Eye, Ear, Throat Health

Tears are formed in several glands around the eye. The water layer is produced in the lacrimal gland which is located under the upper eyelid, while several smaller glands in the lids produce the oil and mucus layers. Each time you blink, the eyelids spread the tears over the eye. When the numerous tear glands in the eye produce fewer tears than they should, there is a chronic lack of lubrication and moisture in the eye, a condition known as Dry Eye Syndrome.

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. As with many of the more common eye inflammations, conjunctivitis usually looks and feels worse than it is, and while the pronounced redness can be quite alarming at first glance, conjunctivitis very rarely causes long-term visual damage.

While eye cataracts decrease vision and can be very frustrating, they generally don’t cause pain and are not considered dangerous. However, if a cataract becomes completely white, it is called an overripe (hypermature) cataract, which can cause inflammation, pain and headache. A hypermature cataract is not all that common, but should it occur, it usually requires removal.