Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common vision defect most often caused by an irregularly shaped cornea which blurs and distorts eyesight. Although some degree of astigmatism is found in most people, those with problematic, moderate or severe astigmatism should seek correction. Special prescription glasses and contact lenses can correct astigmatism. Laser or conventional surgery are now used, and new acrylic implants can be inserted to round out the cornea to eliminate amounts of astigmatism. Although astigmatism cannot be prevented, proper eye care and monitoring of your condition can help you see clear.
Cataract
A condition of the crystalline lens, in which the normally clear lens becomes clouded or yellowed, resulting in blurred or foggy vision. Cataracts may be caused by aging, eye injuries, disease, heredity, or birth defects. Cataracts can be detected in a professional eye examination.
Chalazion
A chalazion is a painless, hard, round nodule in the eyelid caused by blockage of the sebaceous glands. It is normally treated with frequent hot compresses, lid hygiene, and antibiotics. Persistent chalazions can also be treated by injection or surgery.
Color Blindness
Color blindness is a vision defect in which some colors are not seen normally. The various degrees of color blindness are caused by the state of color receptors found at the back of the eye. Color deficiency is more common in males. While there is no cure for color blindness, personalized methods of color identification and visual aids can help color-blind people.
Conjunctivitis
An inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent layer covering the inner eyelid and the white portion, or sclera, of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus infectious conjunctivitis (pink eye), by allergies to pollen, fabrics, animal or cosmetics (allergic conjunctivitis), or by air pollution or noxious fumes such as swimming pool chlorine (chemical conjunctivitis). Symptoms include red or watery eyes, blurred vision, inflamed inner eyelids, scratchiness in the eyes, or in infectious conjunctivitis, a pus like or watery discharge, and matted eyelids. Conjunctivitis is usually treated with an antibiotic and/or ointment.
Corneal Ulcer
An infected or inflamed cornea lesion, accompanied by pain, light sensitivity, excessive tearing and lid droop. This can lead to loss of vision if not properly treated immediately.
Crossed-eyes
Medical name: strabismus. In a person with crossed-eyes, one or both eyes point in different directions because the muscles in and around one or both eyes are not working in a coordinated manner. Causes of this defect are diverse, but in all cases, crossed-eyes should be treated as soon as possible after diagnosis to avoid any loss of vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a retinal blood-vessel disease that effects people with diabetes. It may progress from early to advanced disease. At first, vision is unaffected. In later stages, new blood vessels and fibrous tissue grow on the retina, interfering with sight. If not promptly treated, vision loss may occur. Tight control of blood sugar levels may prevent or slow the progress of this disease. Laser surgery may help preserve vision in some people with advanced disease. New treatments also include injections into the eye that inhibit new blood vessel growth.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition normally caused by a shortage of tear production by the tear glands in the eyelid. People with dry eye have burning, gritty or tired eyes. Dry eyes are normally treated by use of “artificial tears”, over the counter eye drops to augment the normal lubrication of the eyes by tear production. For some patients, a prescription eye drop called Restasis can be very beneficial in reducing the symptoms. Dry eye can be a serious eye condition, so if symptoms persist, make an appointment with your eye doctor.
Farsightedness
Medical name: Hyperopia. Farsightedness is a common vision defect caused by the shape and length of the eye, and may be accentuated by environmental stresses. Most farsighted people see distant objects clearly and close objects less clearly. Children with severe farsightedness are at high-risk for developing crossed-eye and lazy eye, and should be treated. In adults, problematic, moderate or severe farsightedness should be addressed. Special prescription glasses or contact lenses can correct farsightedness. Laser or incisional procedures are now being used with varying degrees of success to eliminate farsightedness. Although farsightedness cannot be prevented, proper diagnosis, eye care and monitoring of the condition will bring things back into focus.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is increased pressure in the eyeball, caused by the abnormally high production of eye fluid (aqueous) or a decrease in the drainage of aqueous, and resulting in permanent damage to the retina of the eye, or blindness if untreated. The most common form, chronic glaucoma, occurs gradually, is painless, and has few warning symptoms. Periodic intraocular pressure checks and regular eye examination for glaucoma signs are the best preventive measures. Acute glaucoma is marked by sudden, severe pain in and around the eye, sharply decreased vision, nausea and vomiting. Emergency treatment is usually required, generally involving laser or other surgery, to prevent permanent damage or blindness.
Keratoconus
People with keratoconus develop an irregular, cone-shaped cornea which is the clear window that covers the eye’s iris and pupil. The change in the cornea’s structure blurs vision and makes people more nearsighted over time. Changes usually begin in the late teens and early twenties, then progress for about 10 to 20 years. No one knows the cause, but keratoconus runs in families. Most people with keratoconus can wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses to correct vision problems. About 10% of people must have a corneal transplant to improve their vision. The operation is successful in more than 90% of people. After a transplant, about 60% of people must still wear RGP contact lenses to correct their vision.
Lazy Eye
Medical name: Amblyopia. Infants and children with lazy eye experience a loss or lack of development of vision, usually in one eye. Lazy eye is caused by the physical limitations of the eye and the effect these limitations can have on the nerves leading to the brain. The three types of conditions that can lead to lazy eye are crossed-eye, defects in the focusing power of the eye, and damage or clouding caused by cataracts or other diseases. The degree of amblyopia can be reduced by proper recognition and treatment before the age of five. It is therefore recommended that all children have a comprehensive eye exam before the age of five.
Macular Degeneration
A degenerative disease that effects the central spot (macula) of the retina, which is responsible for central vision. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss over 60. There are two types: wet and dry. Some people with wet macular degeneration may be helped by laser surgery or injection of medicine to stop the growth of new blood vessels. The cause of this disease is unknown, but scientists are studying whether vitamin and mineral supplements can prevent or slow its development.
Nearsightedness
Medical name: Myopia. Nearsightedness is a common vision defect caused by the shape and length of the eye. Nearsighted people can see close objects clearly and distant objects less clearly. Special prescription glasses or contact lenses can correct nearsightedness. Laser or incisional procedures are now being used with varying degrees of success to eliminate nearsightedness. Although nearsightedness cannot be prevented, proper diagnosis, eye care and monitoring of the condition will bring things back into focus.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a condition associated with the aging eye’s diminishing ability to focus on close objects. People usually discover this trouble during their mid-forties, and can correct it with lenses adapted to their various needs. Although presbyopia is a natural condition that everyone has to face sooner or later, proper diagnosis, eye care, safety precautions and monitoring of the condition can give our eyes a new lease on life.
Retinal Detachment
A separation of the retina from the back of the eye, resulting in loss of vision, and requiring immediate attention to minimize permanent vision loss; characterized by the sensation that a curtain has been drawn across a portion of the field of vision. A sudden proliferation of spots, specks, floaters, or flashing of lights may also occur.
Spots, Floaters and Flashes
The spots, floaters and flashes we sometimes see in our line of vision can be a part of natural process. While they may be bothersome at times, in most cases these shadows and light shows are not harmful. However, if there is a sudden increase in the number of spots and floaters, if light flashes continue or vision dims for too long, immediate medical attention is needed. Flashes or floaters can signify a retinal hole or retinal detachment.
Styes
Styes are infections of the glands around the eyelashes and under the upper and lower eyelids that may be associated with stress or eye conditions. Eyelash styes are less painful and clear up with less effort than those found within the eye. Eyelid styes and other stubborn styes usually require treatment by an eye doctor. Good lid hygiene and eye care is key in healing any stye.