Structure of the eye
The eyes are very intricate, very sensitive and very essential organs in a body. Nearly 80% of the messages or signals that the brain receives and processes originate from the eyes. The eyes are made to maximize vision under different lighting conditions. Since they are located outside the body, they are vulnerable to disturbances and distressful conditions. They can be affected by chemicals, the environment, infections caused by any of the above or other impurities and injuries requiring advanced eye care. The eyes are basically shaped like orbs with a span of around 1 inch. Within this orb, there is an opaque rounded surface at the front, encircled by the ‘sclera’ commonly referred to as the whites of the eyes. Also, an essential part that is within the eye is the rounded colored part of the eye, and after the cornea and the pupils is the main opening within the iris, and outside the iris and the pupil is the lens. The retina is inside the eye also, and it is this component that sends electrical impulses to the brain.
Usually minor eye disorders can be treated by home remedies or over the counter medicines. Usually many minor eye ailments are usually healed without seeing a doctor and even without taking any medicines. Some over the counter medicines help treat minor problems such as waterlessness more commonly known as ‘dry eye’ burning or even watery eyes. Sometimes, what seems to be a mild irritant can be a major eye problem requiring immediate and advanced eye care.
Self treatment
Before resorting to self diagnosis and treatment, the person should at least have some basic know-how about the structure of the eyes. Apart from knowing about the structural formation of the eyes, the person must at least know the reason for his/her eye ailment, which aliments can safely be self treated, the different types of over the counter medicines that are commonly effective, and when it is better to avoid self treatment and consult a physician about receiving advanced eye care.
When to consult a physician
Most minor eye disorders are effectively treated with home remedies or over the counter products. However, if you feel that the problem is affecting the eyeball, and if the over the counter product provides absolutely no relief for 72 hours or more, then your priority must be to see a physician to obtain effective and appropriate advanced eye care. If you are experiencing unclear or fuzzy vision or experiencing loss of vision then it advised to consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
Inoperative substances in OTC eye care products
Most eye care products are composed of substances that have no healing value. If a person is sensitive or allergic to any of these inactive substances, then that specific over the counter product must not be applied to your eyes. Sometimes an additive is included in a product to maximize its efficacy. This includes preservatives which essentially prevent the growth of bacteria. However, preservatives are usually not an essential part of most products because of allergies.