Uveitis is when part of the eye suddenly becomes inflamed, giving you a very painful, red eye. You might also experience discomfort in bright light (photophobia), blurring or reduced vision. It's important to seek help and get this treated promptly, as in severe cases it can lead to a loss of vision.

You know when the pollen season has arrived if you suffer from itchy, streaming eyes and they look red and puffy. For those with hay fever, it can be really uncomfortable, and you feel desperate for some relief. Our pharmacist has put together some remedies to help soothe your eyes and heal your eye symptoms.

Symptoms of dry eyes may include: Dryness: A sensation of dryness or grittiness in the eyes is a hallmark symptom of dry eyes. This can be accompanied by a feeling of irritation or discomfort. Redness: The eyes may appear red or bloodshot, particularly when they become irritated due to dryness. Burning or stinging: Some individuals with dry eyes may experience a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, especially in environments with low humidity or when exposed to irritants such as smoke or wind. Blurry vision: Dry eyes can cause temporary fluctuations in vision, leading to blurry or fluctuating vision, particularly during activities that require prolonged visual concentration, such as reading or using a computer. Sensitivity to light: Dry eyes may increase sensitivity to light, making it uncomfortable to be in brightly lit environments. Watery eyes: Paradoxically, some people with dry eyes may experience excessive tearing as the eyes attempt to compensate for the lack of adequate lubrication. Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eyes, including: Ageing**: Dry eyes are more common as people age, as tear production tends to decrease with age. Environmental factors**: Exposure to dry or windy climates, air conditioning, heating, and smoke can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Medical conditions**: Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis), hormonal changes (e.g., menopause), and eyelid abnormalities, can increase the risk of dry eyes. Medications**: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormonal therapies, can reduce tear production or affect tear composition, leading to dry eyes. Prolonged screen time**: Extended use of digital devices can contribute to dry eyes due to reduced blinking and increased tear evaporation. Contact lens wear**: Contact lens use can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, particularly if lenses are worn for extended periods or if proper hygiene practices are not followed.

If you have dark brown or black lumps, tiny in size and multiple in number, sitting on the cheekbones and under the eyes, it’s likely you have dermatosis papulosa nigra. Despite the grand title, these are completely harmless. These usually feel smooth and soft and are each only 1 to 5mm wide, and you may have a few or many, of differing sizes. They appear from the teenage years onwards and don't usually cause any symptoms, but some find them unsightly, especially with their prominence on the face.