What are some of the most common eye disorders?

When you take into consideration the immense number of toxins that we’re exposed to on a daily basis, it should come as no surprise that the number of eye and vision related disorders is growing at an alarming rate.  In addition, the normal aging process can also lead to wear and tear capable of compromising the integrity of our eyes.

The following is a list and brief explanation on some of the most common threats to eye health and good vision.

Allergies

Wind, dust, pollen, mold and a long list of other factors can trigger allergies that result in itchiness, redness, swelling and irritation. 

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a type of blurred vision that results from a cornea that is either too steep in one place, or too flat in another. Astigmatic corneas focus light in two different places in the eye, making both near and distance vision a problem.

Blepharitis

This inflammation of the eyelids is typically accompanied with redness, swelling, and itching.

Cataracts

The clouding of part (or the entire) lens inside the eye, can cause blurred vision, visual distortion and in some cases, a loss of vision.

CMV (Retinitis)

CMV is caused by an inflammation of the retina. Symptoms may include blurred vision, metamorphopsia, floaters and vision loss.

Color blindness

This common eye health disorder affects approximately 1 out of every 12 men, though some women suffer from it as well.  It is typically mild in most cases, affecting only minor infractions in the perception of colors, especially yellows and greens. 

Conjcuntivitis (Pink eye)

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, conjunctivitis (or pink eye) is often caused by bacteria, virus, allergens or chemicals.

Diabetic Retinopathy

A complication of diabetes that damages the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the back part of the eye (retina), and is caused by high and unhealthy blood sugar levels. The vessels swell and leak liquid into the retina, resulting in blurred vision and sometimes blindness.

Dry eye

A condition where one or both eyes do not produce a normal amount or type of tears.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged at the point where it leaves the eye. The main cause of this damage is raised pressure inside the eye.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an age-related deterioration of the central retina (macula). Macular degeneration can occur in either a dry form or wet form, and typically affects individuals over the age of 60.

Night blindness

The inability of the eye to adapt to reduced illumination, therefore leading to a complaint of not being able to see in the dark.  

Ocular Hypertension

Ocular hypertension is a condition in which the pressure of the eye is elevated above normal.  Optic nerve damage and vision impairment is rare, but has been known to occur in OH.

Photophobia (light sensitivity)

This is a common eye health condition that is generally caused by sensitivity to bright or long-term exposure to light.

Styes

These red, painful, swollen, cyst-like bumps of the eyelid are often caused by a inflammation within various eye tissues.

Uveitis 

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, or the middle layer of tissue behind the white of the eye.  With regard to eye health, it can be sight threatening and results in about 10 percent of the blindness that occurs here in the United States.