Common Eye Conditions & Diseases
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the world. This disease occurs when the optic nerve becomes damaged (usually due to elevated intraocular pressure) and can no longer send visual information to the brain.
Those with glaucoma gradually lose their peripheral vision and can eventually go blind if they don’t receive medical care. Since vision loss is typically the first noticeable glaucoma symptom, early diagnosis is key to managing this disease. Our optometrists conduct glaucoma tests during all of our comprehensive eye exams.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration usually develops in people over 50 and occurs when the macula deteriorates. The macula controls your central vision, so AMD can make it hard to perform common tasks like driving, reading, and recognizing faces. AMD can also cause total blindness if left unmanaged.
Smoking and exposure to UV light can drive up your risk for AMD, which usually causes permanent vision loss before any other symptoms appear. However, routine eye exams can catch AMD early and allow your optometrist to slow it down.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the normally-transparent membranes that cover the whites of your eyes, turning them pink or red. Conjunctivitis comes in numerous forms, generally depending on the factors that cause it.
- Viral conjunctivitis results from viral infections and spreads easily via coughing, sneezing, or hand-to-eye contact. This form of conjunctivitis can make you extra-sensitive to light, and may produce yellow or white mucus in your eyes.
- Allergic conjunctivitis results from allergic reactions to pollen, mold spores, and other substances. This condition typically comes with runny noses, sneezing, and other cold-like symptoms. This type of conjunctivitis can also make your eyes water, burn, or itch.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis results from bacterial infections. It often makes the eyes produce yellow or green discharge and is extremely contagious. Discharge from bacterial conjunctivitis can solidify as you sleep and make your eyelids stick together in the morning.
- Chemical conjunctivitis isn’t contagious, but it can be a type of eye emergency. This kind of conjunctivitis occurs when fumes, smoke, toxins, or other chemicals make contact with your eye. If your eyes have been exposed to chemicals, contact your optometrist as soon as possible.
Different kinds of conjunctivitis require different treatments, so it’s always important to get a diagnosis before taking action yourself. If you’re concerned that you might have conjunctivitis, contact us and make an appointment so that we can determine your options.
Cataracts
Cataracts affect your eyes’ lenses by turning them milky or cloudy, progressively obscuring your vision over time. People often develop cataracts as they grow older, but many other factors can also contribute to their development.
Your ophthalmologist may be able to perform surgery that removes your cataracts and restores your vision. If notice a change in your vision, reach out to us and let us find the best way to care for your eyes.
