Eye & Retina Problems

Through sight, we can gather more information about the world around us than through hearing, smelling, tasting or feeling. The human eye has millions of light-sensing cells that recognize patterns of light, which our brains interpret as images. Keeping your eyes in good health is essential to your well-being. Like any other part of your body, your eyes can be assaulted by irritation and disease.

Glaucoma

• Glaucoma is a disease that comes in many forms. Ultimately, glaucoma destroys the optic nerves, which are the nerve cells at the back of the eyeball. Open-angle glaucoma is the least understood form of glaucoma. It occurs when the aqueous humor, which is the jelly-like fluid that makes up much of the eyeball, does not properly drain, causing pressure to build in the eye. Closed-angle glaucoma is similar to open-angle glaucoma, except that a cause is evident: the drainage point for the aqueous humor is blocked either by the iris, or a tumor. Glaucoma can also be congenital, as well as secondary to another eye disease such as cataracts. Treatment for glaucoma may include drugs or surgery, but no known cure exists.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Age-related macular degeneration is the severe decline in eyesight of people who are at least 60 years old. The macula, located at the center of the retina, deteriorates to the point of significant vision loss. The macula is the most essential component of the eye because it is embedded with millions of photoreceptors that sense light patterns, allowing us to read, drive, or complete any other task for which vision is necessary. Smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol level, family history, and sunlight exposure can all contribute to age-related macular degeneration. There is no cure for macular degeneration, although doctors can slow its progression through prescription drugs, vitamins and laser therapy.

Retinal Detachment

• Retinal detachment occurs when the retina becomes separated from the surrounding tissue, resulting in serious vision loss or blindness if not reattached within 24 to 72 hours. This can be spontaneous with no known cause, but is more likely to occur in older people and those who are nearsighted. When the retina detaches, there is often no pain, but obvious symptoms exist such as "floaters" or black spots in the visual field, darkening of peripheral vision, and flashes of light. The detached retina must be reattached surgically, or through the use of lasers if the tear is minor.

Astigmatism

• Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly curved or ridged, instead of a smooth sphere. The irregular curvature of the cornea results in light being scattered once it is taken in by the eye, causing objects to appear blurry. Light, such as from a street lamp, may appear as large spikes or a large haze, instead of a single focused light source. Astigmatism is quite common and easily corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or for more severe cases, with refractive surgery.

Color Blindness

• Color blindness occurs when certain retinal cells, which sense light, malfunction. The retina has three types of color-sensitive light cells. One type senses blue light, another senses green light, and the third senses red light. Most people who suffer from color-blindness can see some color. It is rare for someone to be color-blind to the point of being able only to distinguish black and white. Color blindness can be congenital, and can also occur with aging or another eye disease such as cataracts. Congenital or inherited blindness cannot be treated. Color blindness as a secondary result of an eye disease can be corrected as long as the eye disease itself is properly treated.