The eye may bleed due to various reasons. Bloodshot eyes may develop due to external factors or may be a harbinger of a different disease. So, what is good for bloodshot eyes? What causes blood in the eye? How does bloodshot eye recover? Here are the details about bloodshot eyes…

WHAT IS BLOODSHOT EYE?
Bloodshot eyes can also occur as a result of dilated blood vessels in the eye. The eye appears red as a result of the dilated blood vessels filling with blood. The reason for the dilation of the blood vessels is that the oxygen demand of the cornea layer covering the outside of the eye is not met. Under normal conditions, capillaries are not visible. However, in response to the lack of oxygen supply and the condensation of blood, the capillaries become visible. Therefore, there is a bloody appearance in the eye.

SYMPTOMS OF BLOODSHOT EYE
Bloodshot eyes can be defined as a bloody and vascular appearance in the white part of the eye. Redness in the white part of the eye, Itching and irritation, pain in the eye, feeling of fullness in the eye, blurred vision, restricted vision, sensitivity to light, Eye swelling is the most obvious symptom of bloodshot eye. It is possible for several of these symptoms to appear in the eye at the same time.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BLOODSHOT EYES?

The factors that cause bloodshot eyes can be caused by the following problems:

• Insomnia
• Coughing with high pressure
• Coughing for too long
• Dry eye
• Allergic reactions
• Inflammation in the eye
• Shallot
• Eyelash inflammation
• Scratching the eye too hard
• Wearing the contact lens incorrectly
• Blood Pressure
• Vomiting
• Heavy load lifting
• Traumas, injuries or blows to the eye
• Blood clotting problems
• Eye cancer
• Use of blood thinners
• Aneurysm
• Diabetes
• Retinal tear
• Fluid accumulation behind the eye

Sometimes, excessive alcohol and cigarette consumption can cause bloodshot eyes. In this case, the patient’s smoking and alcohol history can be examined under the supervision of a doctor and these harmful habits can be targeted to be eliminated.

HOW DOES BLOODSHOT EYES RECOVER?
The treatment of bloodshot eye varies according to the disease causing the bloodshot. Bleeding from the eye, which usually resolves spontaneously in 1-2 weeks, may be prolonged in some cases. However, different causes may also lie under the bloodshot eye. In such cases, a specialized doctor should make the diagnosis. If bloodshot eyes are caused by high blood pressure, high blood pressure should be treated. The treatment for more serious eye diseases is different. Eye drops are usually recommended for the treatment of bloodshot eyes. After the doctor’s examination, steroid eye drops are given for swelling, antibiotic drops for bacterial infections, eye drops containing painkillers for pain relief, and antiviral eye drops for viral infections. If there are serious injuries to the vessels in the eye that cause blood supply, laser surgery can be used for treatment. In all treatment methods, patients may need to wear an eye patch for a while to protect their eyes.

September 2023

Eye Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halil Hüseyin Çağatay said that double vision when looking away may be a harbinger of a serious health problem, medical help may be needed, so it should not be neglected.

Eye Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halil Hüseyin Çağatay gave important information about double vision when looking away, scientifically known as ‘diplopia’. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halil Hüseyin Çağatay emphasized that double vision, which can be experienced by many people and is usually a temporary condition, may be a symptom of a serious health problem, may require medical assistance, so it should not be neglected.

THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF IT IS EYE SLIPPAGE AND STRABISMUS
Stating that the most common cause of double vision is slippage and strabismus in the eye, Dr. Çağatay said, “Double vision increases over the years in cases where the inward shift increases when looking away. Our patients most frequently state that the lanes on the roads are intertwined. Double vision can also occur temporarily as a side effect due to trauma and some medications. For example; in recent years, patients have been presenting with temporary double vision problems after Botox applications. The double vision here typically occurs in side gaze. Other important and common causes of double vision are diseases of the brain and cerebral vessels. The most important thing to remember is that all newly emerging double vision problems require urgent medical examination and research without neglect.  Some problems that cause double vision may also be due to neurological causes. Diseases such as stroke, brain tumor, aneurysm in the brain vessels, multiple sclerosis can cause double vision problems when looking away.”

A DETAILED EYE EXAMINATION IS IMPORTANT IN THIS PROBLEM
People who have double vision problems when looking far away should urgently consult an ophthalmologist. With a detailed eye examination, the strabismus problem, if any, is detected by measuring the slip angles in far, near and side gaze; the diagnosis of strabismus can also be confirmed with binocular vision tests, which we call binocular vision tests. If no problem is detected, the underlying cause can be investigated with more detailed neurological examinations. Double vision is usually treatable; however, the treatment method depends on the source of the problem. It is very important to solve the underlying problem, if any. In addition, double vision can be eliminated with prismatic glasses that control double vision, neurotoxin applications and surgical interventions on the eye muscles. In conclusion, if you experience double vision when looking away, you should not ignore this condition and seek help from a health professional. This will help protect both your comfort of life and your overall health.

August 2023

Eye allergy and eye infection are conditions with similar symptoms. Although they have similar symptoms, it is possible to recognize which one it is and to distinguish between an infection and an allergy with a microscopic examination by an ophthalmologist.

The most common symptoms of an eye infection are redness, burning, itching, watering, tenderness and crusting or discharge around the eyelids. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergens and other irritants. Because it is contagious, conjunctivitis caused by viruses and bacteria in particular can spread to other people. Eye allergy, or allergic conjunctivitis as it is medically called, is a fairly common disease that, unlike other conjunctivitis, does not spread from person to person. The most important symptoms are redness, itching and watery eyes. If there is no itching, allergy should not be considered. As in other allergic diseases, genetic characteristics and environmental interaction play a role in eye allergy. It is often seen together with other allergic conditions in the body. It is more common in children and adolescence. The incidence gradually decreases at older ages.

Microscopic Examination Required
Experts say that the most common potential allergens that cause eye allergies are pollen, animal dander, chemical odors, house dust and mold. If conjunctivitis is caused by pollen, it is usually seasonal. If the allergic cause is animal dander, mold and dust, it can sometimes cause an allergic crisis. Some people may also develop allergic conjunctivitis to certain eye drops or contact lens solutions. Since allergic conjunctivitis shares similar symptoms with other eye diseases, it is important to make the correct diagnosis. For example, eye allergy and eye infection are different conditions with similar symptoms but different medical causes. A microscopic examination by an ophthalmologist is necessary to identify the disease and to differentiate between infection and allergy. The examination reveals redness of the eye as well as swelling inside the eyelid caused by allergic conjunctivitis. The basic principle of treatment is to avoid the cause of the allergy.

August 2023

Pay attention to these if your eyes are dry and red when you are exposed to air conditioning in your environment.

In the hot weather of summer, attention should be paid to eye health as much as attention to body health. Factors such as dry air, use of air conditioners and chlorine in pools can negatively affect eye health in summer.

Conjunctivitis (colloquially known as red eye, conjunctivitis) is a more common eye problem in summer. In addition, since the sun’s rays are more effective in summer, cataracts and yellow spot disease are easier to occur. In addition, sun rays can cause skin cancers around and in the eye, as in any tissue open to the external environment.  Conjunctivitis can manifest itself as bleeding and redness in the eyes as the blood vessels in the eye become prominent. The disease can occur in one eye or both eyes. There are many types of conjunctivitis, including microbial and allergic. Symptoms include redness, watering, itching, stinging and discharge that causes burrs during the night and prevents the eyes from opening in the morning. This highly contagious disease must be treated on time. Otherwise, it can become chronic and cause permanent stains on the pupil.

Being in air conditioned and heated environments for a long time can cause dry eyes. Factors such as dry working environment, use of heating or air conditioning, smoking or being in smoking environments, looking at the screen for a long time while using a computer also increase dry eye complaints. To protect eye health in summer, attention should be paid to the hygiene of pools, using swimming goggles in the pool, using sunglasses recommended by the doctor, hygiene of contact lenses, not entering the sea or pool with contact lenses, avoiding impacts to the eye during outdoor sports and prolonged exposure to the sun. In addition, those with allergic eye diseases should avoid the sun, dusty environments and pollen. Against eye infections, eyes should not be touched with dirty hands and hands should be washed abundantly.

August 2023

The eye area is the fearful dream of women because it is prone to wear and tear very quickly. Since it is the most striking part of the face, no one wants to walk around with dark circles, bags and swollen eyelids.

As you can tell just by looking in the mirror, the skin around your eyes is thinner and more fragile than the skin on the rest of your face. Because of its fragility, this skin is more susceptible to dryness and shows signs of aging very easily. Simple facial movements such as squinting can cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear. Fluids also easily collect in this soft tissue, causing puffiness and dark circles. Basically, the skin around your eyes is soft and needs a little extra love and care to keep it looking clean and radiant.

What are common eye problems?
Puffiness
Eye puffiness is caused by a build-up of fluid in the eyelids or under the eyes. One ingredient that has been shown to help reduce puffiness is caffeine. Having caffeine in eye creams or serums can help reduce unwanted eye bags. A quick and temporary trick you can try at home is the cold spoon method. Place a spoon in the freezer until cold, then place it on your eyelids and/or under your eyes. The cold spoon will shrink the vessels that contain extra fluid, causing the puffiness to decrease. This method can be applied in the morning after a sleepless night. It has no effect on age-related eye wrinkles.

Dark circles
Dark circles are extremely common and are caused by many things such as aging, sun damage, lack of sleep, genes, etc. Many people try to minimize, remove or hide their dark circles because they make them look older or tired. Ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles are vitamin C, niacinamide and hydroquinone. A natural and temporary method is to place green tea bags under your eyes. Brew two green tea bags, let them cool and then squeeze out the excess liquid. Place the bags under your eyes for 15 minutes and you may notice that your dark circles are not so dark after all! The caffeine and coolness of the green tea bags work to shrink the veins that cause dark circles and helps with puffiness too!

Fine lines and wrinkles
The first fine lines and wrinkles that appear on your face will probably be around your eyes. The wrinkles in that area are so delicate that they appear immediately with a smile. Also, as you age, your skin produces less collagen, which means that your skin starts to lose its firmness and elasticity. When your skin produces less collagen, it can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A few ingredients to help reduce their appearance are vitamin C, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and retinol. Botox also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles as it reduces the strength of muscle contractions that stress the skin and create fine lines.

Botox
If your main eye concern is fine lines and wrinkles and you’re tired of relying on temporary fixes from skincare products, consider Botox anti-wrinkle injections. These injections are used to relax the muscles, which helps both prevent fine lines from forming and improve the appearance of lines you already have. This in-office treatment takes less than 15 minutes and results are noticeable within two to seven days.

Fillers
Again, if you are looking for a longer lasting solution for fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, fillers may be the answer. Fillers contain substances that add volume where they are placed. As we age, we lose volume, that’s when we start to notice that our skin is not as plump as it used to be and fine lines and wrinkles start to appear. A common treatment area is under the eyes and fillers are used to replenish the lost volume. (Please note that if your under-eyes tend to swell, under-eye fillers are not recommended for you as they may swell more).

CO2 cold peeling
Another treatment option that helps tighten the area under your eyes is CO2 Laser treatment. The CO2 device is used to rejuvenate your skin, reduce fine lines and target sun damage to make your eyes look younger. It also improves skin texture and evens out skin tone. The lasers target only the superficial layer of skin tissue and repair the damaged part, revealing younger and healthier looking skin without any incisions.

July 2023

Swedish scientists have announced that they have found an alternative treatment for “corneal sharpening”, a condition that causes vision loss.

Experimental treatment for corneal sharpening! Swedish scientists have announced that they have developed a revolutionary method for the treatment of corneal sharpening disease that causes vision loss. The disease, which is normally treated with corneal implants, can be treated with a protein obtained from animals. The research team announced that they treated corneal sharpening, medically known as keratoconus, with a substance produced from pig skin. With the new system, collagen taken from pig skin is turned into a special gel. The implant produced with 3D printers using this gel is placed in the eyes of patients. This prevents the thinning cornea from tearing. Scientists emphasize that the special substance developed does not trigger the immune system.

All Patients Started to See Again
Researchers says, “Normal treatment uses cornea from a donor, but there was always a risk that the body would reject it. Now we are making treatment possible by using a substance that the food industry normally throws away. In this way, all patients can see again thanks to the treatment.” During the application, not all patients who use the implant can regain their vision and recover at the same speed. While the treatment is more successful and gives faster results in some patients, the treatment may progress more slowly in others. However, all patients who receive treatment start to see much better than before over time. Corneal thinning, which is common, usually starts in adolescence. The disease, which is caused by the sharpening of the cornea, the transparent layer of the eye, can lead to vision loss. The treatment developed in Sweden is expected to be widely applied worldwide within 3-4 years.

July 2023

Dry eye diseases can now be treated with light masks that apply short bursts of concentrated light and then last for 10-15 minutes.

In the treatment of dry eye diseases affecting many people in Turkey as well as in the world, a new method has come into play other than classical methods such as artificial tears. Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Umut Altuner stated that with this new method IPL (intens pulse light) treatment, the heat and antioxidant effect of light is utilized. For 15 minutes, a light mask is applied to the eye and the eye’s own tear production system is enabled to work more properly, Altuner said: “Some eye, lid and immunological diseases disrupt the structure of tears and cause dry eye disease. In addition, closed office environments and looking at the screen for a long time increase the evaporation of tears and contribute to the deterioration of tears. Dry eye disease can manifest itself with many disturbing complaints such as burning, stinging, light sensitivity, feeling of fatigue, and discomfort when using vehicles with screens.”

Tear Production Improves
Stating that treatment options may vary according to the severity and cause of the disease, Op. Dr. Altuner said about the new treatment: “IPL and mask treatment stands out as a new treatment option used in the treatment of chronic blepharitis patients and dry eye patients caused by it. In this treatment, the heat effect and antioxidant effect of light are utilized. With the heat effect, the channels of the sebaceous glands are opened and their fluidity is increased, while the oily layer, the most important layer of the tear, is reconstituted. In this way, the eye’s own Tear Production system works more smoothly. Short-term concentrated light pulses are applied to the eye contour and lids at 5 consecutive points. Meanwhile, the eye is protected with special glasses. Afterwards, the treatment is continued with light masks lasting 10-15 minutes.”

July 2023

Uncontrolled use of cortisone-containing drops is one of the reasons that pave the way for the formation of cataracts, which are thought to occur especially with age.

Ophthalmologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Ayhan Tuzcu said that especially people with rheumatic diseases or those who use systemic cortisone due to allergies should pay attention to cataracts. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Ayhan Tuzcu warned against the risk that cataracts may develop at an early age in these patients. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Ayhan Tuzcu stated, “The normally transparent natural eye lens loses its transparency and takes on an opaque-whitish appearance is called cataract. When the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, the image reaching the retina becomes blurred and vision is affected. Cataracts are one of the most important causes of treatable vision loss. Cataract-related symptoms develop slowly and they are painless. It is often first diagnosed during a routine eye examination. The most common symptoms of cataracts are painless blurred vision, discomfort from light and pale or yellow colors. In most age-related cataracts, the disease can take years to progress. It is not possible to predict how rapidly cataracts will progress in individuals.”
90 Percent of Patients are Over 60 Years of Age
Pointing out that the disease can progress rapidly in young and diabetic patients, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Ayhan Tuzcu said that the disease progresses slowly under normal conditions. She stated that cataract patients who experience problems such as decreased sharp vision, seeing colors more dull, see the world pale and blurred. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuzcu continued with the following statements: “The progression of cataract in young people and diabetics may take a short time. The progression of cataract in diabetes is related to blood sugar. Cataracts develop faster in patients with irregular blood sugar levels. The most common cause of cataract in young people is trauma to the eye. Cataract usually progresses rapidly after trauma. Cataract is usually a disease of old age. 90 percent of patients are over the age of 60.  However, cataracts can be seen in any age group. For example, a type of cataract called congenital cataract can be seen in newborn babies, but cataracts can also be seen in children, young people and middle-aged people. People under 50 years of age should look for an underlying cause for cataracts. Such cataracts may be hereditary or associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetes, trauma, previous eye surgery or intraocular injection, radiation exposure, prolonged exposure to sunlight without protection or use of cortisone and similar drugs.”
No Treatment with Medication, Solution is Surgical Methods
There is no medicine or diet that cures or prevents cataracts. Vitamin D does not prevent cataracts. Using sunglasses to protect against ultraviolet rays can slow the development of cataracts. The only method of cataract treatment is surgical intervention. In over 95 percent of patients without cornea, retina or optic nerve problems, cataract surgery can improve vision. When cataract symptoms do not bother the patient and vision levels are at reasonable levels, intervention may not be necessary or can be waited for a while. Cataract surgery is a day surgery procedure and patients can often be discharged on the same day and return to their daily activities in a short time. Patients use drops in decreasing doses for 1 month after surgery. For 1 week after the surgery, the eye should not be touched with water, should not be rubbed by pressing on the operated eye and should not be slept on that eye. The patient should not swim in the pool and sea for 1 month after the surgery. When we use a monofocal lens, which we use routinely, the patient needs glasses for near vision after surgery.

June 2023

Protective goggles are a special type of eyewear designed to protect the eyes and improve the performance of sports activities. They offer eye protection, contrast enhancement, anti-glare, comfort and clear vision.

Until recently, protective goggles was only used by athletes. Today, sports goggles can be seen on almost everyone who holds a ball or a racket in their hands, whether they are professional or amateur athletes. Many eye injuries are observed in our country every year. Some of these injuries occur in sports accidents. Sports accidents can occur in the form of ball collisions, as well as finger and elbow collisions in sports such as football and basketball that involve close contact. Even during swimming, eye injuries can occur due to collisions.
Protective goggles used during sports can protect your eyes from external factors and improve your performance. The benefits of protective eyewear include eye protection, contrast enhancement, anti-glare, comfort and clear vision. Sports goggles protect your eyes from sunlight, wind, dust and other harmful substances. At the same time, it enhances contrast, providing a clearer and sharper image. This helps athletes see their targets better and move more accurately. The sports goggles are equipped with anti-glare coatings. This ensures that athletes have as clear a view as possible, even when moving in bright sunlight. Made of lightweight and flexible materials, sports goggles allow athletes to wear them for a long time. They are designed to enhance athletes’ performance and offer high comfort and clearer vision.
Sports goggles are widely used to avoid exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays, especially when practicing outdoor sports. There are also goggles specially designed for certain sports. For example, waterproof and anti-fogging goggles are preferred for sports such as swimming, diving and skiing, while lightweight and flexible framed goggles are preferred for sports such as cycling, running and tennis.
Googles is recommended for basketball, cycling, rally, golf, motor sports, running, tennis and winter sports. Googles used in sports are used for various purposes:

• Sun protection and comfort in outdoor sports
• Seeing the ball more clearly
• Eye injury prevention

Protective sports goggles use “polycarbonate lens” as the lens. The polycarbonate lens is an impact-resistant material and also includes an anti-scratch coating and an ultraviolet filter. The frame style varies according to the type of sport, but more durable materials than usual are chosen for the frame material.

June 2023

During sleep, edema accumulation can occur in the eyelids the most in the body. When we wake up, we may feel swelling in our eyes. Complaints such as this swelling, which decreases later in the day, may be a sign of hidden heart disease.

Most symptoms in our eyes give us signs about other diseases in our body. Delay in the diagnosis of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease can cause permanent damage to our eyes if not intervened in time, as it causes the disease to progress. This can result in reduced vision and even permanent vision loss. We should not forget the importance of early diagnosis in order to prevent many diseases from diabetes to hypertension, from vascular changes to clotting.

May be a Harbinger of Hidden Heart Disease
Morning puffiness of the eyes can be a symptom of heart disease. During sleep, our head is at the level of the heart. During sleep, the most edema accumulation in the body can occur in the eyelids. When we wake up, we may feel swelling in our eyes. Complaints such as this swelling, which decreases later in the day, may be warnings of hidden heart disease.

Dıabetes can be Dıagnosed During Eye Examination
Diabetes, which can cause significant and permanent damage to the eyes, can be diagnosed early with an ophthalmologic examination. Small vessel blockages due to diabetes and hypertension can also cause complaints such as double vision. The main cause of heart diseases is the development of arteriosclerosis. This arteriosclerosis can occur in all vessels in our body. Stiffness in the eye vessels or clot formation in the eye vessels can cause temporary visual disturbances. Disorders in the heart rhythm can also lead to consequences such as clots in the eye vessels. It is recommended that people with temporary vision loss undergo a check-up due to the risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart rhythm disorders. Whitish ring formation around the iris can be seen in the eye, especially in congenital cholesterol elevations. It is important for people in this group to have their cholesterol levels monitored in terms of the risk of heart attack and to be followed up by a specialist doctor in terms of heart health.

June 2023