Eye Health: Simple Steps to Spot Problems and Care for Your Eyes

Your eyes tell you a lot about your health. Knowing common signs of trouble and what’s in your eye care products helps you act fast and avoid avoidable irritation. Below I cover key warning signs, basic care tips, and what ingredients like benzalkonium chloride and zinc oxide can mean for everyday eye products.

Spotting inflammation in lupus

If you have lupus, your immune system can affect the eyes. Watch for persistent redness, pain, sensitivity to light, blurred or double vision, or a feeling that something is stuck in your eye. These aren’t just annoying symptoms — they can signal inflammation of the conjunctiva, cornea, or inside the eye itself.

If symptoms appear suddenly or your vision changes, contact your ophthalmologist. For mild, known flare-ups your doctor may suggest topical anti-inflammatory drops, steroid treatments, or adjusting your systemic lupus medication. Don’t self-treat with random drops; some over-the-counter products can worsen inflammation or irritate sensitive eyes.

Routine checks matter. Ask your rheumatologist and eye doctor to coordinate care so they can catch changes early and adjust treatment. Keep a simple log of symptoms — when they start, what makes them better or worse, and any triggers like bright light or dry air. That helps your doctor make faster, clearer decisions.

What’s inside your eye drops and ointments?

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a common preservative in many eye drops. It kills bacteria and keeps multi-dose bottles safe. But BAK can irritate some people, especially contact lens wearers or those with chronic dry eye. If your eyes sting after using a drop, try a preservative-free option or single-use vials and tell your doctor.

Zinc oxide is widely used for skin protection and minor irritation. In eye care, zinc compounds sometimes appear in ointments aimed at protecting the eyelid skin or soothing surface irritation. These products can help when used as directed, but they’re not the same as medicinal eye drops for internal inflammation. Ask your pharmacist where a product is best used — on the skin around the eye or exactly in the eye.

Always check product labels and ask if a preservative-free formula exists when you have chronic eye issues. If you wear contacts, put in lenses after using drops unless the product says it’s safe for contact wearers.

Small habits make a big difference: wash hands before touching your eyes, avoid rubbing, use humidifiers in dry rooms, and wear sunglasses outside. If you have lupus or ongoing eye symptoms, schedule regular eye exams and bring questions about ingredients and treatments to your appointments. A little vigilance keeps your vision clearer and your eyes more comfortable.