Select a letter from the alphabet below to find the Eye Disease or select "All" to view the entire list of diseases.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N
O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z - All

A

Adie Syndrome

Description:Adie Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder affecting the pupil of the eye.

Cause:In most patients the pupil is dilated (larger than normal) and slow to react to light on nearby objects. In some patients, however, the pupil may be constricted (smaller than normal) rather than dilated. Absent or poor reflexes are also associated with this disorder.

Treatment:No treatment is known to be available. Adie Syndrome is neither progressive nor life threatening, nor is it disabling.

Amblyopia

Description:Amblyopia is a term used to describe an uncorrectable loss of vision in an eye that appears to be normal. It’s commonly referred to as “lazy eye” and can occur for a variety of reasons. People with amblyopia lack binocular vision, or stereopsis – the ability to blend the images of both eyes together. Stereopsis is what allows us to appreciate depth. Without it, the ability to judge distance is impaired. Some people just experience a partial loss; others are only able to recognize motion.

Cause:Some causes of amblyopia include: strabismus (crossed or turned eye), congenital cataracts, cloudy cornea, droopy eyelid, unequal vision and uncorrected nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

Treatment:Treatment for amblyopia depends on the underlying problem. In some cases, the strong eye is temporarily patched so the child is forced to use the weaker eye. For children with problems relating to a refractive error, glasses may be necessary to correct vision. Problems that impair vision such as cataracts or droopy eyelids often require surgery. Regardless of the treatment required, it is of utmost importance that intervention is implemented as early as possible before the child’s brain learns to permanently suppress or ignore the eye.

Astigmatism

Description:Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of your eye (cornea) or the lens inside the eye is slightly irregular in shape, resulting in vision being blurred at all distances. Astigmatism is not a disease, but is actually a vision condition that is quite common.

Cause:When the front of your eye or the lens inside the eye is more oval than round, light does not focus properly on the back of your eye (retina). The causes of this irregular shape are unclear. In some cases, it may be hereditary or it may result from such factors as pressure of the eyelids on the cornea.

Treatment:Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgically. The most common surgeries used to correct astigmatism are astigmatic keratotomy (procedures that involve placing a microscopic incision on the eye) and LASIK. The objective of these procedures is to reshape the cornea so it becomes more spherical or uniformly curved.

B

Behçet's Disease

Description:Behçet's disease is an autoimmune disease that results from damage to blood vessels throughout the body, particularly veins. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks and harms the body's own tissues including the eyes.

Cause:The exact cause is unknown. It is believed that an autoimmune reaction may cause blood vessels to become inflamed, but it is not clear what triggers this reaction.

Treatment:There is no cure for Behçet's disease. Treatment typically focuses on reducing discomfort and preventing serious complications. Corticosteroids and other medications that suppress the immune system may be prescribed to treat inflammation.

Best Disease

Description:Best disease, also known as vitelliform macular dystrophy, affects the macula and often involves both eyes. The symptoms vary greatly in severity, ranging from mild blurring to extremely distorted central vision or a central blind spot. It causes yellowish material to collect within the delicate retinal cells, giving the macula an "egg yolk" appearance. The disease is usually diagnosed within the first two decades of life.

Cause:Best disease is a dominantly inherited condition.

Treatment:Currently, there is no treatment for Best disease. Ongoing scientific research is directed at understanding the cause of Best disease. In 1998, researchers identified mutations in a gene causing Best disease. Scientists are now studying this gene to determine its function in the retina. This information will greatly enhance efforts to develop treatments for Best disease. Individuals with Best disease may benefit from the use of low-vision aids and, possibly, orientation and mobility training. Orientation and mobility training, adaptive training skills, job placement, and income assistance are available through community resources.

Bietti's Crystalline Dystrophy

Description:Bietti’s Crystalline Dystrophy (BCD) is an inherited eye disease with symptoms of crystals in the cornea (the clear covering of the eye); yellow, shiny deposits on the retina; and progressive atrophy of the retina, choriocapillaries and choroid (the back layers of the eye). This tends to lead to progressive night blindness and visual field constriction.

Cause:BCD is inherited primarily in an autosomal recessive fashion. This means that an affected person receives one nonworking gene from each of his or her parents. A person who inherits a nonworking gene from only one parent will be a carrier, but will not develop the disease. A person with BCD syndrome will pass on one gene to each of his or her children. However, unless the person has children with another carrier of BCD genes, the individual's children are not at risk for developing the disease.

Treatment:At this time, there is no treatment for BCD.

C

Cataract

Description:A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the lens of the eye. The lens of an eye is normally clear. If the lens becomes cloudy, the condition is known as a cataract. Rarely, cataracts may be present at or shortly after birth. These are called congenital cataracts.

Cause:Adult cataracts usually develop with advancing age and may run in families. Cataracts are accelerated by environmental factors, such as smoking or exposure to other toxic substances, or they may develop at any time after an eye injury. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes also greatly increase the risk for cataracts. Certain medications, such as cortisone, can also accelerate cataract formation. Congenital cataracts may be inherited. The gene for such cataracts is dominant (autosomal dominant inheritance), which means that the defective gene will cause the condition even if only one parent passes it along. Approximately 50% of children in such families will be affected.Congenital cataracts can also be caused by infections of the mother during pregnancy such as rubella, or associated with metabolic disorders such as galactosemia. Risk factors include inherited metabolic diseases, a family history of cataracts, and maternal viral infection.

Treatment:The only treatment for cataract is surgical removal. This is done when a person cannot see well enough with glasses to perform normal activities. For some people, changing glasses, getting stronger bifocals, or using a magnifying lens is helpful enough. Others choose to have cataract surgery. If a cataract is not bothersome, then surgery is usually not necessary. Sometimes there is an additional eye problem that cannot be treated without first proceeding with cataract surgery. Cataract surgery consists of removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. For most people, cataract surgery has a low risk of complications. With implanted artificial lenses, most people no longer need corrective lenses for distance vision. Glasses are usually necessary for reading. Vision may not improve to 20/20 after cataract surgery if other eye diseases such as macular degeneration are present. In infants, amblyopia and decreased visual development may occur as a result of cataracts. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential.

CMV Retinitis

Description:Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a sight-threatening disease associated with late-stage AIDS. When CMV invades the retina, it begins to compromise the light-sensitive receptors that enable us to see. This does not cause any pain, but you may see floaters or small specks, and experience decreased visual acuity (blurry vision) or decreased peripheral vision. The disease usually starts in one eye, but often involves both eyes. If left untreated, CMV retinitis can cause retinal detachment and blindness within two to six months.

Cause:CMV retinitis is caused by the cytomegalovirus, a very common virus: about 80% of adults harbor antibodies to CMV, which indicates their bodies have successfully fought it off. The difference for people who have AIDS is that their weakened or non-functioning immune system cannot stave off this virus.

Treatment:For those with active AIDS and experiencing visual symptoms should see a retina specialist immediately. The drugs commonly used to treat CMV retinitis are ganciclovir (Cytovene), foscarnet (Foscavir) and cidofovir (Vistide). They can slow down the progression of CMV, but they can't cure it.

Color Blindness

Description:Color blindness is not a form of blindness at all, but a deficiency in the way one sees color. With this vision problem, there is difficulty distinguishing certain colors, such as red and green or blue and yellow. Red-green color deficiency is the most common form of color blindness; a less common form is blue-yellow color deficiency.

Cause:Color blindness occurs when certain cells in the retina that normally respond to color do not respond as they should. Usually, people with a color deficiency are born with it, and the problem affects more men than it does women. Color blindness is caused by a common X-linked recessive gene. This means that if you're color-blind, your mother must either be color-blind, or have normal vision but carry the color-deficient gene. Color-blind fathers pass the gene to their daughters only, who will have normal color vision unless their mother also carries the color-deficient gene. Aging or disease can also damage retinal cells, and in extreme cases can lead to almost total color blindness.

Treatment:Color blindness cannot be cured. However, if you have difficulty distinguishing colors, or you've observed this difficulty in your child, see your eyecare practitioner. Some people use special lenses for color blindness, which are filters available in either contact lens or eyeglass lens form. One can also learn ways to work around the inability to pick out certain colors.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Description:Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a term that describes eye-related problems and the other symptoms caused by prolonged computer use. As our dependence on computers continues to grow, an increasing number of people are seeking medical attention for eye strain and irritation, along with back, neck, shoulder, and wrist soreness.

Cause:CVS is caused by our eyes and brain reacting differently to characters on the screen than they do to printed characters. Our eyes have little problem focusing on most printed material, which is characterized by dense black characters with well-defined edges. Healthy eyes can easily maintain focus on the printed page. Characters on a computer screen, however, don't have this contrast or well-defined edges. These characters (pixels) are brightest at the center and diminish in intensity toward their edges. This makes it very difficult for our eyes to maintain focus and remain fixed onto these images. Instead our eyes drift out to a point called the "resting point of accommodation" or RPA and then strain to regain focus on the screen. This continuous flexing of the eyes' focusing muscles creates fatigue and the burning, tired-eyes feeling that is so common after long hours at the computer.

Treatment:See an eyecare professional that specializes in computer vision care. In most cases, standard reading glasses or over-the-counter readers are not accurate enough, because viewing a computer is usually at a different distance (18"-28") than reading distance (16"-21"). Once an eye doctor accurately diagnoses your computer vision problem and determines your correct computer working distances, it's a simple matter to prescribe computer eyeglasses that will allow you to work comfortably and productively.

Conjunctivitis

Description:Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an infection of the conjunctiva (the thin, transparent layer that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye). The three most common types of conjunctivitis are: viral, allergic, and bacterial. Each requires different treatments. With the exception of the allergic type, conjunctivitis is typically contagious.

Cause:The viral type is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold, or sore throat. The allergic type occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions. When related to allergies, the symptoms are often seasonal. Allergic conjunctivitis may also be caused by intolerance to substances such as cosmetics, perfume, or drugs. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. The severity of the infection depends on the type of bacteria involved.

Treatment:Conjunctivitis requires medical attention. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the problem. For the allergic type, cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. Some patients with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid drops. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments that cover a broad range of bacteria. There is no cure for viral conjunctivitis; however, the symptoms can be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tears. For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation.

Corneal Ulcer

Description:A corneal ulcer forms when the surface of the cornea is damaged or compromised. Ulcers may be sterile (no infecting organisms) or infectious. The term infiltrate is also commonly used along with ulcer. Infiltrate refers to an immune response causing an accumulation of cells or fluid in an area of the body where they don't normally belong.

Cause:There are many causes of corneal ulcers. Contact lens wearers (especially soft) have an increased risk of ulcers if they do not adhere to strict regimens for the cleaning, handling, and disinfection of their lenses and cases. Soft contact lenses are designed to have very high water content and can easily absorb bacteria and infecting organisms if not cared for properly. Pseudomonas is a common cause of corneal ulcer seen in those who wear contacts. Bacterial ulcers may be associated with diseases that compromise the corneal surface, creating a window of opportunity for organisms to infect the cornea. Patients with severely dry eyes, difficulty blinking, or are unable to care for themselves, are also at risk. Other causes of ulcers include: herpes simplex viral infections, inflammatory diseases, corneal abrasions or injuries, and other systemic diseases.

Treatment:The course of treatment depends on whether the ulcer is sterile or infectious. Bacterial ulcers require aggressive treatment. In some cases, antibacterial eye drops are used every 15 minutes. Steroid medications are avoided in cases of infectious ulcers. Some patients with severe ulcers may require hospitalization for IV antibiotics and around-the-clock therapy. Sterile ulcers are typically treated by reducing the eye's inflammatory response with steroid drops, anti-inflammatory drops, and antibiotics.

Cystoid Macular Edema

Description:Cystoid macular edema (CME) is swelling of the macula.

Cause:This typically occurs as a result of disease, injury or more rarely, eye surgery. Fluid collects within the layers of the macula, causing blurred, distorted central vision. CME rarely causes a permanent loss of vision, but the recovery is often a slow, gradual process.

Treatment:The first line of treatment for CME is usually anti-inflammatory drops. In certain cases, medication is injected near the back of the eye for a more concentrated effect. Oral medications are sometimes prescribed to reduce the swelling.

D

Diabetic Macular Edema

Description:Diabetic Macular Edema occurs when fluid leaks into the center of the retina. This part of the eye is called the macula. The fluid causes swelling and blurs the vision. Over time, the blurring can lead to blindness.

Cause:Diabetes can cause new blood vessels to grow in the eyes. At some point, these tiny vessels begin to enlarge. This stage is called "diabetic retinopathy. As time goes on, the new blood vessels often begin to leak into the center part of the retina, or the macula. It begins to swell. The swelling distorts and blurs the vision. This is called Diabetic Macular Edema. Symptoms include blurred vision, double vision floaters. If you have diabetes and have any of these symptoms, you must see an eye doctor to get a complete eye exam as soon as you can.

Treatment:In many cases, a laser treatment will be used to try to help reverse and stop the swelling. During the treatment, up to several small laser burns are placed on the eye, sealing the tiny blood vessels. Sometimes surgery is used instead where tiny tools are used to help stop the leaks. If you have any symptoms of DME, please seek the advice of a eye doctor.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Description:Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially vision threatening condition in which the blood vessels inside the retina become damaged from the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes. This leads to the leakage of fluids into the retina and the obstruction of blood flow. Both may result in vision loss.

Cause:All people with diabetes--both type 1 and type 2--are at risk. Between 40 to 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. Many develop diabetic changes in the retina after approximately 20 years. Over time, diabetes affects the circulatory system of the retina.Blood vessels damaged from diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss in two ways. First, fragile, abnormal blood vessels can develop and leak blood into the center of the eye, blurring vision. This is proliferative retinopathy and is the fourth and most advanced stage of the disease. Secondly, fluid can leak into the center of the macula, the part of the eye where sharp, straight-ahead vision occurs. The fluid makes the macula swell, blurring vision. This condition is called macular edema. It can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, although it is more likely to occur as the disease progresses. About half of the people with proliferative retinopathy also have macular edema.

Treatment:Diabetic retinopathy is treated in many ways depending on the stage of the disease and the specific problem that requires attention. The retinal surgeon relies on several tests to monitor the progression of the disease and to make decisions for the appropriate treatment. These include: fluorescein angiography, retinal photography, and ultrasound imaging of the eye. To prevent progression of diabetic retinopathy, people with diabetes should control their levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Description:Dry eye syndrome occurs when the tear glands produce fewer tears. The symptoms range from mild irritation and a sensation of something in the eye, to severe discomfort and sensitivity to light. With severe cases, the cornea may become damaged or infected.

Cause:Dry eye syndrome often occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. It is more common with older age, because you produce fewer tears with age. In rare cases, it can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosis, and other similar diseases. It may also be caused by thermal or chemical burns. In areas of the world where malnutrition is common, vitamin A deficiency is a common cause. This is rare in the United States.

Treatment:See your health care provider immediately if you have dry eyes and have a sudden increase in discomfort or redness, or a sudden decrease in vision. When it comes to treating dry eyes, everyone’s needs are a little different. Many find relief simply from using artificial tears on a regular basis. Some of these products are watery and alleviate the symptoms temporarily; others are thicker and adhere to the eye longer. Closing the opening of the tear drain in the eyelid with special inserts called punctal plugs is another option.

E

Episcleritis

Description:Episcleritis is an inflammatory condition of the connective tissue between the conjunctiva and sclera known as the episclera. The eye's red appearance makes it look similar to conjunctivitis, or pink eye, but there is no discharge or tearing.

Cause:It usually has no apparent cause; however, it is sometimes associated with systemic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease. Rosacea, herpes simplex, gout, tuberculosis, and other diseases are also occasionally underlying causes.

Treatment:Treatment for episcleritis is usually not needed. Chilled artificial tears can be used to soothe the eye and reduce mild inflammation. In more severe cases of episcleritis, mild steroids and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation.

F

Farsightedness

Description:Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, occurs when light entering the eye focuses behind the retina, instead of directly on it.

Cause:This is caused by a cornea that is flatter, or an eye that is shorter, than a normal eye. Farsighted people usually have trouble seeing up close, but may also have difficulty seeing far away as well.

Treatment:Treatment for hyperopia depends on several factors such as the patient’s age, activities, and occupation. Young patients may or may not require glasses or contact lenses, depending on their ability to compensate for their farsightedness with accommodation. Glasses or contact lenses are required for older patients. Refractive surgery is an option for adults who wish to see clearly without glasses. LASIK, Clear Lens Extraction And Replacement, LTK and intraocular contact lenses are all procedures that can be performed to correct hyperopia.

Flashes & Floaters

Description:As the vitreous pulls free from the retina, it is often accompanied by light flashes or floaters.

Cause:Floaters are caused by tiny bits of vitreous gel or cells that cast shadows on the retina. Flashes occur when the vitreous tugs on the sensitive retina tissue.

Treatment:Because of the risk, surgery is rarely indicated except when the floaters obscure the vision. In these cases, surgical removal of the vitreous (vitrectomy) may be considered only if the vision is significantly affected. This treatment is rarely needed since floaters typically become less bothersome over a period of weeks to months as they settle below the line of sight.

Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy

Description:Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy is an inherited condition that affects the delicate inner layer (endothelium) of the cornea.

Cause:The endothelium functions as a pump mechanism, constantly removing fluids from the cornea to maintain its clarity. Patients gradually lose these endothelial cells as the dystrophy progresses. Once lost, the endothelial cells do not grow back, but instead spread out to the fill empty spaces. The pump system becomes less efficient, causing corneal clouding, swelling and eventually, reduced vision.

Treatment:Fuchs’ cannot be cured; however, with certain medications, blurred vision resulting from the corneal swelling can be controlled. Corneal transplant is indicated when the vision deteriorates to the point that it impairs the patient’s ability to function normally.

G

Giant Cell Arteritis

Description:Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the medium-sized blood vessels that supply the head, eyes, and optic nerves. The disease usually affects those over 60 years of age and causes the vessels in the temple and scalp to become swollen and tender.

Cause:The major concern with temporal arteritis is vision loss, although if allowed to progress, it may affect arteries in other areas of the body. This condition is potentially vision threatening, however, if treated promptly, permanent vision loss can be prevented. Vision is threatened when the inflamed arteries obstruct blood flow to the eyes and optic nerves. If untreated, permanent vision loss can occur from oxygen deprivation to the retina and optic nerve.

Treatment:The ophthalmologist often works in conjunction with the patient's internist to treat this disease. The primary treatment for the disease is oral steroid medication to reduce the inflammatory process. Most patients notice an improvement in their symptoms within several days. In some cases, a long-term maintenance dosage of the steroid is required.

Glaucoma

Description:Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for older people. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve.

Cause:The clear liquid aqueous humor is constantly flowing within the eye. If the drainage angle of the eye is blocked, the fluid cannot flow out of the eye.

Treatment:Most patients with glaucoma require only medication to control the eye pressure. Sometimes, several medications that complement each other are necessary to reduce the pressure adequately. Surgery is indicated when medical treatment fails to lower the pressure satisfactorily.

Graves' Eye Disease

Description:Graves' eye disease, also called Graves' ophthalmopathy, is an eye condition which occurs in about 50% of patients who currently have, or have had, Graves' hyperthyroidism. However, approximately 10% of patients who have this eye disorder never develop hyperthyroidism. The reasons for the association of hyperthyroidism with the eye disease are not completely understood.

Cause:Graves' eye disease, like Graves' hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder. It is caused by the reaction of antibodies and certain white blood cells called lymphocytes, with proteins in eye muscle and the connective tissue and fat around the eyeball. This condition must be distinguished from the mild eye signs of "poppy" eyes and spasm of the eye lids which occur in most hyperthyroid patients due to an effect of excessive thyroid hormones.

Treatment:Unfortunately, there is no satisfactory treatment. Because hyperthyroidism seems to influence the eye disease, it is very important to treat the hyperthyroidism quickly and effectively but to avoid hypothyroidism, which also harms the eyes. In most patients, the eyes tend to get somewhat better when the thyroid abnormality has been treated. In a few patients, the condition progresses regardless of what is done to the thyroid gland. These patients must be treated with strong drugs such as steroids or immunosuppressive drugs to prevent the unlikely occurrence of optic nerve swelling and blindness. If these measures do not work within a few days, it may be necessary to relieve pressure in the orbit by removing part of the tissue either by operation or by treating the eyes with X-rays. Both treatments very quickly reduce the pressure on the eyeball and the surrounding orbital tissues and prevent permanent optic nerve damage or glaucoma.

H

Hyperopia

Description:Hyperopia, also called farsightedness, occurs when light entering the eye focuses behind the retina, instead of directly on it.

Cause:This is caused by a cornea that is flatter, or an eye that is shorter, than a normal eye. Farsighted people usually have trouble seeing up close, but may also have difficulty seeing far away as well.

Treatment:Treatment for hyperopia depends on several factors such as the patient’s age, activities, and occupation. Young patients may or may not require glasses or contact lenses, depending on their ability to compensate for their farsightedness with accommodation. Glasses or contact lenses are required for older patients. Refractive surgery is an option for adults who wish to see clearly without glasses. LASIK, Clear Lens Extraction And Replacement, LTK and intraocular contact lenses are all procedures that can be performed to correct hyperopia.

Hyphema

Description:Hyphema is a term used to describe bleeding in the anterior chamber (the space between the cornea and the iris) of the eye. It occurs when blood vessels in the iris bleed and leak into the clear aqueous fluid. Hyphemas are usually characterized by pooling of blood in the anterior chamber that may be visible to the naked eye. The red blood cells of very small hyphemas are visible only with magnification. Even the slightest amount of blood in the anterior chamber will cause decreased vision when mixed in the clear aqueous fluid.

Cause:Bleeding in the anterior chamber is most often caused by blunt trauma to the eye. It may also be associated with surgical procedures. Other causes include abnormal vessel growth in the eye and certain ocular tumors.

Treatment:The treatment is dependent on the cause and severity of the hyphema. Frequently, the blood is reabsorbed over a period of days to weeks. During this time, the doctor will carefully monitor the intraocular pressure for signs of the blood preventing normal flow of the aqueous through the eye's angle structures. If the eye pressure becomes elevated, eye drops may be prescribed to control it. The pupils are also evaluated to rule out damage to the iris. In some cases, a procedure is performed to irrigate the blood from the anterior chamber to prevent secondary complications such as glaucoma and blood stains on the cornea.

I

Iritis

Description:Iritis is an inflammatory problem of the iris, the colored part of the eye.

Cause:It often occurs for unknown reasons, but it may be linked to certain diseases affecting the body, infections, previous eye surgery, or injury.

Treatment:Steroids and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed to reduce inflammation in the eye. Dilating drops also make the eye more comfortable by relaxing the muscle that constricts the pupil. Iritis must be treated to avoid permanent problems such as scarring inside the eye.

J

K

Keratoconus

Description:Keratoconus is a degenerative disease of the cornea that causes it to gradually thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This shape prevents light from focusing precisely on the macula. As the disease progresses, the cone becomes more pronounced, causing vision to become blurred and distorted. Because of the cornea's irregular shape, patients with keratoconus are usually very nearsighted and have a high degree of astigmatism that is not correctable with glasses.

Cause:Keratoconus is sometimes an inherited problem that usually occurs in both eyes. Certain allergic and arthritic disorders, Down's syndrome, chronic eye rubbing and contact lens wear have occasionally been associated. In its earliest stages, keratoconus causes slight blurring and distortion of vision and increased sensitivity to glare and light. These symptoms usually first appear in the late teens and early twenties. Keratoconus may progress for 10-20 years and then slow in its progression. Each eye may be affected differently.

Treatment:Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism that is caused by the early stages for keratoconus. As the disorder progresses and cornea continues to thin and change shape, rigid gas permeable contact lenses can be prescribed to correct vision adequately. In most cases, this is adequate. The contact lenses must be carefully fitted, and frequent checkups and lens changes may be needed to achieve and maintain good vision. In a few cases, a corneal transplant is necessary. However, even after a corneal transplant, eyeglasses or contact lenses are often still needed to correct vision.

L

M

Macular Degeneration

Description:Macular degeneration is damage or breakdown of the macula. The macula is a small area at the back of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly.

Cause:Many older people develop macular degeneration as part of the body's natural aging process. The two most common types of age-related macular degeneration are "dry" (atrophic) and "wet" (exudative).

Treatment:Despite ongoing medical research, there is no cure yet for "dry" macular degeneration. Some doctors believe that nutritional supplements may slow macular degeneration, although this has not yet been proven.

Macular Hole

Description:Macular hole is a problem that affects the very central portion of the retina. The vitreous gel inside the eye is firmly attached to the macula. With age, the vitreous becomes thinner and separates from the retina. Sometimes this creates traction on the macula, causing a hole to form.

Cause:It happens for a variety of reasons such as: eye injuries, certain diseases, and inflammation inside the eye. However, the most common cause is related to the normal aging process.

Treatment:Some macular holes seal spontaneously and require no treatment. In many cases, surgery is necessary to close the hole and restore useful vision.

Macular Pucker

Description:Epi-retinal membrane (ERM) or macular pucker is a cellophane-like membrane that forms over the macula. It is typically a slow-progressing problem that affects the central vision by causing blur and distortion. As it progresses, the traction of the membrane on the macula may cause swelling.

Cause:Macular pucker is seen most often in people over 75 years of age. It usually occurs for unknown reasons, but may be associated with certain eye problems such as: diabetic retinopathy, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal detachment, trauma, and many others.

Treatment:A procedure called a membrane peel is performed when vision has deteriorated to the point that it is impairing the patient's lifestyle. Most vitreo-retinal surgeons recommend waiting for treatment until vision has decreased to the point that the risk of the procedure justifies the improvement.

Myopia

Description:Also called nearsightedness. A condition in which the length of the eye is too long, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than on it, resulting in blurred distance vision. Additional symptoms include eyestrain, poor night vision and squinting.

Cause:This is caused by a cornea that is steeper, or an eye that is longer, than a normal eye. Nearsighted people typically see well up close, but have difficulty seeing far away.

Treatment:The treatment for nearsightedness depends on several factors such as the patient’s age, activities, and occupation. Vision can corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Refractive procedures such as LASIK can be considered for adults when the prescription has remained stable for at least one year.

N

Nearsightedness

Description:Also called myopia. A condition in which the length of the eye is too long, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than on it, resulting in blurred distance vision. Additional symptoms include eyestrain, poor night vision and squinting.

Cause:This is caused by a cornea that is steeper, or an eye that is longer, than a normal eye. Nearsighted people typically see well up close, but have difficulty seeing far away.

Treatment:The treatment for nearsightedness depends on several factors such as the patient’s age, activities, and occupation. Vision can corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Refractive procedures such as LASIK can be considered for adults when the prescription has remained stable for at least one year.

Nearsightedness

Description:Also called myopia. A condition in which the length of the eye is too long, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than on it, resulting in blurred distance vision. Additional symptoms include eyestrain, poor night vision and squinting.

Cause:This is caused by a cornea that is steeper, or an eye that is longer, than a normal eye. Nearsighted people typically see well up close, but have difficulty seeing far away.

Treatment:The treatment for nearsightedness depends on several factors such as the patient’s age, activities, and occupation. Vision can corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Refractive procedures such as LASIK can be considered for adults when the prescription has remained stable for at least one year.

Neovascular Glaucoma

Description:Neovascular glaucoma is an unusual type of closed-angle glaucoma which can be particularly difficult to treat. In many instances, it is first recognized when a patient notes a sudden loss of vision, a red and uncomfortable eye, or even pain.

Cause:This condition is considered to be a type of closed-angle glaucoma because the trabecular meshwork, the tiny drain through which aqueous humor (the clear fluid which nourishes the front of the eye) exits the eye, is closed or blocked. This results directly from the growth of new blood vessels (neovascularization), which are not normally present in this location. This is why the condition is known as neovascular glaucoma. As the blood vessels grow, they are first accompanied by an almost invisible fibrous tissue which is like a thin scar. This tissue blocks the drainage of the fluid through the trabecular meshwork. The fluid accumulates within the eye and causes the eye pressure to increase. If this happens over a short period of time, the patient may have sudden pain. If the blockage of the drain occurs more slowly, there may only be redness with some discomfort. In both situations, the eye pressure needs to be lowered if vision is to be saved.

Treatment:Eye pressure needs to be lowered immediately to prevent it from further damaging the optic nerve. Initially, this is done through use of medications that reduce the amount of aqueous humor which flows into the eye. Eye drops, particularly beta-blocking agents, and a pill, such as acetazolamide, are most effective in this regard. It is then necessary to treat the eye and eliminate the neovascularization. This is particularly important if the glaucoma is recognized early so that the drain is not completely blocked. The neovascularization is most effectively eliminated by destroying the structures which are poorly nourished as a result of the reduced blood flow. These structures are usually in the back of the eye in the retina. Destroying these structures eliminates the chemicals which stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in the front of the eye. The most effective way to treat the eye is using a laser beam which is focused through the eye to burn the retina. If the neovascularization persists, and even if it is no longer present, it may not be possible to lower the eye pressure sufficiently with eye drops and pills. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the eye pressure through surgery.

Night Blindness

Description:Night blindness, also called nyctalopia, is the inability or reduced ability to see in dim light or darkness. It also refers to the condition in which the time it takes for the eyes to adapt to darkness is prolonged.

Cause:Night blindness is due to a disorder of the cells in the retina that are responsible for vision in dim light. It has many causes, including nearsightedness, glaucoma, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, or vitamin A deficiency.

Treatment:Treatment for night blindness will depend upon its cause. Treatment may be as simple as a new prescription for your eyeglasses or switching glaucoma medications, or it may require surgery in cases of cataracts.

Nyctalopia

Description:Nyctalopia, also called night blindness, is the inability or reduced ability to see in dim light or darkness. It also refers to the condition in which the time it takes for the eyes to adapt to darkness is prolonged.

Cause:Nyctalopia is due to a disorder of the cells in the retina that are responsible for vision in dim light. It has many causes, including nearsightedness, glaucoma, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, or vitamin A deficiency.

Treatment:Treatment for nyctalopia will depend upon its cause. Treatment may be as simple as a new prescription for your eyeglasses or switching glaucoma medications, or it may require surgery in cases of cataracts.

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Ocular Hypertension

Description:Ocular hypertension is an increase in the pressure in your eyes that is above the range considered normal with no detectable changes in vision or damage to the structure of your eyes. The term ocular hypertension is used to distinguish people with elevated pressure from those with glaucoma, a serious eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve and vision loss.

Cause:Ocular hypertension can occur in people of all ages, but it occurs more frequently in African Americans, those over age 40 and those with family histories of ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma. It is also more common in those who are very nearsighted or who have diabetes.Not all people with ocular hypertension will develop glaucoma. However, there is an increased risk of glaucoma among those with ocular hypertension, so regular optometric examinations are essential to your overall eye health.

Treatment:There is no cure for ocular hypertension, however, careful monitoring and treatment, when indicated, can decrease the risk of damage to your eyes.

Ophthalmoplegia

Description:Ophthalmoplegia is a paralysis or weakness of one or more of the muscles that control eye movement.

Cause:The condition can be caused by any of several neurologic disorders. It may be myopathic, meaning that the muscles controlling eye movement are directly involved, or neurogenic, meaning that the nerve pathways controlling eye muscles are affected. Diseases associated with ophthalmoplegia are ocular myopathy, which affects muscles, and internuclear ophthalmoplegia, a disorder caused by multiple sclerosis, a disease which affects nerves. Because the eyes do not move together in ophthalmoplegia, patients may complain of double vision. Double vision is especially troublesome if the ophthalmoplegia comes on suddenly or affects each eye differently. Because ophthalmoplegia is caused by another, underlying disease, it is often associated with other neurologic symptoms, including limb weakness, lack of coordination, and numbness.

Treatment:There are no specific cures for ocular myopathy or progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Symptoms of ophthalmoplegia can be relieved by mechanical treatment. Surgical procedures can lift drooping eyelids or a patch over one eye can be used to relieve double vision. Because there is no blink response, a surgically lifted eyelid exposes the cornea of the eye so that it may become dry or be scratched. These complications must be avoided by using artificial tears and wearing eyepatches at night.

Optic Neuritis

Description:Optic neuritis refers to swelling or inflammation of the optic nerve. The optic nerve allows you to see by carrying images from your retina to your brain. The optic nerve is like a cable of electrical wires or nerve fibers. Each wire carries a part of the visual information to the brain. If some or all of the nerve fibers become inflamed and do not function properly, vision becomes blurred. With optic neuritis, the optic nerve becomes swollen and the nerve fibers do not work properly. Vision can range from near normal to very poor depending on the number of inflamed nerve fibers.

Cause:It is often associated with diseases causing demyelination (a loss of the protective myelin layer of the the nerve) of the optic nerve, but sometimes the cause is unknown. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the disease most often associated with optic neuritis. It is not uncommon to have an episode of optic neuritis prior to being diagnosed with MS. In fact, optic neuritis is often the initial sign of MS. Some people, especially children, develop optic neuritis following a viral illness such as mumps, measles or a cold. In others, optic neuritis may occur as a sign of a neurologic disease affecting nerves in various parts of the body.

Treatment:Treating patients with intravenous steroid medication (but not oral steroids) reduces the risk of developing MS later on. This finding is very significant since approximately 50% of those who experience an initial occurrence of optic neuritis will develop MS. While this treatment has little if any impact on vision, it is important for overall health. Optic neuritis characteristically improves over a period of days to weeks. For some, a complete recovery may take months.

Optic Neuropathy

Description:A potentially visually devastating disease that occurs in the middle aged and the elderly. This condition is often referred to as a stroke of the optic nerve, and it usually begins suddenly with little warning in one eye, but frequently progresses to the other eye over time.

Cause:Caused by an acute impairment to the circulation of the arteries supplying the optic nerve. This transient poor circulation occurs due to a temporary fall in blood pressure to the point that there is not enough blood pressure to fully perfuse the vessels supplying the optic nerve. There are many mechanisms for this fall in blood pressure.

Treatment:Currently, there are limited treatments that can be offered to directly treat the optic nerve. Many doctors place the patient on drugs that lower the intraocular pressure, and that may provide some neuro-protection to the nerve. Lowering intraocular pressure may improve the blood flow to and through the optic nerve.

Orbital Cellulitis

Description:Orbital Cellulitis most often presents with symptoms similar to preseptal cellulits such as red and swollen eyelids, but also includes pain, blurred or double vision, fever, headache, and a red eye.

Cause:Orbital cellulitis is a dangerous infection with potentially serious complications. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection from the sinuses (ethmoid or para-nasal). Other causes are a stye on the eyelid, recent trauma to the eyelid including bug bites, or a foreign object.

Treatment:Optimal management involves immediate consultation with a primary care physician, pediatrician, or infectious disease specialist. Hospitalization is usually required. Treatment consists of IV fluids with antibiotics. Surgical drainage of an abscess may be necessary. These infections can progress rapidly, and they must be carefully followed every few hours.

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Photophobia

Description:Photophobia is an intolerance of light. Sunlight, fluorescent light, incandescent light — all can be bothersome. Sometimes light-sensitive people are bothered only by bright light. In extreme cases, any light can be irritating.

Cause:People with lighter-colored eyes, cataracts and those who suffer from migraine headaches are more likely to notice sensitivity to light and glare. Often, photophobia is a symptom of another underlying problem, such as a corneal abrasion, uveitis, or a central nervous system disorder such as meningitis. Light sensitivity may also be associated with retinal detachment, contact lens irritations, sunburn and refractive surgery. Photophobia often accompanies albinism, total color deficiency (seeing only in shades of gray), botulism, rabies, mercury poisoning, conjunctivitis, keratitis and iritis. Some medications may cause light sensitivity as a side effect, including belladonna, furosemide, quinine, tetracycline and doxycycline.

Treatment:The best treatment for light sensitivity is to treat the underlying cause. In many cases, once the triggering factor is treated, photophobia disappears. If you are taking a medication that causes light sensitivity, talk to the prescribing physician about discontinuing it or replacing it with another drug. If you're sensitive to light, avoid bright sunlight and other bright lights, wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection.

Pink Eye

Description:Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an infection of the conjunctiva (the thin, transparent layer that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye). The three most common types of conjunctivitis are: viral, allergic, and bacterial. Each requires different treatments. With the exception of the allergic type, conjunctivitis is typically contagious.

Cause:The viral type is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold, or sore throat. The allergic type occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions. When related to allergies, the symptoms are often seasonal. Allergic conjunctivitis may also be caused by intolerance to substances such as cosmetics, perfume, or drugs. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. The severity of the infection depends on the type of bacteria involved.

Treatment:Conjunctivitis requires medical attention. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the problem. For the allergic type, cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. Some patients with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid drops. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments that cover a broad range of bacteria. There is no cure for viral conjunctivitis; however, the symptoms can be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tears. For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation.

Presbyopia

Description:Presbyopia, also known as the “short arm syndrome,” is a term used to describe an eye in which the natural lens can no longer accommodate. Accommodation is the eye’s way of changing its focusing distance: the lens thickens, increasing its ability to focus close-up.

Cause:At about the age of 40, the lens becomes less flexible and accommodation is gradually lost. It’s a normal process that everyone eventually experiences.

Treatment:The treatment for presbyopia is very simple, but is entirely dependent on the individual’s age, lifestyle, occupation, and hobbies. If the patient has good distance vision and only has difficulty seeing up close, reading glasses are usually the easiest solution. For others, bifocals (glasses with reading and distance correction) or separate pairs of reading and distance glasses are necessary. Another option is monovision: adjusting one eye for distance vision, and the fellow eye for reading vision. This can be done with contact lenses or permanently with refractive surgery.

Ptosis

Description:Ptosis (pronounced toe' sis), or drooping of the upper eyelid, may occur for several reasons such as: disease, injury, birth defect, previous eye surgery and age.

Cause:In most cases, it is caused by either a weakness of the levator muscle (muscle that raises the lid), or a problem with the nerve that sends messages to the muscle.

Treatment:Ptosis does not usually improve with time, and nearly always requires corrective surgery by an ophthalmologist specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In most cases, surgery is performed to strengthen or tighten the levator muscle and lift the eyelid. If the levator muscle is especially weak, the lid and eyebrow may be lifted.

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Retinal Artery Occlusion

Description:A retinal artery occlusion occurs when the central retinal artery or one of the arteries that branch off of it becomes blocked.

Cause:This blockage is typically caused by a tiny embolus (clot) in the blood stream. The occlusion decreases the oxygen supply to the area of the retina nourished by the affected artery, causing permanent vision loss.

Treatment:Unfortunately, there is no treatment that can consistently restore vision lost from an artery occlusion. However, if it is caught within the first hour and treatment is initiated immediately, recovery is possible in rare cases.

Retinal Tear/Detachment

Description:Retinal tears commonly occur when there is traction on the retina by the vitreous gel inside the eye.

Cause:Retinal tears frequently lead to detachments as fluids seep underneath the retina, causing it to separate and detach. A retinal detachment occurs when the retina’s sensory and pigment layers separate. Because it can cause devastating damage to the vision if left untreated, retinal detachment is considered an ocular emergency that requires immediate medical attention and surgery. It is a problem that occurs most frequently in the middle-aged and elderly. There are three types of retinal detachments. The most common type occurs when there is a break in the sensory layer of the retina, and fluid seeps underneath, causing the layers of the retina to separate. Those who are very nearsighted, have undergone eye surgery, or have experienced a serious eye injury are at greater risk for this type of detachment. Nearsighted people are more susceptible because their eyes are longer than average from front to back, causing the retina to be thinner and more fragile. The second most common type occurs when strands of vitreous or scar tissue create traction on the retina, pulling it loose. Patients with diabetes are more likely to experience this type. The third type happens when fluid collects underneath the layers of the retina, causing it to separate from the back wall of the eye. This type usually occurs in conjunction with another disease affecting the eye that causes swelling or bleeding.

Treatment:There are a number of ways to treat retinal detachment. The appropriate treatment depends on the type, severity and location of the detachment.

Retinal Vein Occlusion

Description:A blockage of the blood supply to the retina, the light sensitive membrane in the back of the eye.

Cause:Retinal arteries and veins can become blocked by a blood clot, fat deposit, or a fragment of atherosclerotic plaque. This is usually caused by an underlying disorder such as glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, coagulation disorders, atherosclerosis, or hyperlipidemia.

Treatment:The dilation of retinal vessels by inhalation of carbon dioxide/oxygen mixtures may be used to treat arterial blockages. This treatment may allow the clot to move further down the vessel, thereby reducing the area of the retina that is affected. Treatment for retinal vein occlusions can include aspirin and laser therapy. In patients under 40, blood work investigating a clotting problem should be considered.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Description:Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of diseases which tend to run in families and cause slow, but progressive loss of vision. The retina is the tissue which lines the inside of the eye and sends visual images to the brain. In RP, there is gradual destruction of some of the light sensing cells in the retina.

Cause:The cause of retinitis pigmentosa has not been clearly identified. About fifty percent of RP cases are sporadic with the remaining cases being hereditary. Learning more about the history of people with RP may help predict how the disease will progress for the affected person, although variations can exist even from person to person within a family. The first symptoms usually start during young adulthood, although it may be seen first at any age. The two most common symptoms are night blindness where adjusting to the dark happens very slowly and the loss of side vision. Loss of side or peripheral vision makes mobility very difficult. Once this occurs, a person is left with only central vision as if looking down a tunnel.

Treatment:While developments are on the horizon such as in the area of genetic research, there is no cure for retinitis pigmentosa. The retina is attached to the optic nerve and transplants are not yet an option. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to demonstrate benefits from any treatment methods, including vitamin supplements, currently available.

Retinoblastoma

Description:Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor on the retina, the light-sensing part of the eye, and is highly curable if treated early. This type of cancer can be present in one or both eyes.

Cause:Our eyes begin to develop very early in the womb. Rapidly growing cells in the eye, called retinoblasts, will eventually mature and form the retina, the light-sensing part of the eye that is located in the back of the eye. Sometimes, these specialized cells do not stop reproducing and form a tumor on the retina. These tumors may continue to grow, filling almost the entire vitreous humor (the jellylike substances the fills the eyeball). These tumors can also break off and spread to other parts of the eye, and eventually outside to lymph nodes and other organs.

Treatment:Because it is usually found before it spreads outside of the sclera (white of the eye), retinoblastoma is highly curable. There are also many types of treatment that can save sight in the eye affected by retinoblastoma. Treatments are selected based on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis.

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Description:Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), also known as retrolental fibroplasia, is a potentially blinding condition affecting the retina of newborns.

Cause:In babies born prematurely, the growth and development of normal blood vessels in the retina is halted and abnormal vessels may begin to develop. The problem with abnormal vessel growth, known as neovascularization, is that it does not deliver adequate oxygen supply to the retina. The factors that put infants at greatest risk of developing ROP are low birth weight (less than 3.5 pounds) and premature delivery (26-28 weeks).

Treatment:Some children who develop only stage 1-2 of the disease improve with no treatment. In other cases, treatment is required if it reaches threshold. This is a term that indicates the presence of stage 3 changes. To prevent the proliferation of abnormal vascularization, areas of the retina may be frozen with a technique called cryotherapy. Alternatively, laser may be used for the same purpose. Both treatments leave permanent scars in the peripheral retina, but they are often successful in preserving central vision.

Rubeosis

Description:Rubeosis is a term that describes abnormal blood vessel growth on the iris and the structures in the front of the eye. Normally there are no visible blood vessels in these areas.

Cause:When the retina has been deprived of oxygen, or ischemic, as with diabetic retinopathy or vein occlusion, abnormal vessels form to supply oxygen to the eye. Unfortunately, the formation of these vessels obstructs the drainage of aqueous fluid from the front of the eye, causing the eye pressure to become elevated. This usually leads to neovascular glaucoma.

Treatment:The primary concern with rubeosis is the treatment of the secondary problem of glaucoma. It is often difficult however, to control the intraocular pressure with this type of glaucoma. Both medical and surgical treatment are often required.

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Stargardt Disease

Description:Stargardt disease is the most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration. It is characterized by a reduction of central vision with a preservation of peripheral (side) vision.

Cause:Stargardt disease is almost always inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder. It is inherited when both parents, called carriers, have one gene for the disease paired with one normal gene. Each of their children then has a 25 percent chance of inheriting the two copies of the Stargardt gene (one from each parent) needed to cause the disease. Carriers are unaffected because they have only one copy of the gene. At this time, and until the disease gene is identified, it is impossible to determine who is a carrier for Stargardt disease until after an affected child is diagnosed.

Treatment:Although there is currently no treatment for Stargardt disease, individuals may benefit from the use of low vision aids and orientation and mobility training. The reduced visual acuity due to Stargardt disease cannot be corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. In late stages of the disease, there may also be noticeable impairment of color vision.

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Uveitis

Description:The middle layer of the eye tissue between the sclera and retina is called the uvea, from the Greek word "uva" meaning grape. In the laboratory, it looks much like a "peeled grape." When the uvea becomes inflamed, the condition is called uveitis.

Cause:It may result from a virus (such as shingles, mumps, or herpes), a fungus (such as histoplasmosis), or a parasite (such as toxoplasmosis). In most cases, the cause remains unknown.

Treatment:Eye drops, especially steroids and pupil dilators, are medications used to reduce inflammation and pain. For deeper inflammation, oral medication or injections may be necessary.

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