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Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that describes the
deterioration of sharp, central or “straight ahead” vision and is commonly
observed in people over 60 years of age. There are two types of AMD:
Dry AMD – Dry AMD is the more common form of AMD. Dry AMD occurs when tissue of
the macula thin and break down. This process is gradual and as it progresses,
increased blurring of central vision is observed.
Wet AMD – Wet AMD results when blood vessels form under the macula and leak
fluid damaging the macula. With wet AMD, deterioration of central vision occurs
rapidly and can lead to the complete obstruction of central vision.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a disorder which describes the abnormal shape of the cornea. The
cornea of the eye are normally spherical. With astigmatic eyes, the cornea is
oval shaped like a football. As a result, light focuses on more than one point
on the retina and objects, both near and far, appear blurred. Astigmatism often
occurs along with myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
Common symptoms of astigmatism are blurred vision of far and near objects and
eyestrain.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids and it usually causes excessive
tearing and eyelids to become itchy, red, crusty, and swollen. Blepharitis is
typically the result of either a bacterial condition or skin condition. It
affects people of all ages and it is commonly observed in people who have oily
skin and or dandruff. Blepharitis is not contagious and usually does not result
in severe damage to eyesight. There are two types of blepharitis: Anterior
blepharitis – Inflammation at the outside edge of the eyelid near the
eyelashes. Typically anterior blepharitis is caused by bacteria or scalp
dandruff. Posterior blepharitis – Inflammation at the inner edge of the eyelid.
Posterior blepharitis is usually caused by irregular production of oil by
glands in the eyelids, acne rosacea, or scalp dandruff.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Conjunctivitis is a condition that results in the inflammation of the mucous
membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the eyeball and inner edge of the eyelids.
Some forms of conjunctivitis are highly contagious. There are three common
forms of conjunctivitis:
Viral – Viral conjunctivitis is typically associated with a cold or sore
throat. Common symptoms of viral conjunctivitis are redness of the eye, watery
discharge, and irritation of the eye.
Allergic – Allergic conjunctivitis results from allergies and often occur
seasonally. Common symptoms include swelling, itching, and tearing of both
eyes.
Bacterial – Bacterial conjunctivitis results from a bacterial infection and the
severity depends on the type of bacteria involved. Common symptoms include
swelling, itching, tearing, redness, and sticky mucous discharge.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy describes the deterioration of retina as a consequence of
long-term diabetes. Damaged blood vessels leak fluid into the retina and
results in swelling. This swelling in effect results in the deterioration of
the retina and can lead to the gradual loss of vision. There are two types of
diabetic retinopathy:
Proliferative retinopathy
– Proliferative retinopathy is the more advanced and severe form of
retinopathy. New, abnormal blood vessels grow within the retina. These vessels
are fragile and have the tendency to hemorrhage. As a result, vision is
obscured by the bleeding. In addition, the formation of scar tissue poses
another risk. Scar tissue can cause the retina to retract from the back of the
eyeball and can result in severe vision loss or in some cases blindness. Some
common symptoms of proliferative retinopathy include blurred vision and blind
spots.
Non-proliferative retinopathy
– Non-proliferative retinopathy is the early stage of retinopathy. Fluid from
damaged blood vessels fills the retina and may obscure vision. Common symptoms
of non-proliferative retinopathy are blurred vision and difficulty with
reading, however, some cases of non-proliferative retinopathy have no symptoms.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition in which the glands around the eye do not produce enough
tears to keep the surface of the eye moist. Dry eye is caused by a number of
factors. Aging is one of the more common causes of dry eye. Less oil is
produced as our bodies age and because oil decreases the rate at which tears
evaporate, this decrease in oil production causes tears to evaporate at a more
rapid rate leaving areas of the eye dry. Consequently, contrary to its name,
dry eye syndrome can result in excessive tearing as a natural bodily reaction
to compensate for the loss of tears. Other causes of dry eye include high
altitudes and dry, windy climates. Common symptoms of dry eye include a sandy
feeling in the eye, burning sensations, excessive tearing, redness, itching,
and discomfort while watching tv.
Pinguecula
Pinguecula is a condition in which yellowish growths form on the conjunctiva or
the thin membrane around the eye. It is commonly believed to be caused by
prolonged periods of exposure to ultraviolet light. Pingueculae do not affect
vision, but can lead to irritation, itchiness, or redness.
Retinal Detachment
The retina is a thin, light sensitive membrane that lines the inside of the
eye. It captures light and converts it into electrical signals that are sent to
the brain through the optic nerve. Tears to the retina typically occur as a
person ages. These breaks or tears can lead to a retinal detachment. When a
tear forms, fluid from the eye can pass through the tear and accumulate beneath
the retina. This then progressively separates the retina from the choroid
behind it which is its source of nourishment. Without nourishment, the retina
loses its ability to function and as a result vision is lost. Symptoms of
retinal detachment include the increase in floaters, or specks and web-like
objects, in one’s field of vision, flashes of lights, and the appearance of a
curtain over one’s field of vision.
Strabismus
Strabismus describes the condition in which eyes are misaligned and is
typically seen early in childhood, although it can also occur in adults.
Strabismus can run in families or result from illnesses or injuries. Without
adequate treatment, strabismus may result in amblyopia (lazy eye) or lead to
the loss of vision in the misaligned eye. Signs of strabismus include a
misaligned eye, tilting of the head in one direction, and double vision.
Stye
A stye is an infection near the edge of the eyelids and resembles a pimple.
Styes usually are caused by bacteria that swell the infected area and induce
the growth of a red, tender, and often painful bump near the eyelids. Styes do
not affect vision and can occur at any age.
Vitreous Detachment
Vitreous detachment occurs when vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the
inside of the eye, begins to shrink normally as a result of aging. Millions of
small fibers run through the vitreous and are connected to the retina. When the
vitreous shrinks, these fibers tend to break and cause the vitreous to be
separated from the retina. Vitreous detachments typically do not pose any
serious threats to vision loss. One may experiences discomforts such as
floaters, or specks and web-like objects, passing periodically through one’s
field of vision or flashes of light in one’s peripheral vision.
Vitreous Floaters
Vitreous floaters usually occur as fine fibers in the eye break down and cause
strands and cells to float around in the eye. This generally is more common in
people 50 years or older. These floaters appear to many as dark, web-like
specks that pass through the field of vision. Floaters are usually not
indicative of a serious eye condition, however, an abrupt increase in new
floaters may indicate retinal deterioration and should be examined immediately.
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