EYE PAIN OR IRRITATION 99
Is your vision blurred?
Blurred
Not blurred
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have acute glaucoma( painful, rapid rise in fluid pressure in the eye), which could damage vision permanently.
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You may have blepharitis( inflamed eyelid), especially if the skin is scaly and inflamed.
• Relieve symptoms by holding a warm, damp cloth on the eyelid.
• If you have dandruff too, using an antifungal shampoo will improve both conditions.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if self-help measures do not help.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your eye pain or irritation from this chart.
Is your eyelid turned inward or outward?
Eyelid turned inward
Eyelid turned outward
Appears normal
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have so-called cluster headaches or uveitis( inflammation of the iris), especially if the eye is red and / or watery.
• Take an analgesic such as acetaminophen to relieve symptoms.
• Rest in a quiet, darkened room.
Is there any discharge from the eye?
Watery discharge
Sticky discharge
No discharge
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Entropion( turning inward of the upper or lower eyelid, or both) is a possible cause of your symptoms.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Ectropion( turning out of the lower eyelid) is a possible cause of your symptoms.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You probably have conjunctivitis( inflamed membrane covering the eye).
• Wipe the discharge away from your eye with clean, moist cotton.
• Use artificial tears, available over the counter, to relieve symptoms.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have keratoconjunctivitis sicca( dry eye), in which the eye fails to produce enough tears.
• Use artificial tears, available over the counter, to relieve symptoms.