Cataracts – clouding of all or part of the normally clear lens within the eye, which results in blurred or distorted vision. Cataracts are most often found in people over age 55, and there is no proven method to prevent them from forming. During a comprehensive eye examination, your optometrist can diagnose a cataract, monitor its development, and prescribe changes in eyeglasses or contact lenses to maintain good vision. If a cataract develops to the point that it affects daily activities, an optometrist can refer you to an eye surgeon who may recommend surgery.
Conjunctivitis – an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. The three main types of conjunctivitis are infectious, allergic and chemical. The infectious type, commonly called "pink eye" is caused by a contagious virus or bacteria. The best way to treat allergic or chemical conjunctivitis is to avoid the cause. If that does not work, prescription or over-the-counter eye drops may relieve discomfort.
Macular degeneration - the leading cause of blindness in America that results from changes to the macula, a portion of the retina that is responsible for clear, sharp vision and is located at the back of the eye. Most people with macular degeneration have the dry form, for which there is no known treatment. The less common wet form may respond to laser procedures if it’s diagnosed and treated early.
Glaucoma – an eye disease in which the internal pressure in the eyes increases enough to damage the nerve fibers in the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled. The treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops and medicines to lower the pressure in the eyes. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be effective in reducing pressure.
Ocular hypertension – an increase in the pressure in the eyes that is above the range considered normal, but there are no detectable changes in vision or damage to the structure of the eyes as there are with glaucoma. However, there is an increased risk of glaucoma among those with ocular hypertension. An optometrist can check the pressure in your eyes with an instrument called a tonometer and can examine the inner structures of your eyes to assess overall eye health.
Dry eye – the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears produced do not have the proper chemical composition. Often dry eye is part of the natural aging process. Dry eye cannot be cured, but your optometrist can prescribe treatment so your eyes remain healthy and your vision is unaffected. Are you suffering from dry eye?
Dry Eye Assessment
| 1. How often do you use artificial tears? |
3 times/week |
2 times/day |
more than 2 times/day |
| 2. Do your eyes feel dry, painful or sore? |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
| 3. Do you experience episodes of blurred vision? |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
| 4. How often do your eyes feel tired? |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
| 5. Do you have eye problems when you are working on a computer, watching TV or reading? |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
If you responded Often or Always to two or more of the above questions, you may be suffering from dry eye. Click here to learn more about Restasis, a medication for dry eye.
Anterior uveitis – an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris (colored part of the eye) and adjacent tissue, known as the ciliary body. If untreated, it can cause permanent damage and loss of vision. Treatment usually includes prescription eye drops, which dilate the pupils, in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) – a group of inherited diseases that damage the light-sensitive rods and cones located in the retina, the back part of the eyes. Signs of RP usually appear during childhood or adolescence, and over the years, the disease causes further loss of side vision. Currently, there is no cure for RP, but there is research that indicates that vitamin A and lutein may slow the rate at which the disease progresses.
Keratoconus – a vision disorder that occurs when the normally round cornea (the front part of the eye) becomes thin and irregular (cone) shaped. This abnormal shape prevents the light entering the eye from being focused correctly on the retina, causing distortion of vision. Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism that is caused by the early stages for keratoconus. As the disorder progresses and cornea continues to thin and change shape, rigid gas permeable contact lenses can be prescribed to correct vision adequately.
Blepharitis – a chronic or long-term inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes. In many cases, good eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine may control blepharitis.
*Information gathered from the American Optometric Association
Please click here for more in-depth information about each of these eye conditions |
