Small changes on the surface of the eye can be a sign of serious disorders. One of the conditions that is commonly heard of by the public but whose medical equivalent is not fully known is the problem of eye arthritis.
What is Eye Calcification?
Eye calcification is a condition in which yellow or white, hard, small calcium deposits form on the mucosa layer (conjunctiva), which usually covers the inner surface of the eyelids. This condition, called "conjunctival lithiasis" or "concretion" in the medical literature, occurs when cell debris and calcium salts are trapped in the tissue.
Our eye surface has a dynamic structure that constantly renews itself. However, with advancing age or in cases of chronic inflammation, dead cells and mucus secretions may not be removed through the tear ducts. These substances that cannot be thrown away become hard and calcified over time. These structures cause discomfort by rubbing against the cornea every time you blink the eyelid.
What are the symptoms of eye arthritis?
Symptoms of eye arthritis usually start insidiously and are described by patients as "dust got stuck in my eyes but it won't come out." The most obvious symptom is the persistent foreign body sensation felt when the eyelids are opened and closed.
- Foreign Body Sensation: A constant stinging sensation as if there was sand or eyelashes in the eye.
- Redness and Irritation: Blood in the whites of the eyes due to friction.
- Eyelid Swelling: Mild edema on the lids as a result of inflammation caused by deposits.
- Not being able to wear contact lenses: The lens sticks into the eye due to the deterioration of the surface on which the lens sits.
What Causes Eye Calcification?
Although eye calcification is often seen as a natural part of the aging process, chronic eye diseases (blepharitis, conjunctivitis) and environmental factors accelerate this process. Long-term use of steroid-containing eye drops, calcium metabolism disorders in the body and severe eye dryness are the main reasons that predispose to arthritis.
How to Treat Eye Calcification?
In mild cases, friction is reduced and symptoms are relieved by using artificial tear drops and lubricating gels. However, since calcified tissue has a hard structure, it is generally not possible to dissolve it completely with medication; Mechanical cleaning may be required for a definitive solution.
How to Clean Eye Calcification?
Cleaning of eye calcification is a short and painless procedure performed by a specialist ophthalmologist under outpatient clinic conditions. After the eye surface is anesthetized with drop anesthesia, calcified deposits are removed one by one with the help of a sterile needle tip or thin forceps.
- Anesthesia: Before the procedure, numbing drops are instilled into the eye so that the patient does not feel any pain.
- Mechanical Cleaning: At the biomicroscope, the physician gently cleans the lime foci with fine-tipped tools. This process takes a few minutes
- Healing Process: After the procedure, antibiotic drops are given to the eye. Recovery is very rapid; The patient usually returns to normal life on the same day.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Eye Calcification?
- Use of Sunglasses: UV rays accelerate degeneration of the eye surface
- Combat Dry Eye: Keep eyes moist by taking frequent breaks from the screen and using artificial tears if necessary.
- Abundant Water Consumption: General hydration of the body is critical for mucosal health
- Regular Examination: Early diagnosis prevents a simple deposit from turning into a major problem
Frequently Asked Questions
Does eye arthritis go away on its own?
Very small and symptomless deposits may be observed, but the uncomfortable calcification does not disappear on its own. Mechanical cleaning may be required.
Is the cleaning process painful?
No. Anesthesia is provided by instilling numbing drops into the eye. The procedure takes a few minutes and the patient usually returns to normal life on the same day.
Can I remove eye arthritis at home?
No. Squeezing lemon or using herbal methods may disrupt the acid balance of the eye. Cleaning must be done by a specialist ophthalmologist.
