Common Eye Problems

Amblyopia, 'lazy eye': decreased vision in an eye without detectable damage to the eye or visual pathway; commonly related to a disease of the eye from the early months or years of life. Normal treatment is done by occluding the strong eye forcing the weak eye to strengthen. Treatment at an early age is crucial.

Astigmatism: a condition in which the cornea of the eye is shaped like a football, not a basketball; light rays entering the eye bend unequally and focus at two or more different points, preventing a sharp image focus on the retina; images will appear blurry and distorted. Corrected by a cylindrical eyeglass or toric contact lens.

Cataract: any opacity or cloudiness of the crystalline lens; may prevent a clear image from forming on the retina; may be congenital or caused by trauma, disease or age. Lens may require surgical removal if visual loss becomes significant.

Conjunctivitis, 'pink eye': inflammation of conjunctiva (mucus membrane that covers the white of eye and inner surfaces of eyelids); characterized by discharge, grittiness, redness, and swelling; contagious; usually viral in origin. Is generally treated with antibiotics prescribed by an Optometrist.

Dry Eye Syndrome: excessive dryness of the cornea or conjunctiva due to deficient tear production, predominantly in menopausal and post-menopausal women; can cause a foreign body sensation, burning eyes, and erosion of the epithelium of the cornea or conjunctiva. Generally treated with eye drops prescribed by an Optometrist.

Glaucoma: group of diseases characterized by increased pressure within the eye resulting in damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision; a common cause of preventable vision loss; existence of the disease in a relative is a strong predisposing factor. Treated with medication and/or surgery prescribed by an Ophthalmologist.

Hyperopia, 'farsightedness': the eye is too short causing light rays to focus beyond the retina; true focus is said to be 'behind the retina'; distant objects are clear while near objects are distorted. Corrected with a plus power spectacle, contact lens or laser vision correction.

Macular Degeneration: usually evident as a loss of pigment in the central retinal zone; abnormal new blood vessels grow under the retina, leaking fluid and blood, impairing central vision; one of the most common causes of decreased vision after age 60; similar changes can occur in younger patients as part of a hereditary disease.

Myopia, 'nearsightedness': the eye is too long causing light rays to focus in front of the retina; near objects are clear while distant objects are distorted. Corrected with a minus lens to 'weaken' the eye optically and permit clear distance vision. This condition can also be corrected with contact lenses or Laser Vision Correction.

Presbyopia: occurs when the crystalline lens loses its elasticity or capacity to accommodate, diminishing its ability to focus on objects nearby; usually becomes significant after age 40. Corrected with progressive lenses, bifocals, reading spectacles or bifocal contacts.

Strabismus, 'crossed eyes': misalignment of the eyes caused by a muscle imbalance between the eyes; one eye is not directed at the same object as the other.

This in no way represents medical advice. These are just a few descriptions of visual problems and diseases that affect our eyesight. If you are experiencing any difficulty focusing on objects or have pain or discomfort in your eye, we encourage you to consult an eye doctor immediately!