INFLECTION & DISEASES OF THE EYES

1.Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common eye condition, where the optic nerve connects the eye to the brain, and becomes damaged. It is usually caused by a fluid buildup in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye, andcauses: 
 
- Intense eye pain 
- Nausea and vomiting 
- Red eyes 
- Headaches 
- Tenderness around the eyes 
- Seeing rings around lights 
- Blurred vision 

2.Cataract

The clear lens at the front ofthe eyeis made from special proteins. Cataracts form when these proteins break down and create cloudy patches on the lens. Over time the patches can grow bigger, which cause blurry vision. The main types of cataracts are: 
- Age-related cataracts: older adults are more susceptible to developing them 
- Congenital cataracts: children can be born with cataracts in one or both eyes, which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated 
- Trauma-related cataracts: an injury to the eye as a result of an impact or a sharp penetration can cause them to form 
Cataracts can form on different parts of the lens. Cataracts that develop in the centre of the eye are called nuclear cataracts, and are the most common. 

3.Pterygium

A pterygium is usually painless, though it can cause irritation to the eye at any stage. The tissue is often triangular, pink and fleshy, and fine blood vessels may also be visible. If symptoms occur, they may includeinflammation, bloodshot whites of the eyes on the side with the pterygium, itching and a burning sensation on the eye surface,mild eye pain,and problems with vision if the pterygium grows across the cornea.

4.Pinguecula

Pinguecula is a harmless yellowish raised growth on the white part of your eye. It is thought to be caused by exposure to the sun, wind and dust. Besides the bump, other common symptoms include eye redness, irritation and dry eyes. Medications can relieve discomfort if needed. Surgery usually is not required, unless you do not like the way your eye looks.

5.Vitreous Degeneration

Vitreousdegeneration refers to a change that occurs in thevitreous humor(or vitreous fluid) in the eye, which changes from a thick vitreous gel to a thin liquid substance. Normally, the vitreous humor is a transparent gel that helps with clarity of vision and helps maintain the shape of the eyes. As we age, the vitreous gel may start to shrink and become more of a liquid consistency; it will no longer be able to fill the space of the eye, which may cause the vitreous humor to detach from theretina, which is the light-sensing nerve layer at the back of the eye. The fibers connecting the vitreous humor to the retina will start to detach as this happens.

6.Age Related Macular Degeneration: AMD

AMD is characterized by a gradual loss of central vision, which can express itself as blurry or reduced quality image in the center of your vision. If left untreated, it can progress to even greater central vision loss. While not totally blind, the loss of central vision does lead to a blind spot in the center that affects the ability to see fine details and complete tasks that involve reading. 
 
Dry Macular Degeneration symptoms typically develop slowly and painlessly. They may  include: 
 
- A blurry spot or blind spot within your field of vision 
- Reduced vision in the center of one or both eyes 
- Difficulty adapting to low light environments like a dimly lit restaurant 
- Need to use a brighter light than usual to see what you are reading or working on 
- Printed text looks blurry 
- Colors look more dull than usual 
- Trouble with facial recognition 
AMD can affect one or both eyes. If just one eye is affected, it may be hard to observe any changes to your vision due to your good eye compensating for the weak one. Since AMD does not affect peripheral vision, it rarely causes total blindness.

7.Diabetic Retinopathy

You might not have symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. As the condition progresses, you may develop: 
 
- Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters) 
- Blurred vision 
- Fluctuating vision 
- Dark or empty areas in your vision 
- Vision loss

8.Dry Eyes

Dry eyeis a common condition that affects men and women of all ages. Although the symptoms are not severe, irritation of the eyes will become worse if it is left untreated for an extended period of time. This will lead to the eyelids becoming inflamed, the eyelashes rubbing against the cornea, which then become damaged. Symptoms are: 
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes 
- A sensation of having something like sand or dust in your eyes. 
- Sensitivity to air and light 
- Eye redness caused by inflammation 
- Occasional blurred vision 
- Eye discomfort after waking up

9.Computer Vision Syndrome ; CVS

The main causes of Computer Vision Syndrome include an unsuitable environment and the improper use of eyeglasses or contact lenses. To prevent CVS, changes need to be made to improve these conditions. Symptoms are: 
- Eye irritation (Dry eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes) 
- Blurred vision 
- Headaches 
- Backache 
- Neck ache 
- Muscle fatigue 
- Although CVS has not been found to cause any permanent damage to the eyes, its painful symptoms can affect performance at work and at home. Eye health professionals, though, have found several ways to prevent CVS from affecting computer users. 

10.Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue that covers the inside of eyelids, as well as the white part of the eyeball, caused by allergens and irritants, such as pollen, dust and mold.Common symptoms are: 
 
- Intense itching of eyes and the urge to rub them. 
- Red eyes. 
- Watery or white, stringy mucus discharge. 
- Swollen eyelids. 

11.Ocular or Retinal Migraine

Ocular migraines involve visual disturbances that can affect one eye and cause migraine headaches. The visual symptoms of ocular migraine may include temporary: 
 
- Blind spots that result in partial or total blindness. 
- Zigzagging patterns. 
- Shimmering or flickering lights. 
- Floating lines. 

12.Hyphema

Hyphema can affect anyone, but it is very rare. It usually affects children injured during sports. In fact, more than 70% of Hyphema cases involve children. Symptoms are: 
- Blood inside the eye. 
- Eye pain. 
- Blurry or distorted vision. 
- Light sensitivity.

12.Epiretinal membrane

An epiretinal membrane (ERM) or macular pucker is an abnormal wrinkling of the retina at the macula.The macula is the central portion of the retina responsible for producing sharp focus and clear central vision. Scar tissue can grow on the surface of the retina; directly over the macula and as this scar tissue contracts it causes the retina to wrinkle.An epiretinal membrane is typically progresses slowly. Straight lines on picture frames and doorways can often appear wavy. These distortions and blurry vision can affect people in their everyday tasks such as reading or watching TV. Visual symptoms of epiretinal membranes tend to be worse to start with and then generally settle down and stabilize. This often means that the vision does not deteriorate once they have been present for a year or so. However, in other people the vision may deteriorate as the distorted macula slowly loses the ability to function as well.

13.Central serous chorioretinopathy , CSC

Central serous chorioretinopathy is when fluid builds up under theretina, which can distort the vision. The fluid leakage comes from a layer of tissue under the retina, called thechoroid. The layer of cells between the retina and the choroid is called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). When RPE does not work as it should, fluid builds up under the retina or the RPE results in a small detachment and visual distortion. Symptoms are: 
- Distorted, dimmed, or blurred central vision 
- A dark area in your central vision 
- Straight lines may appear bent, crooked or irregular in your affected eye 
- Objects may appear smaller or further away than they are 
- When you look at a white object, it may appear to have a brownish tinge or appear duller in color.

14.Conjunctivitis

is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This membrane is called the conjunctiva. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they are more visible. This is what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink. Pink eye is also called conjunctivitis. Symptoms are: 
- Redness in one or both eyes. 
- Itchiness in one or both eyes. 
- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes. 
- A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning. 
Tearing. 
- Sensitivity to light, called photophobia. 

15.Herpes Simplex Virus-1 ; HSV-1

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact, and is treatable but not curable. 
HSV-1 mostly spreads by oral contact and causes infections in or around the mouth (oral herpes or cold sores). It can also cause genital herpes. Most adults are infected with HSV-1. 
Symptoms are: 
- Fever 
- Body aches 
- Sore throat (oral herpes) 
- Hheadaches 
- Swollen lymph nodes near the infection.

For more information in English, please contact Peter on 0811944826 or email to pgbarton@hotmail.co.uk