressants or blood pressure drugs, can also contribute.
People experiencing dry eyes can be advised to keep their eyes clean and take breaks from computer screens. They can also be advised to soak a flannel in warm water and gently press it on the area around the eyes, which makes the oil produced by the glands around the eyes more runny. Sufferers of dry eye can also try to gently massage their eyelids with their finger or a cotton bud as this pushes the oils out of the glands. Eyelids can also be cleaned by soaking cotton wool in warm water and gently wiping away any excess oil, crusts, bacteria, dust, or grime that might have built up.
There are several products available to manage and treat dry eye, including Hylo-Tear Eye Drops, a carefully formulated product that can quickly relieve moderate symptoms of dry eye. It contains 0.1% sodium hyaluronate, a natural and long-acting ingredient which is present in many parts of our body, including the eye. It is preservative free and will remain sterile for six months from the time of opening, making it extremely economic and cost effective.
Hylo-Tear Eye Drops are recommended for moderate forms of dry eye. They are suitable for adults and children of all age groups and can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They are also safe to use with contact lenses.
Products from the Artelac range include Artelac Every Day hydrating eye drops which provide fast and lasting relief from dry eye symptoms. Artelac Every Day contains a natural moisturiser found in the tear film which refreshes and calms the eyes. It is extremely hydrating, preservative-free, and contact lens friendly.
Another product is Artelac Night, which supports all three layers of the tear film with its intelligent hydration system for dry, tired, burning, and tearing eyes. It also provides lasting relief from dry eye discomfort during the night.
Artelac Protect reinforces the eyes’ natural barrier against allergens and reduces inflammation and irritation. It contains Ectoin, a 100 per cent natural molecule, with cell-protective and anti-inflammatory properties. The formulation also contains sodium hyaluronate, a natural moisturiser that soothes and calms irritated eyes.
Meanwhile, Blephaclean cleansing wipes are gentle, sterile, and ready to use. They are suitable for daily eyelid hygiene and can help treat eyelid inflammation, a common symptom of dry eye and blepharitis.
Thealoz Duo Dry Eye Drops are suitable for all dry eye sufferers, including contact lens wearers, as they combine both long-lasting relief and protection for the surface of the eye.
To treat irritated and infected eyes, the well-known and popular brand Optrex has a number of products to maintain and boost eye care. Optrex Hayfever Relief Eye Drops are clinically proven to relieve symptoms caused by hayfever. The product contains sodium cromoglicate and can target the source of itchy eyes. It can be used in conjunction with anti-histamine treatments.
Optrex Double Action Drops for Itchy & Watery Eyes Single Day Vials are also available, providing soothing and lubricating double action relief, and are suitable for use with contact lenses.
Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops, also available OTC, are medicated eye drops to relieve redness of the eyes. They help provide relief for eyes that have become red and sore due to environmental factors such as dust or chlorine etc. The drops help to reduce the bloodshot appearance and restore normal blood flow and are recommended for adults and children over 12 years old. There is also Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis 1 % w/w Eye Ointment, which is used to treat acute bacterial conjunctivitis.
The Thealipid range includes Thealipid Dry Eye Drops which provide relief from evaporative dry eye, restore the ocular surface, and are clinically proven to reduce all dry eye symptoms. The product is also 100 per cent preservative free.
A range of anti-wrinkle and puffiness creams are also available from the community pharmacy. One of these is Nivea Q10 60+ Anti-Wrinkle & Anti-Puffiness Eye Cream for use on 60+ Skin. It produces radiant, smooth eye contours and healthy-looking skin. This anti-puffiness cream has been formulated to deliver three key benefits to help eyes shine even brighter. It reduces puffiness, improves the skin’s elasticity around the eyes, and smooths fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area.
The cream contains an innovative triple-strength formula specially designed for 60+ skin combining co-enzyme Q10, rose petal oil, and calcium.
Blephagel Eyelid Cleansing Gel is also available to help refresh and soothe sensitive eyelids. It gently removes dirt, tears, secretions, and make-up. It is hypoallergenic, preservative and perfume free, and ophthalmologically tested, making it suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Well-known brand Medicare produces Sensitive Orthoptic Eye Patches for common childhood eye conditions such as lazy eye and crossed eye. They are also suitable for use after surgery or if a person has a sensitive or damaged eye. They are skin friendly due to their hypoallergenic and latex-free adhesive.
The Medicare Hot and Cold Gel Eye Mask helps to relieve tension and aids in clearing sinuses. This soothing eye mask conforms comfortably to the eye area to ensure maximum comfort and relief. It helps clear sinuses and relieves tension, headaches, and migraines.
As well as medication there are several lifestyle changes people can make to improve their eye health.
Studies have shown that diet can affect our vision. Certain foods are particularly high in antioxidants which can help to prevent retinal damage and certain eye conditions like cataracts and AMD. Lutein, found in many fruits and vegetables, is a hugely beneficial antioxidant. Foods recommended for eye health include broad leafy greens such as kale and spinach; brightly coloured fruit and vegetables such as corn, carrots, orange sweet peppers, and oranges; oily fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel; broccoli; and eggs.
The Irish College of Ophthalmologists also recommends exercise, particularly for people aged 60 and over. Exercise may reduce the risk of sight loss from narrowing or hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Reducing the amount of alcohol is also a good idea as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health conditions which can have a detrimental effect on eye health. Similarly, smoking cessation is also a good idea. According to the college, after ageing, smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing macular degeneration. Smoking also increases the risk of developing cataracts.
Wearing sunglasses reduces the risk of eye damage due to the strong ultraviolet light from the sun’s rays. It is also very important to take frequent breaks from looking at computer screens, at least once an hour, to allow the eyes to rest. This will help to avoid problems such as eye strain, lack of focus, and headaches.
People who have diabetes are at risk of developing a condition called diabetic retinopathy and should ensure they have regular eye tests to enable early detection and treatment.
