Crusty eyelids in the A.M., why it happens

 

Sleep crust, also known as eye gunk or by its technical term, rheum, is a common occurrence. Rheum is a harmless mixture of exfoliated skin cells, oils, and tears produced or shed that accumulate in the eyes. We all get that crusty stuff in the corners of our eyes when we wake up in the morning.  It is all part of a good night's sleep.

This buildup happens because, during sleep, you do not blink, allowing secretions and debris to collect and dry in the corners of your eyes and along the eyelash line.

This residue is a result of the eye’s normal protective processes. Blinking throughout the day helps flush away mucus and other debris from the surface of the eye.

Therefore, finding crusty residue in the corners and along the lash line of your eyes is normal, unless it is accompanied by symptoms such as redness, pain, or excessive discharge, which may indicate an underlying condition. It should be white or light cream color—which is normal. 

If the discharge is yellow or green, that can be a sign of bacterial conjunctivitis—a common form of pink eye. There are also chronic conditions, like blepharitis (a type of inflammation), dry eye, and allergic conjunctivitis that can cause sleep crust. In some cases, it could be enough to make your eyes stick together. In those cases, see an eye care professional.

Sources:

www.healthcare.utah.edu

www.healthline.com

www.aao.org

Photo sources:

www.reichpharm.com

www.healthcare.utah.edu

www.amconlabs.com 

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1. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day until 1954 when it was renamed Veterans Day.
2. Veterans Day coincides with Holidays in several countries including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day
3. Veterans Day occurs on the Anniversary of the end of WWI
4. Major hostilities of WWI were formally ended on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918.
5. There are distinct holidays commemorating the service of all US Veterans

• Memorial Day in May
• Veterans Day in November
• Armed Forces Day also in May
•  Women’s Veterans Day in June 

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How many of you play pickleball, it’s a burg thing right? With nearly 20 million people playing pickleball has quickly become big in the United States. Pickleball-related eye injuries are on the rise in the US. Although the increase in ocular injuries may simply reflect the increasing number of players. It is possible that casual players are more susceptible to injury due to limited experience and unfamiliarity with the game.

A study found that pickleball-related eye injuries have increased at an alarming rate over the past 4 years as the sport continues to grow in popularity. It is not that the game is getting more dangerous.

Common kinds of ocular injuries from pickleball have been reported by ophthalmologists and Emergency rooms including:

• Lacerations around the eye

• Corneal abrasions

• Inflamed irises

• Retinal detachment or tear

• Orbital fractures

• Globe trauma

• Berlin's edema is damage to the retina's outer layers, which can cause temporary decrease in vision.

• Hyphemia is bleeding in the front chamber of the eye

To prevent these injuries, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and other experts recommend wearing shatterproof polycarbonate safety goggles that meet ASTM F3164 standards. These standards ensure that eyewear is rigorously evaluated for impact resistance and safety during play, providing reliable protection against the types of injuries commonly seen in pickleball.

Eye protection is not currently mandated to take part in amateur or professional pickleball play. However, there is a push to establish standardized guidelines that is strongly recommended, as evidence from other sports   a significant reduction in ocular injuries when protective eyewear is required. For example, studies in racquetball and hockey have shown a 90% decrease in common eye injuries after mandating protective eyewear. This underscores the potential benefit of implementing similar safety measures in pickleball.

Sources:

www.livescience.com

www.jamanetwork.com

www.aao.org

Photo sources:

www.potthoffeyecare.com

https://www.foxnews.com

#PearleVisionRobinson

#DrClaudiaWendel

#PittsburghOptometrist

#PittsburghEyeCare