Common Eye Diseases
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in a loss of vision. There are two types: primary open-angle glaucoma, and acute angle closure glaucoma. It is caused by a buildup of aqueous humor that puts pressure on the optic nerve, resulting in damage. Some general symptoms include gradual vision loss, and high pressures of the eye. Primary open-angle glaucoma symptoms include loss of peripheral vision and tunnel vision. Acute angle closure glaucoma symptoms include: eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, reddening of the eye, and nausea and vomitting accompanying eye pain. Glaucoma canʼt be totally cured, but it can be treated. Treatment often starts with eyedrops that can be assisted with oral medication, and followed up with surgery if the medication is ineffective. Primary open-angle glaucoma has very few warning signs. Donʼt wait for noticeable eye problems. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the deterioration of the macula, which is located in the center of the retina. There are two types: Wet macular degeneration, and dry macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration is characterized by swelling caused by leaky blood vessels in the back of the eye. Dry macular degeneration is characterized by central vision loss. The cause of macular degeneration is unknown, but it generally develops with age. Some symptoms of macular degeneration include: the need for increasingly bright light, increased blurring of printed words, a decrease of brightness of colors, an increased haziness of vision, and a blurred spot in central vision. There is no treatment for the reversal of macular degeneration, but an increased vitamin intake can help. There is also surgery available to implant a telescopic lens in one eye. If you notice changes in your central vision, or notice a decreased ablility to see color and details, it is advised to see your Optometrist.
Cataracts
A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye. Most cataracts develop slowly and donʼt disturb eyesight early on, but over time cataracts will interfere with vision. Cataracts can develop with age, can be caused by a trauma to tissue that makes up the lens, or can result from inherited genetic disorders that increase the risk of cataracts. Some symptoms of cataracts include clouded vision, blurred vision, dimmed vision, difficulty with night vision, light and glare sensitivity, yellowing or fading of colord, and double vision in one eye. The only effective treatment is surgery. Surgery should be considered when the cataracts interfere with the quality of life or affect normal daily activities. If cataract surgery is not done, regular exams and follow ups are recommended to monitor progression.
Iritis
Iritis is the inflammation of the membrane that lines your eyelid and part of your eye. If it is left untreated, it could lead to glaucoma or blindness. The cause of iritis is unknown, but it sometimes can be tracked back to an underlying condition or genetic disorder, eye trauma, and certain medications. Iritis is often characterized with symptoms of discomfort or achiness of the eye, light sensitivity, blurred vision, eye floaters, or a bluish-pink color on the white of the eye. Some treatments that are available are steroid drops, antibiotic drops, and dilating eye drops. If any of these symptoms are present, see your Optometrist for an evaluation.
Conjunctivitus
Conjuncitivitus is more commonly known as "pink eye". It is an inflammation of the membrane that lines your eyelid and part of your eye. It causes blood vessels to become more noticeable, resulting in the pink or red coloring. Conjunctivitus rarely affects vision, and is very contageous so early detection is important. The cause is either a viral or bacterial infection, or an allergic reaction. In babies, it can be caused by an incompletely opened tear duct. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, a gritty feeling, a discharge that forms a cruse in one or both of your eyes, and tearing. If it is bacterial, antibiotic eyedrops or ointment may be used to help cure it. If it is viral, unfortunately there is no treatment and you have to let the virus run its course. If it is due to an allergic reaction, allergy eyedrops may be perscribed. As mentioned before, bacterial conjunctivitus is extremely contageous so good hand washing is important.
Sty
A sty is a red, painful lump that usually forms on the outside or the inside of the eyelid. The causes of a sty include: poor hygiene that allows your eyelid to be exposed to bacteria, chronic eyelid inflammation. Symptoms of a sty include eyelid pain, eyelid swelling, tearing, and a lump on your eyelid that is similar to a pimple. Treatment for a sty includes a warm moist compress to the eye for 4-5 minutes, 6-8 times a day, followed by a gentle lid massage. For a sty that doesnʼt go away on its own, topical drops or oral antibiotics may be prescribed. Surgery may be needed if compresses do not relieve pain and swelling. If reddness and swelling extend into the face or cheek,seek medical attention.
Foreign Body
A foreign body is any foreign object (ex dust, sand, metal, eyelash) that gets into the eye, or under the eyelid. Symptoms of a foreign body include pain, redness, swelling, light sentivity, and watering of the eye.
If you get a foreign object in your eye, you should:
1.) Wash your hands
2.) Try to wash the object out with clean water or saline solution
3.) If you canʼt get the foreign object out, see a healthcare professional immediatiely. If you
experience abnormal vision, or when pain, redness, or the sensation of an object being in
your eye continues after the object is removed, you should also see a healthcare
professional.