Common Eye Diseases
Red Eye Disease
Red eye disease, commonly referred to as conjunctivitis or pink eye, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants.
Symptoms
- Redness in the white part of the eyes
- Itchiness or irritation
- Discharge that may form a crust during sleep
- Tearing
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Get A Second OpinionTreatments
- Viral Conjunctivitis: Usually resolves on its own. Cold compresses and artificial tears can provide relief.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Often treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Managed with antihistamine eye drops and avoiding allergens.
Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease, also known as Graves' orbitopathy or Graves' disease eyes, is an autoimmune condition often associated with hyperthyroidism. It leads to inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and tissues around the eyes.
Symptoms
- Bulging eyes (proptosis)
- Redness and swelling
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Dry or gritty sensation in the eyes
Treatments
- Mild Cases: Lubricating eye drops and gels.
- Moderate to Severe Cases: Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, orbital decompression surgery to relieve pressure, and, in some cases, radiation therapy.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common age-related condition where the eye's lens becomes cloudy, leading to impaired vision. They develop gradually and can affect one or both eyes.
Symptoms
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Fading or yellowing of colour.
Treatments
- Non-surgical: Early stages can be managed with stronger lighting and eyeglasses.
- Surgical: Cataract surgery involves replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial one.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure. It is a leading cause of blindness if left untreated.
Symptoms
- Open-angle glaucoma: Gradual loss of peripheral vision, tunnel vision in advanced stages.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: Severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and halos around lights.
Treatments
- Medications: Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure.
- Laser Therapy: Procedures like trabeculoplasty to improve drainage.
- Surgery: Options include trabeculectomy and drainage implants.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the central part of the retina, leading to loss of central vision. It is predominantly age-related (AMD).
Symptoms
- Blurred or reduced central vision
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Straight lines appearing wavy
Treatments
- Dry AMD: No cure, but lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements can slow progression.
- Wet AMD: Anti-VEGF injections to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth, laser therapy.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. It can lead to vision loss if not managed properly.
Symptoms
- Floaters or dark spots in vision
- Blurred vision
- Impaired color vision
- Vision loss
Treatments
- Blood Sugar Control: Managing diabetes to prevent progression.
- Medications: Anti-VEGF injections.
- Laser Treatment: Photocoagulation to seal leaking blood vessels.
- Surgery: Vitrectomy to remove blood from the vitreous.
Less Common Eye Diseases
Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which, if untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss.
Symptoms
- Eye redness and pain
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Floaters
Treatments
- Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation.
- Immunosuppressive Drugs: For severe or chronic cases.
- Antibiotics/Antivirals: If infection is the cause.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from its supportive tissue, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to blindness.
Symptoms
- The sudden appearance of floaters
- Flashes of light
- Shadows or curtain-like effect over vision
Treatments
- Laser Surgery (Photocoagulation): To seal retinal tears.
- Cryopexy: Freezing to reattach the retina.
- Vitrectomy: Surgical removal of vitreous gel.
Keratitis
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, often caused by infection, injury, or wearing contact lenses for extended periods.
Symptoms
- Eye redness and pain
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
Treatments
- Bacterial Keratitis: Antibiotic eye drops.
- Fungal Keratitis: Antifungal eye drops or oral medications.
- Viral Keratitis: Antiviral eye drops.
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Book an AppointmentPreventative Measures for Eye Health
While some eye diseases are unavoidable, many can be prevented or managed with proper eye care.
Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment of eye diseases. Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, while those over 60 should have annual exams.
Protective Eyewear
Wearing protective eyewear during activities that pose a risk of eye injury can prevent many traumatic eye conditions.
Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and not smoking, can significantly reduce the risk of developing eye diseases.
Managing Chronic Conditions
Proper management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension is essential in preventing complications such as diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy.
