Eye Disorders & Diseases

Vision problems occur due to infection that is viral or bacterial, inherited disorders of the eye or after surgery. Eye disorders and diseases can cause vision problems over a period of time or affect the eyes and vision rapidly. Any problem with vision should be checked by an ophthalmologist to be properly diagnosed and rule out eye disorders and diseases.

Amblyopia

• Amblyopia is the medical term for an eye disorder known as lazy eye and occurs in only one eye. This eye disorder causes the brain to depend on the good eye to see, while the lazy eye has a disruption in communication between the optic nerve and the brain. The causes of lazy eye include an eye disorder called strabismus, a turning in or out of the eyes, and vision problems such as astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness that affects one eye more severely than the other.

Conjunctivitis

• The inner surface of the eyelid and the whites of the eyes are covered by a layer of thin, transparent tissue called conjunctiva. When this tissue becomes infected it is called conjunctivitis, also called "pink eye." The most common cause of conjunctivitis is a bacterial or viral infection affecting one or both eyes and is contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis causes a reddening of the white part of the eye, increase in tear production, swollen eyelid and itchy eyes. Antihistamines are the most common treatment.

Corneal Disease

• The cornea is a layer on the surface that protects the eyes from foreign objects and germs. Corneal disease is group of eye diseases and disorders caused by infection, a virus or inherited disorders. Keratitis is an uncommon infection caused by bacteria or a serious eye injury that allows fungi to enter the cornea causing pain, discharge and inability to see clearly. Keratoconus is an inherited eye disorder that thins and changes the shape of the cornea causing vision problems such as nearsightedness and a disorder that distorts vision, known as astigmatism.

Cystoid Macular Edema

• Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a disorder of the eye affecting the macula, which is the central retina. CME often occur with eye diseases such as diabetes uveitis or retinal vein occlusion. CME is a common occurrence after cataract surgery in the first two to four months. Symptoms of this eye disorder are blurred vision and inflammation of the retina.

Macular Degeneration

• Macular degeneration, also called Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a disease of the macula, the center of the retina, that causes the retinal tissue to deteriorate affecting vision. This eye disease causes blurry vision and a blind spot. The two types of AMD are: "wet" and "dry." "Dry" AMD is most common and vision problems are gradual. The "wet" form is caused by fluid or blood leakage under the retina causing rapid loss of eyesight.