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
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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.