Cataracts
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A
a cloudy or opaque area in the lens of the eye.
Cataracts may cause:
* Progressive cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision
* Loss of color intensity
* Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
* Glare (dazzling or uncomfortable brightness) when viewing bright light sources such as car headlights at night
* Sensitivity to sun light
Cataracts usually develop with increased age, but may be present from birth. Eye examination can detect the presence of a cataract. Depending on the severity, a cataract may be monitored or removed surgically. Cataracts are removed when they interfere with a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living
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Diabetic Eye Complications
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Eye or vision problems associated with diabetes.
Diabetic problems may include:
* Micro aneurysms, or outpouchings, of the retinal blood vessel walls
* Swelling of the retina caused by blood leakage through micro aneurysms
* New blood vessel growth within the eye which increases the risk of a tractional retinal detachment
* Blood leakage into the vitreous, or gel-like fluid within the eye, which causes hazy vision or the appearance of red spots in the field of vision
* Change in refractive error, which determines a person’s prescription strength of glasses, may occur when blood sugar measures are above 300 milligrams/deci Liter of blood
*Cataract formation
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Glaucomaa
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Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause vision loss when left undetected and untreated. Vision loss occurs from damage to the optic nerve, which is the connection between the eye and the brain. This nerve can be damaged when fluid pressure within the eye is too high for the optic nerve to tolerate. The amount of pressure within the eye depends on the volume of a clear fluid called aqueous that is constantly being produced in the eye. This fluid escapes through a passage way called the trabecular meshwork. If the eye produces fluid at a rate faster than it escape, then pressure within the eye may rise to levels higher than the eye can tolerate. When this happens the nerve begins to diteriatrate slowly or perhaps rapidly depending on how high the pressure gets within the eye. If this occurs, it is often without any symptoms. It is usually not until half of the nerve fibers making up the optic nerve are damaged that a person begins experiencing symptoms of vision loss.
It is estimated that about two million Americans have glaucoma and over half of them are not aware they have this condition. People of all ages can develop glaucoma, but it most frequently occurs in people with any of the following risk factors: over 40 years of age, a family history of glaucoma, high intraocular pressure (IOP), past eye trauma, African American descent.
Aside from regular comprehensive eye examination, special testing exists for those suspected of having glaucoma, those at risk for glaucoma, and those known to have glaucoma. Special tests used at Trevino eye clinic include visual field analysis, optic nerve photography, gonioscopy, and pachymetry. Such testing serves as a baseline for future comparison. Changes in test results seen on repeated testing are useful in diagnosing glaucoma and also in determining if a person known to have glaucoma is being adequately treated to sufficiently slow or stop vision loss. Vision loss from glaucoma often affects a person’s peripheral or side vision before affecting central vision late in the disease process. Once the optic nerve has been damaged and vision has been lost, the lost vision cannot be restored. Efforts are made to prevent any further loss of vision.
When glaucoma is detected it can be treated with eye drops that help lower pressure within the eyes. Surgical options are also available when medication alone is not effective enough at lowering intraocular pressure. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma is important to preserving vision for a lifetime of enjoyment.
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The front surface of the eye needs to stay properly hydrated for proper eye health, comfort, and good vision. With each blink, the eyelids spread a tear film across the front surface of the eye. This tear film is made up of several layers – an oily outer layer, a watery middle layer and a mucus-like inner layer. If any of these layers becomes compromised, eye health, comfort and vision can be affected.
Dry eyes can result from many factors. Normal changes that occur with aging can result in dryness. Environmental factors such as wind, dust and dry air can speed the tear’s evaporation rate. Medications such as those used to treat acne and allergies can have side effects causing or contributing to dry eyes. Incomplete blinking, infrequent blinking, or eyelid irregularity may cause inadequate wetting of the eye.
A person with dry eyes may experience discomfort, tiredness, blurred vision, red and irritated looking eyes. Patients may actually complain of watery eyes. As the eye becomes dry and irritated, the sensation of dryness is detected. The tear gland responds by producing excess tears. These tears are often not of normal oil, water, and mucus quality but are higher in water content. This watered down tear results from the initial feeling of dryness.
An eye doctor can detect this condition during an eye examination. The tear quality and quantity can be assessed with the use of a microscope and special dyes used to better see the tear film. The time the tear film remains intact following a blink helps indicate if the rate of tear evaporation is too quick, or if the blink rate is too slow. Tear volume can also be measured and determined to be a factor in dry eye symptoms.
Initial treatment of dry eye is aimed at restoring hydration with the use of tear supplements called artificial tears. They give the eye an added boost of moisture, which may be all that is needed for some individuals. Environmental modifications such as redirecting fans and air conditioners away from the eye are advised. The use of a humidifier or the addition of plants may benefit the dry-eyed patient because tears last longer when the surrounding air is humid rather than dry. Diet modifications, such as increased intake of foods rich in omega three fatty acids, over time may lessen ocular dryness. Fish oil and flax seed oil are rich in omega three fatty acid. This oil is a component of the normal tear chemistry. Omega three fatty acid supplements are available in most grocery stores and nutrition centers. Aside from helping with dry eyes, they have also been shown to have other health benefits. After following these recommendations, persistent or severe ocular dryness may be treated medically through the use of low dose steroid eye drops. Steroids are anti-inflammatory agents. Inflammation of the eye surface leads to dryness, which in turn causes more inflammation. Other medications may help increase tear production, which is beneficial when inadequate tear production is a contributor to dry eyes. Small plugs may also be used to block the tear drainage canal through which tears escape. By keeping tears from escaping the surface of the eye, moisture can be maintained for a longer time.
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Eye Lid Disorders
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Abnormalities of the eye lid.
Eye lid disorders may include:
* Blepharitis - inflammation of the eyelid
* Hordeolum /stye – An often painful pimple- like lump on the eye lid
resulting from an infected or obstructed eye lid gland
* Eye lid tumors which may be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-
cancerous)
* Ptosis – Abnormal lowering or drooping of the upper eyelid caused by muscle
weakness or paralysis
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Blurry Vision – Vision that is not clear and sharp.
Blurred vision may indicate:
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* An uncorrected refractive error or the need for corrective lenses
* Cornea (front surface of the eye) irregularity
* A cataract or opacity of the lens within the eye
* Accommodation (focusing) problems that may be corrected with lenses or vision
therapy (eye exercises for patients without refractive error and younger
than 40 years old)
* Dry eyes associated with insufficient tear quality or quantity
* An embolism obstructing the blood supply to one or both eyes
* Retina disorder
* Optic nerve disorder
* Brain disorder
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Eye Infections/ Allergies
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Conjunctivitis or “pink eye” is a term used to describe inflammation of the clear layer of tissue, or conjunctiva, that covers the white part of the eye. There are different causes of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis may occur from bacterial, viral, fungal, or other microbial eye infection. It may also be an allergic response to an irritant such as pollen, grass, or some harsh chemical agent.
When an individual has conjunctivitis certain signs or symptoms may be present. A person eye may range in color from white to pink to red. Watery or mucus discharge may be present. Discomfort of the eye may not be present or can be mild to severe. Discomfort may also be in the form of itchiness. Light sensitivity may be associated with conjunctivitis especially if the cornea, or clear tissue overlying the colored part of the eye, is also involved.
The cause of the conjunctivitis may be determined by a persons symptoms or eye appearance, as well as from the events occurring before the eye problems. If the condition is severe and the cause cannot be determined or effectively treated, laboratory testing and analysis may help the eye care provider better diagnose and treat the problem.
Some Conjunctivitis may not require treatment, but only time to resolve and the addition of lubricating eye drops to improve comfort. The use of antibiotic eye drops may be needed to treat the problem. An antihistamine available in drop form may be advised. Sometimes more serious intervention is required. Your eye doctor can best determine the treatment plan. Follow up visits are advised to ensure that the condition resolves and does not get worse.
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