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Conditions of the EyeMany conditions can affect your eyes. We have provided information about several common conditions below. If you have any questions or concerns about your eyes, contact your health- or eye-care professional.For more information on Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Allergies, Cataracts, Dry Eye Syndrome, or Glaucoma, please click on the pictures above the definitions.
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Age-Related Macular Degeneration
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A degeneration of the retina that leads to permanent loss of central vision. ARMD usually occurs in people over the age of fifty.
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Allergies
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An allergy is an abnormal reaction or increased sensitivity to certain substances or 'allergens.' Allergens might be eaten, inhaled, injected - as with an insect sting - or touched by the skin.
Allergies can cause red, watery, itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and a scratchy throat. When allergies affect the eyes, it is called 'allergic conjunctivitis.'
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Cataract
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A cataract is a gradual clouding of the part of your eye known as the crystalline lens. This clouding is usually due to the aging process, but can also be caused by eye injury, kidney disease, diabetes, and certain medications. Young children and infants can also be affected.
Cataracts can cause blurred or fuzzy vision, and sensitivity to light. Often, the crystalline lens has to be surgically removed and replaced with an intraocular lens such as the AcrySof® lens pictured above.
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Dry Eye Syndrome
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Dry eye is a condition in which people produce too few tears or tears that lack some important components. Dry eye is often caused by age, medications, hormonal factors, or inflammation.
The result is an unstable tear film that cannot spread evenly over the surface of the eye. Dry spots soon form, causing symptoms such as itchiness, grittiness, a burning sensation, and general discomfort.
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Glaucoma
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Glaucoma occurs when fluid flowing within the eye becomes blocked and drains out of the eye too slowly. This blockage increases pressure within the eye, causing nerve cells in the retina to slowly die. Because these cells are responsible for sending visual information to the brain, vision is progressively lost.
If glaucoma is detected early, there are medicines and surgical procedures that can slow down this loss of vision by keeping the nerve cells alive. The earlier this disease is detected, the greater the chance of preserving sight.
For information on common infections and inflammations, please click here.
For information on astigmatism, presbyopia, myopia, or hyperopia, please click here .
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