Eye Health

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Allergy

Allergy will typically make the eyes red and irritated, but the most common symptom is itching. Typically both eyes are affected. The best way treat eye-related allergies is to remove exposure to the offending source of the allergy. Unfortunately, this isn't always possible. Allergies can be caused by air-borne particulates, exposure to animals, medications, facial cosmetics, soaps and detergents, or contact lens cleaning products. Eye-related allergies can be treated aggressively in the acute, or short-term phase, in order to quickly turn things around. At that point, other products are prescribed, which are safer for longer term, or chronic use. Many people experience seasonal allergies in the spring or fall months. These types of situations best respond if treatment is started at least two weeks before the onset of symptoms.

Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside of the eye. It is probably the most common age-related eye problem in people over 60. All of us will eventually develop cataracts, if we live long enough. Cataracts are often considered to be part of the normal aging process, but can also result as a side effect from heredity, injury, certain medications, or systemic diseases. Most cataracts progress slowly, while others can get worse quickly. Sometimes upgrading to new glasses can restore vision, for a period of time, as a cataract progresses. Fortunately cataract surgery is relatively quick, painless, and highly successful. Most individuals can resume normal activity within a day or two.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also commonly known as "pink eye", is an inflammatory process of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a clear membrane that covers the sclera, which is the white part of the eye. There are many different causes and types of conjunctivitis, and the proper treatment can vary widely, depending on the source of the pink eye. When experiencing conjunctivitis it is wise to avoid touching the eyes, and wash hands frequently. Anyone who develops conjunctivitis while wearing contact lenses, should immediately remove their contacts, wear glasses, and seek medical treatment if necessary.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that interferes with the body's ability to use and store sugar. Over time it can weaken and cause changes in the blood vessels in the eye that are so vital in providing oxygen to the retina. The retina is a membrane, on the inside wall of the eye that enables us to see. It is called diabetic retinopathy when damage to these blood vessels in the retina occurs. If left untreated it can cause damage to the retina, or even blindness. Sometimes blurred vision can be a sign that these changes in the blood vessels are starting to occur. Sometimes problems can start even when vision seems normal. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment is essential. This is why regular eye-health evaluations are so important in people with diabetes, or if there is a family history of diabetes.

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)

Dry eye syndrome may occur in a wide range of individuals, ranging from children to the elderly. It is most commonly observed in people over 50 years of age, and also in women. It is also more of a problem in people with connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome, along with diabetes and other systemic conditions. DES produces symptoms such as general irritation and discomfort, itching, burning, or a "sandy/gritty" sensation. Ironically, excessive tearing may be caused by DES. These symptoms may be worsened by environmental conditions such as poor air quality, low humidity, or extreme heat. Once started, Dry Eye Syndrome is a chronic condition which can lead to damage to the surface of the eye over time, if not treated effectively. New technology in dry eye treatment, along with new contact lens technology can sometimes make it possible for individuals with dry eye to successfully wear contact lenses.

Floaters

Most of us will develop floaters in our vision at some point in our lives. They are usually harmless and oftentimes appear as small, semi-transparent or cloudy particles that float inside of the eye. The hollow cavity within the eye is filled with a ball of gel, called the vitreous. As part of the aging process, this gel within the eye starts to deteriorate and becomes more watery. As a result, protein particles begin to float more freely within the vitreous. These floaters become more noticeable whenever we look towards an evenly illuminated background: a white wall in a room, a white page in a book, or a blue sky on a bright sunny, clear day. Certain eye diseases and injuries can also cause an increase in floaters in our vision. Floaters need to be evaluated by an eye doctor in order to insure that more serious complications do not develop.

Glaucoma

The front portion inside the eye is filled with a fluid that is constantly draining out of the eye. Glaucoma is usually caused by an increase in the pressure of this fluid. If the pressure rises, over time the nerve that connects the eye with the brain begins to deteriorate, leading to a loss of vision, or sometimes blindness. In rare cases this can even happen when the pressure is normal. Many factors can play a role in the development of glaucoma, including aging, side effects from medications, family history, or trauma to the eye. Glaucoma is a sneaky, insidious disease that can often happen without giving us any signs or symptoms that something is wrong. Things don't look or feel any differently during the early stages of the disease progression. This is why regular eye examinations are so vitally important in detection and diagnosis.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of acquired legal blindness in the United States for persons over the age of 65. What is the macula? It is the very center of the retina that we use when we look straight ahead, directly at something. When the macula is healthy, our vision is clear and distinct. When the macula deteriorates, even glasses will not provide clear, detailed vision or vivid appreciation of color. There are two major categories of AMD: Non-exudative, also known as "dry" AMD, and Exudative, also known as "wet" AMD. Many factors play a role in impacting AMD, including genetics, systemic diseases, and lifestyle habits. Macular degeneration can begin even when vision seems normal. Just like most other eye problems, early detection and treatment is essential. Annual eye-health evaluations are recommended in anyone with macular degeneration, or if there is a family history.