Positive Health Online

How To Listen To Music Without Damaging Your Ears 

• A new study reveals the day-to-day activities that could have a detrimental effect on your hearing; 
• Listening to music is one of the activities that could threaten your ear health - and so sound experts at DECIBEL suggest ways in which you can still enjoy this pastime safely; 
• It is recommended to limit listening to music at volumes of 60 to 85 decibels to decrease the chances of damage.

Many of our day-to-day activities could have a detrimental effect on our hearing, including listening to music. Unfortunately, for many of us, listening to music is part of our daily lives. Commuting to work, at the gym, and leisurely walks are just some of the daily activities where we put on our headphones and switch off from the outside world. 

You may not feel this may be harmful, but prolonged use of wearing headphones can cause permanent damage as the soundwaves from the headphones are delivered directly into the ear canal, damaging the hair cells in the inner ear. Listening to music that is 85 decibels and over, repeatedly and over a long period of time, will gradually cause noise-induced hearing loss. 

Exposure to loud music can also cause neurophysiological damage by changing the nerve fibres that transmit signals from the inner ear to the brain, ultimately affecting hearing perception. Loud sounds, such as music, can also cause tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing sound that comes from your ears rather than an outside source.

To reduce hearing damage when listening to music, acoustic experts DECIBEL offer tips:

• Try reducing the volume of music, especially if listening using headphones; 
• Take regular breaks of five minutes every hour when listening to loud music, to give your ears a rest;
• Use a volume limiter on your phone or device. Your phone may warn you that you have gone over the ‘safe’ volume level, so it is a good idea to pay attention to this;
• Use noise-cancelling headphones. These will block out background noise so that you won’t have to turn your music up. 

Listening to music isn't the only everyday activity that puts our ears at risk. The experts at DECIBEL have identified some other culprits and suggested how you can soften their impact:

Using Household Appliances 

Every day, noise from common household appliances such as hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, and blenders can all generate high decibel levels that, over time, could damage your hearing. 

Hairdryers can be especially damaging as they are used so close to our ears. The average decibels produced by a typical hairdryer is around 80 to 90 decibels, which used consistently over time, can cause damage to our hearing. Consider breaking up the task of drying hair to prevent continuous exposure to the noise or even reduce the number of times you wash your hair each week. Some hairdryers are designed with noise reduction technologies so consider using these functions when drying your hair. 

Vacuum cleaners generate around 70 to 85 decibels, and prolonged use can also cause long-term hearing damage. To prevent this, limit the amount of time you spend using a vacuum cleaner, and maintain a distance from the vacuum when using it. Some vacuum cleaners have built in noise reduction features, so try to reduce the volume of noise if you can. 

Blenders can potentially reach 100 decibels, which is deemed well above the safe sound threshold. Although blenders aren’t switched on for a long time, prolonged use will lead to damage to the inner ear. 

To reduce this risk, wear earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and take breaks if you are using the blender repeatedly. If possible, maintain as much distance as you can from the blender.

Using Lawn Mowers or Power Tools  

Lawn mowers can reach up to 90 dB, while power tools can reach up to 100 dB or sometimes 120 dB. Using any of these tools for a minimum of 15 minutes can cause hearing damage.  

Tips to reduce hearing damage when using a lawn mower or other power tools:  

• Use ear protection, such as noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs;  
• Take breaks to reduce the exposure of noise to your ears.

Listening to Music Too Loudly Without Breaks 

For many of us, listening to music is part of our daily lives. Commuting to work, at the gym, and going on a walk are just some of the daily activities where we put on our headphones and switch off from the outside world. 

You may not feel this may be harmful, but prolonged use of wearing headphones can cause permanent damage as the soundwaves from the headphones are delivered directly into the ear canal, damaging the hair cells in the inner ear. Listening to music that is 85 decibels and over, repeatedly and over a long period of time, will gradually cause noise-induced hearing loss. 

Exposure to loud music can also cause neurophysiological damage by changing the nerve fibres that transmit signals from the inner ear to the brain, ultimately affecting hearing perception. Loud sounds, such as music, can also cause tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing sound that comes from your ears rather than an outside source. 

Tips to Reduce Hearing Damage When Listening to Music 

• Try reducing the volume of music, especially if listening using headphones. 
• Take regular breaks of five minutes every hour to give your ears a rest when listening to loud music.
• Use a volume limiter on your phone or device. Your phone may warn you that you have gone over the ‘safe’ volume level, so it is a good idea to pay attention to this. 
• Use noise-cancelling headphones. These will block out background noise so that you won’t have to turn your music up. 

Driving at High Speeds with the Windows Down 

Prolonged driving at high speeds with the windows down can cause hearing damage over time. Noise from the engine, wind, and traffic can all reach 89dB and higher, significantly increasing the chances of hearing damage. 

Tips to reduce hearing damage when driving with the windows down:

• Take breaks from driving if you are on a long journey and alternate between windows up and down;
• Keep the windows up when in heavy traffic to minimise noise from car engines, sounds of car horns, and music from other vehicles;
• Don’t try and drown out the sounds of traffic with even louder music, as this will potentially cause even more damage;
• If you ride a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in a helmet designed to reduce traffic noise. 

Cleaning your Ears with Cotton Buds 

Using cotton buds to clean your ears can potentially cause significant damage to your ear canal or eardrum. Cotton buds can have an adverse effect and push earwax further down the ear canal, causing a blockage that may affect hearing.  

Using cotton buds can also cause damage to the ear canal, which is very sensitive. This damage can cause infections, as well as puncturing the eardrum, which can cause hearing loss.  

Earwax is vital to the function of our ears by keeping our ears lubricated and keeping bacteria out of them. In most cases, our ears will naturally maintain earwax, but if you feel as though your ears are blocked or you’re experiencing pain, then you may need professional help to remove the earwax safely.  

Tsvetan Nedkov, Acoustic Engineer and Founder of DECIBEL, Commented:

“With the RNID reporting that nearly 18 million people in the UK suffer from some form of hearing loss, it is especially important we understand the risk of exposure to loud noises and the importance of protecting our ears from damage. 

“Making small changes to the way we manage prolonged noise exposure can also have a huge positive impact on our long-term hearing health.” 

Media Contact and Further Information

Anna Jones <anna.jones@expresspr.org>

Source: RNID  

https://rnid.org.uk/2024/06/why-the-number-of-people-with-hearing-loss-has-increased/

DECIBEL

CREDIT: https://www.decibelinternational.co.uk/

Six Symptoms to Look out for with an Enlarged Prostate… 

by Mr Richard Hindley, Consultant Urologist Hampshire Hospitals and Circle The Hampshire Clinic 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common condition affecting more than half of men over 50.[1] It’s not cancerous, but it can seriously affect quality of life. 

A recent national survey has highlighted 1 in five people confuse BPH with cancer, and 8 out of 10 are unaware of the symptoms despite it being one of the most common prostate conditions in the UK, affecting nearly 80% of men over 75.[2]

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to “know your flow” and speak to your doctor:[3]

1. Frequent urination

Are you visiting the bathroom more often, especially at night? This can be one of the first signs of BPH 

2. Weak urine stream

 slow or interrupted flow may suggest that your enlarged prostate is narrowing the urethra 

3. Difficulty starting urination

Struggling to get started-even when your bladder feels full-can be a result of increased resistance from the prostate 

4. Feeling of incomplete emptying

If you finish urinating but feel like you haven't emptied your bladder fully, your prostate may be obstructing the flow 

5. Urgency

A sudden, strong need to urinate that’s hard to control is another common symptom 

6. Post-urination dribbling

Leaking or dribbling after you think you're done may mean the bladder isn't emptying properly.

While BPH is more common in men over 70, I regularly treat men as young as 40. Unfortunately, many delay seeking help, often out of embarrassment or misinformation. I encourage men to talk openly-whether with friends, family, and their doctor. If you've undergone treatment for BPH, please do bang the drum to help others. This condition is not only common but also highly manageable, so I urge men not to ignore the signs and speak to your GP.

The good news is that there are effective, less invasive treatments are available to deal with BPH. Minimally invasive options now allow men to treat symptoms without long recovery times or significant side effects. 

iTind is a temporary implant that gently reshapes the prostate to relieve pressure on the urethra without cutting or heating tissue. It’s usually removed after 5–7 days.. 

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis can lead to simple, effective treatment - and a much better night’s sleep. 

BPH Awareness Survey 

The BPH Awareness Survey was conducted by Censuswide and commissioned by Olympus in January 2025. A nationally representative sample of 2,000 individuals participated, including 1,040 women, 940 men, 8 non-binary individuals, 2 trans men, 4 trans women, 4 agender individuals, and 2 participants who preferred not to answer. The participants range in age from 16 to 85 years old. 

About iTind   

iTind is a Temporary Implanted Nitinol Device. The minimally invasive iTind procedure delivers rapid and effective relief from BPH symptoms. 

iTind is inserted in an efficient and straightforward procedure with a short learning curve. Through gentle pressure on the tissue and localised ischemia, the iTind procedure aims to reshape the tissue of the prostatic urethra and the bladder neck. 

After 5-7 days, the iTind device is removed leaving nothing behind. The entire iTind procedure can be performed in the office environment under local anaesthesia. 

The Benefits of the iTind procedure: 

• Rapid and effective symptom relief
• Durable results
• Rapid return to daily life
• No requirement for general anesthesia
• Routinely catheter free procedure
• No permanent implant resulting from the procedure 
• Preserves sexual and ejaculatory function
• Preserves urinary continence[4]

For more information visit: www.itind.com 

References

1. Langan RC. Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Primary Care. 2019;46(2): 223–232. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2019.2.003
2. BPH Awareness Survey (January 2025), commissioned by Olympus (manufacturer in BPH products, including iTind)

3.NHS England: Benign prostate enlargement. Available at: Benign prostate enlargement - NHS (Last accessed June 2025) 

4. Chughtai B, Elterman D, Shore N, et al. The iTind Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial [published online ahead of print, 2020 Dec 26]. Urology. 2020;S0090-4295(20)31520-X. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2020.12.022. 

Contact and Further Information

For more information, please contact: catherine.major@beyondpr.com or amelia.keech@beyondpr.com   

Johnson & Johnson launches The 3rd Opinion in Asia  Pacific: a new term to elevate the patient voice in the lung cancer treatment  journey

Newly published research shows up to 77% of patients in Asia Pacific trust and rely on their physicians to decide their treatment for them despite 69% of physicians encouraging patients to engage in shared decision making.[1]

A new term, coined The 3rd Opinion, is designed to spark a social movement that empowers patients to recognize their vital role in shared decision-making, in a region that is disproportionately impacted by lung cancer.[2]

On World Lung Cancer Day, Johnson & Johnson announced the launch of the 3^rd Opinion, the patient’s own opinion, a new term that seeks to elevate the patient voice and transform the treatment journey of lung cancer across Asia Pacific by enhancing shared decision making. With significant scientific advancements and more lung cancer treatments becoming available, it is essential for patients to understand their options and actively engage in their care. Johnson & Johnson seeks to empower patients, amplify their voices and ensure that collaborative care becomes a reality for every patient. 

According to newly published data on NSCLC patient preferences in Future Oncology, up to 77% of patients in Asia Pacific trust and rely on their physicians to decide their treatment for them despite 69% of physicians encouraging patients to engage in shared decision making.[1] Cultural norms around stigma, not questioning authority, and limited understanding of the disease can often be major barriers causing patients not to voice concerns or ask questions, even when healthcare professionals actively encourage their input. 

“Being diagnosed with lung cancer is overwhelming. It’s natural for patients to seek clarity, often by pursuing a second opinion, to better understand their condition and treatment options. However, patients often hesitate to express their concerns and treatment goals, causing them to be overlooked in the decision-making process. By creating space for the patient’s own opinion, The 3^rdOpinion, creates a new way of thinking about lung cancer treatment and empowers patients to find their voice,” said Anthony Elgamal, Vice President of Oncology, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Asia Pacific.

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality rate of all cancers worldwide, with more than 2.5 million people diagnosed every year, and Asia makes up 63% of all patients.[2] Up to 85% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and Asians are more prone to certain genetic mutations than the rest of the world. One of the most prevalent is a mutation known as EGFR where 30-40% of all NSCLC diagnoses are in Asia, compared to 10-15% in the United States and Europe.[3,4,5]  Often being diagnosed at a late stage, less than 20% of people with these genetic mutations survive beyond five years,[6] and up to 40% never get the chance to receive a subsequent therapy after first-line treatment.[7,8,9] 

"With the disproportionately high prevalence of certain NSCLC mutations in Asia Pacific, we need to think differently about how we treat patients and what more we can achieve with the first treatment. Treatment options have become increasingly complex and clinical decision making should comprehensively consider disease characteristics, patient treatment goals and values, and aim for an individualized balance between survival, longer lasting disease control and side effects. When shared decision making includes all available options, the final decision can be made collaboratively,” said Prof James Chih-Hsin Yang, Director of National Taiwan University Cancer Center and key advocate for the 3^rd Opinion initiative.

Mark Brooke, Chief Executive Officer of Lung Foundation Australia, co-author of the Future Oncology publication and an advocate of the 3^rd Opinion agreed, “The physician and patient dynamic is one of trust, but we cannot rely on that alone. The consequence is a potential disconnect between the patient and their healthcare professional around treatment preferences and personal goals. For patients, they often want more time above all else – to witness life's milestones, more moments with loved ones, and more opportunities to simply live. Patients need to be equipped with adequate disease and treatment information, so they can communicate what matters most to them”.

The 3rd Opinion will be launched across multiple markets with educational resources, including a Lung Cancer Book of Answers in China, a patient empowerment video and various shared decision making tools across Asia Pacific to spark a social movement that encourages patients to confidently articulate their personal goals for treatment. The creation of a neologism, like The 3^rd Opinion, ensures shared decision making becomes accepted into clinical practice and in turn fosters an environment where the doctor’s expertise and the patient goals come together to design the best treatment plan.

References

1. Chee Khoon Lee et al. Navigating advanced lung cancer care, patient-physician alliance, cancer stigma, and psychosociial support in Asia-Pacific: perspectives from patients, caregivers, and physicians. DOI: 10.1080/14796694.2025.2499511
2. Natia Jokhadze MD,  Arunangshu Das MBBS,  Don S. Dizon MD. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. Volume 74Issue 3CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians pages: 224-226 First Published online: April 4, 2024
3. Keedy VL, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation Testing for Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Considering First-Line EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2011; 29(15): 2121-2127.
4. Ellison G, et al. EGFR Mutation Testing in Lung Cancer: a Review of Available Methods and Their Use for Analysis of Tumour Tissue and Cytology Samples. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2013; 66(2): 79-89.
5. Korpanty G, et al. Biomarkers That Currently Affect Clinical Practice in Lung Cancer: EGFR, ALK, MET, ROS-1, and KRAS. Frontiers in Oncology. 2014; 4: 204.
6. Bazhenova L, Minchom A, Viteri S, et al. Comparative clinical outcomes for patients with advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations and common EGFR mutations. Lung Cancer. 2021;162:154-161.​
7. Nieva J, Karia PS, Okhuoya P, et al. A real-world (rw) observational study of long-term survival (LTS) and treatment patterns after first-line (1L) osimertinib in patients (pts) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive (m) advanced non-small cell lung cancer [ESMO abstract 1344P]. Ann Oncol. 2023;34(suppl 2):S774  ​
8. Lee JY, Mai V, Garcia M, et al. Treatment patterns and outcomes of first-line osimertinib-treated advanced EGFR mutated NSCLC patients: a real-world study [IASLC abstract EP08.02-082]. Presented at: IASLC 2022 World Lung Conference on Lung Cancer; August 6-9, 2022; Vienna, Austria.​
9. Girard N, Leighl NB, Ohe Y, et al. Mortality among EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC patients after starting frontline osimertinib treatment: a real-world, US attrition analysis. Presented at: the European Lung Cancer Congress; March 29-April 1, 2023; Copenhagen, Denmark. Poster 19P.​

Media Contact and Further Information

Sheila Lim <sheila.lim@ogilvy.com>

Current Diagnostic Tool Underestimates Kidney Failure Risk in Frail Individuals

Researchers have found that a common tool used by clinicians for predicting kidney failure could be underestimatinag the risk of failure for some people.

The study – led by the University of Glasgow and published today in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN) – suggests the Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE), a prognostic tool that is widely recommended in clinical guidelines, could be underestimating the risk of kidney failure for individuals with chronic kidney disease who also have frailty.

The findings – which looked at 24,489 people from the UK Biobank – also show that the prediction of kidney failure is improved for these people when a simple, alternative blood test, which can also be used to measure kidney function, is used alongside the KFRE tool.

The study shows that the addition of the cystatin C-test – with analyses accounting for the competing risk of people dying before they progress to kidney failure – could greatly improve predictions of kidney failure for this group of people.

Cystatin C has been proposed as a more accurate test for assessing and estimating kidney function, compared to the commonly used creatinine test, particularly in older patients. Previous research has shown it can be a better way to test kidney function for some groups of people; and, as it is also more sensitive, may be able to identify a heightened risk of developing and dying from cancer in people with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is characterised by gradual loss of kidney function over time,. Although kidney failure requiring dialysis is rare, mild kidney disease is common, affecting around 10% of the population, and it is usually asymptomatic and therefore not routinely diagnosed and monitored infrequently.

Frailty – a condition of increased susceptibility and vulnerability to stressors, with increased risk of adverse events such as falls, delirium and hospitalisations – is also common amongst adults with chronic kidney disease, and its presence can impact chronic kidney disease and risk of death, and individuals with chronic kidney disease are more likely to experience frailty than those without it.

Currently, clinical guidelines recommend the use of just the Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) to guide the management of the disease, and there is limited evidence to guide how chronic kidney disease management should be altered in the presence of frailty.

Dr Heather Walker, Research Fellow at the University’s School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, said: “Our findings could have important implications on clinical practice and the way patients with frailty and chronic kidney disease are tested and cared for. It is important not to overlook this group of patients, who are more likely to experience frailty alongside multiple long-term health conditions.” 

Dr Bhautesh Jani, Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University’s School of Health and Wellbeing, said: "Frailty is often related to ageing, and people with frailty are likely to have multiple health conditions. We need to improve our understanding of frailty's impact on health outcomes for conditions like chronic kidney disease to offer more appropriate treatment options for patients."

The study, ‘Frailty in Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease and Validation of the Kidney Failure Risk Equation in Frailty Sub-Groups,’ is published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN). Heather Walker is on the Wellcome Multimorbidity for Health Professionals programme. https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/doctoraltraining/multimorbidity/

Media Contact and Further Information

Ali Howard - University of Glasgow ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk

Elizabeth McMeekin  - University of Glasgow Elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk  

Key Issues Affecting Eyes During the Summer into Autumn Months 

Pharmacist Sultan Dajani, advisor to www.goldeneyecare.co.uk  points out that there are various environmental and lifestyle factors that can cause problems for our eyes during the summer months. Here is a summary to the core challenges that can test our eye health.

• UV and Sunlight: While it is commonly known that sunlight and UV rays can harm the skin, it is also important to consider their effects on the eyes. UV light can damage all parts of the eye, including the eyelid. The National Eye Institute reports that prolonged exposure to UV rays can modify lens proteins,[1] leading to cataract formation and deteriorating eyesight.”.[2]
• Allergies: Sultan Dajani notes: “Allergies during the summer season and into the autumn months are common, with increased levels of flower, grass, and tree pollen contributing to hay fever. Besides pollen and hay fever, other allergies that may affect the eyes include dust mites, animal dander (tiny flakes of skin or hair), foods (such as nuts, fruit, shellfish, eggs, cow’s milk), insect bites and stings, latex, mould, and household chemicals”[3]
• Warmer Temperatures: Sultan Dajani  adds: “As temperatures rise and the air becomes warmer and drier, it can affect the eyes. In addition, the use of air conditioning contributes to this effect, as the warm air causes moisture and tears to evaporate quickly, leading to drier and grittier eyes.”
• Dehydration: Dehydration impacts the body similarly to warm temperatures, as reduced hydration levels lead to decreased tear production. Consequently, this can cause the eyes to become itchy, dry, and irritated.
• Pool Chemicals: Summer swimming in pools helps cool us down, but chemicals like chlorine, used to keep germs at bay, can leave a sting in the eyes, causing them to appear red and irritated. Similarly, swimming in the sea with its saltwater can also cause problems for the eyes.
• Lack of sleep: Sultan Dajani continues: “Warm summer nights can often mean disturbed sleep, from lighter evenings delaying bedtime, to lighter mornings bringing forward wake-up time, and soaring temperatures making it uncomfortable to even drop off. This lack of sleep impacts tear production, which needs good quality sleep.”
• Sleep Deprivation: “Warm summer nights frequently lead to disturbed sleep, due to lighter evenings delaying bedtime, lighter mornings advancing wake-up time, and elevated temperatures causing discomfort when trying to get to sleep. When we don’t get enough sleep or have poor quality sleep, this affects tear production, which can result in dry, tired eyes,” notes Sultan Dajani.

What can we Do when our Eyes Start to Cause Us Problems?

Eye infections can often be treated at home. However, if there is pain or a loss of vision, it is necessary to seek medical advice.

One eye care product range, found in local pharmacies, is GoldenEye®, which is a summer self-care . It treats styes, conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Formulations with propamidine isethionate, of which GoldenEye® Eye Drops contain, are effective disinfectants GoldenEye® Eye Drops contain propamidine isethionate, which works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, which controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection.[4]  Always read the label.

• GoldenEye® Antibiotic Eye Ointment contains the antibiotic chloramphenicol. This product is intended for acute bacterial conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 2 years and over. It should be reserved for acute infection to limit the spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics (antibiotic resistance). Always read the label.

 6 Self-Care Tips For Tackling Summer Eye Health Miseries

1. UV Protection. Pharmacist Sultan Dajani, advisor to goldeneyecare.co.uk says “UV light is not visible to the human eye, but it can cause damage to both the eyes and skin. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun can result in both short- and long-term effects on the eyes. It is advisable to wear high-quality UV protective sunglasses during the summer when the UV index is moderate or high.”
2. Limit exposure to allergens. Sultan Dajani adds: “Identify which allergens cause eye symptoms and try to reduce exposure to them. Grass, tree pollens (spring, summer, and autumn), weed pollens, and fungal mould spores are common allergens for hay fever sufferers.”
3. Treat eye infections immediately: There are lots of things that can go wrong with our eyes, but most can be quickly and easily treated at home with products from the pharmacy. Conjunctivitis, blepharitis and styes are some of the incredibly common conditions that can easily affect the eye and cause misery. If you have a minor eye health problem, the pharmacy should be your first port of call.  The pharmacist can use their clinical expertise and practical knowledge to provide advice and treatment recommendations such as Golden Eye® Eye Drops. Always read the label.
4. Avoid rubbing your eyes: Although it may be tempting to rub your eyes when they feel itchy or gritty, doing so can exacerbate the issue. Hands come into contact with numerous surfaces, making it easy to transfer bacteria and germs to the face. This increases the risk of eye infections such as styes, conjunctivitis, or blepharitis.
5. Evening shower: Sultan Dajani continues: “Taking a shower in the evening can help remove allergens that may be on your body. This practice can also help keep your bedding free from allergens that could transfer to your pillow.”
6. Sultan Dajani notes: “The body is made up of 70 per cent water. Water is essential to the normal working of the body - and that includes the eyes. Dehydration can lead to dry, sore, and irritated eyes.[5] It is recommended that we drink approximately 1.2 litres (6-8 glasses) of water every day and more when you exercise or if the weather is hot.”

Eye conditions: A Closer Look

Styes:  A stye is a bacterial infection of either an eyelash follicle or a gland near the eyelashes. It causes a small, painful lump on or inside the eyelid or around the eye.

The skin around the stye may be swollen and red and the stye may be filled with yellow pus. Styes are common and they can take up to two weeks to clear. According to one study, styes accounted for 4% of more than 4 million emergency department attendances for eye conditions across all age groups.[6]

Styes rarely a sign of anything serious, but can be painful, unsightly, and generally unpleasant until they heal.

Sultan Dajani says: “Allergies are known risk factors for styes and people tend to get more styes during allergy season. With the experience of itchy eye symptoms, it can feel impossible not to rub them.”

Conjunctivitis: Sometimes known as pinkeye, the meaning of conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin skin on the inside of the eyelid.

Sultan Dajani adds: “Conjunctivitis is often caused by infection from a virus or bacteria or an allergy. When it happens, the blood vessels of the sclera (the white of the eye) become dilated, giving us that red-eyed appearance. The eyes may also feel gritty, itchy, sticky, burning or be watering more than usual.”

Blepharitis: Blepharitis is a common eye condition, estimated to account for around 5% of eye-health-related GP visits.[7]

This condition causes inflammation of the eyelids. This can either be anterior blepharitis, inflammation at the base of the eyelid which can be caused by bacteria like staphylococci, or seborrhoeic dermatitis, or posterior blepharitis, an inflammation of the meibomian glands, which help to produce tears.[8]

Symptoms may include soreness, itching, a gritty feeling, flakes, or crusts around the roots of the eyelashes and eyelashes sticking together in the morning when you wake up.

References

1. Lens proteins account for the transparency of the lens
2. https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/protecting-your-eyes-suns-uv-light#:~:text=Prolonged%20exposure%20to%20UV%20rays,are%20linked%20to%20UV%20exposure.
3. Allergies - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
4. ebi.ac.uk/chebi/searchId.do?chebiId=CHEBI:87175
5. https://www.optometristsclinic.com/b/dehydration-and-ocular-health#:~:text=Yes%2C%20because%20when%20you're,uncomfortable%20symptoms%20of%20dry%20eye.
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26821577/. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2016;134(3):312–319. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2015.5778
7. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/blepharitis/
8. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/blepharitis/background-information/definition/

Media Contact and Further Information

"Paula Figgett" paula@junglecatsolutions.com