Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders leading to progressive damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and most often occurs after the age of 40. The disease usually develops without symptoms and is most often detected through routine eye examinations. If left untreated, glaucoma will result in loss of vision and possibly blindness. Risk factors include elevated intraocular pressure, family history, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and ethnicity- glaucoma is more common in people of African-American, Asian and Hispanic descents.
The most common type of glaucoma is associated with an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye. Not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma, and people with normal eye pressures can also develop glaucoma. When the pressure inside an eye is determined to be too high for that eye, prescription eye drops are used to lower the pressure. When eye drops do not sufficiently lower the eye pressure, laser therapy or eye surgery may be necessary.
At least 50 percent of people with glaucoma have not been diagnosed. A comprehensive eye examination includes simple, painless tests to detect glaucoma or assess the potential for the development of glaucoma.
Video podcasts:
http://youtu.be/-PDqMNI4TeQ
Links with further information:
glaucoma.org
aoa.org/Glaucoma.xml
nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.asp
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in America. Although many causes of macular degeneration exist, age-related macular degeneration or AMD is the most common. This disease occurs when there are changes to the macula, a small portion of the central retina that is located on the inside back layer of the eye. These changes may involve fluid leakage from newly formed blood vessels, called “wet AMD”. The more common type involves simple degeneration of the macular tissues resulting in loss of function, and is referred to as “dry AMD.”
Early in this disease process vision problems may not exist. As the disease progresses, symptoms can occur including gradual loss of clear vision, distortion of shapes and lines, loss of color vision, or darkening in the center of one’s vision.
No treatment of dry AMD currently exists, although research is currently underway. However, doctors now believe there is a link between nutrition and the progression of dry AMD. Dietary changes favoring low-fat content and dark green leafy vegetables may slow vision loss. Nutritional supplements may also be beneficial. Wet AMD can be treated with laser treatment or ocular injections of medications designed to destroy leaky blood vessels and reduce or eliminate fluid. Early detection of wet AMD is the key to treatment success.
There are a variety of tests available to detect macular degeneration, most of which can be performed during a routine dilated eye examination.
Video Podcasts:
http://youtu.be/t8XSMHGVKGg
Links with further information:
mayoclinic.com/health/macular-degeneration/DS00284
nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/maculardegeneration.html
eyesight.org
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes involving progressive damage to the retina, the light sensitive lining inside the eye. According to the American Diabetes Association, 75 million people either have diabetes or are considered pre-diabetic. Diabetes is a leading cause of death, disability, permanent vision loss and blindness.
Diabetes prevents the body from making or using insulin to break down sugar in the bloodstream. Diabetic retinopathy results from the blood sugar elevation damaging the delicate blood vessels inside the eye causing them to leak, bleed and become blocked.
Symptoms in diabetic patients may include fluctuating or blurring of vision, double vision, light flashes, distorted vision or seeing spots in your field of vision.
Once diagnosed, diabetics should be seen at least annually for dilated eye examinations where the eye doctor performs a variety of tests looking for diabetic eye disease. Regular visits to one’s physician are necessary to monitor and maintain blood sugar control. Regular examinations along with strict dietary requirements, exercise and often medication, may reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by 76 percent as well as reduce the risk of developing the other devastating complications of diabetes.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment of diabetic retinopathy may prevent vision loss in more than 90 percent of patients. If treatment is necessary, your eye doctor will refer you to a retinal specialist. Treatment may include laser therapy, surgery, or the injection of medications into the eye to prevent or eliminate new blood vessel growth and fluid leakage.
Video podcasts:
http://youtu.be/E1Je-kexwNQ
Links with further information:
nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabeticeyeproblems.html
diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/eye-complications.jsp
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye, most often as a result of aging. Excessive UV exposure and smoking may predispose one to cataracts. Cataracts can also result from eye injury, eye surgery and steroid use. Several diseases can be associated with or contribute to cataract formation- diabetes, for example. With this clouding, less light is able to reach the retina inside the eye and vision is affected. Symptoms may include blurry vision, faded colors, glare, haloes around lights, reduced night vision and frequent eyeglass prescription changes.
Cataracts are easily diagnosed during a thorough comprehensive eye examination. Treatment may include new eyeglasses, UV protection, magnifying lenses, anti-glare glasses or surgery. Up to a point, no long term damage results from waiting until a cataract has matured. However, a cataract may prevent adequate visualization necessary for care of other underlying eye problems.
Video podcasts:
http://youtu.be/f5kniE5-Ezg
Links with further information:
nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp
Spots and Floaters
Spots (often called floaters) are small, semi-transparent specks or particles within the vitreous, which is the clear, jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eyes. They appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, threadlike strands or cobwebs. Because they are inside your eyes, they move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly.
Most often floaters result from the deterioration of the vitreous due to aging. However, certain diseases or injuries may also cause floaters. Most floaters are simply annoying, and do not affect vision to a significant degree. A dilated eye examination should be done when you notice sudden changes in the size or number of floaters. In this way, the doctor can determine if these changes are harmless or an indication of a more serious problem that requires treatment.
Floaters are often accompanied by flashes. Flashes are the result of the vitreous pulling or rubbing the retina, and can be a symptom of a retinal detachment which could seriously damage you vision. If you experience flashes, see your doctor as soon as you can.
Links with further information:
my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/floaters_flashing_lights/hic_floaters_and_flashes.aspx
aao.org/eyecare/conditions/floaters-flashes/index.cfm
djo.harvard.edu/site.php?url=/patients/pi/414
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the eye surface and for providing clear vision. Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infections and wash away foreign matter that gets in the eye. People with dry eyes either produce not enough tears or produce poor quality tears.
Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem. Causes are numerous and include inflammation of the eyelid’s oil glands or tear glands, age, hormonal imbalance, medications, environmental conditions, contact lens problems and computer use, as well as diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid disease.
Dry eyes may result in red, irritated eyes, foreign body sensation, contact lens problems and even reduced vision. Examination and in-office diagnostic testing are used to evaluate the quality and quantity of tears, as well as the health of the eye and lids. Treatment is usually guided by severity and may include artificial tear eye drops, gel and ointment lubricants, lid treatments, punctal occlusion, tear implants, therapeutic contact lenses and medications.
Video podcasts:
http://youtu.be/Yh4tOkieCbo
Links with further information:
aoa.org/dry-eye.xml
nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/000426.htm
nanosweb.org/patient_info/brochures/dry_eye_syndrome.asp
Ocular Allergies
Up to 50 percent of the U.S. population suffers from allergies. Nearly 75 percent these people have allergies affecting their eyes. Complaints may include red, itchy, swollen, watery, light-sensitive eyes possibly associated with a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sinus congestion or headache. Symptoms range from mild to severe and are most often caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, mold, dust and pet dander, which come in contact with the eyes and nasal passages.
An eye examination will confirm the diagnosis by ruling out other conditions and identifying key allergy features microscopically. Treatment may include simple avoidance of suspected allergens, prescription or non-prescription eye drops, nasal sprays or oral medications.
Links with further information:
acaai.org/public/eyeALLERGY/eyeBrochure.htm
For additional information on eye conditions go to All About Vision