The human visual system is an amazing network of anatomical structures. Even minor changes in the structure or function of a component of the eye can significantly affect visual acuity. Because we rely so heavily on our visual system to receive and process information, it is essential to keep the eyes functioning properly. Visit your eye care provider regularly for a vision check-up to ensure any of these common eye conditions are diagnosed and treated properly.
If you experience any change in vision, visit an eye care provider immediately. An eye exam is essential to monitoring eye health, preserving your vision for life.
The cornea is present as a clear tissue that is located at the front of the eye. A corneal ulcer occurs when there is a sore in the layer of the cornea. Symptoms of this include redness, drainage, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light, itching and discomfort. Causes and Effects of Corneal Ulcers The most common…
Seeing a spot or a flash of light in your field of vision is more than an inconvenience. It could be the first signs of a detached retina. A retina becomes detached when separated from underlying layers of support tissue. Detached retinas will lead to a permanent loss of vision if they are not quickly…
Ocular rosacea, an inflammation of the eye and/or eyelid, occurs in conjunction with rosacea of the skin. A chronic inflammatory condition, rosacea primarily affects the face, cheeks, forehead, and chest area. When rosacea affects the eyes and/or eyelids, the condition is known as ocular rosacea. Ocular Rosacea Symptoms Ocular rosacea primarily occurs in conjunction with…
Color blindness, also known as color vision deficiency, occurs when an individual cannot distinguish between certain colors like red and green or, less commonly, blue and yellow. Cause of Color Blindness Light-sensitive tissue, the retina, lines the back of the eye and consists of two types of light distinguishing cells: rods and cones. While rods…
Most people classified as blind still retain some ability to see. They often have significantly impaired vision but can discern light, shapes, or other figures. Low vision refers to a class of visual impairment that cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses. A number of conditions may cause low vision, and actual visual abilities…
The condition known as a macular hole refers to a tiny break in the macula that results in blurry or distorted vision. To fully understand the condition, one must understand eye anatomy. The macula is a spot located in the center of the retina (the back portion of the eye). Located where light comes to…
Nystagmus is a vision condition characterized by repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements. These involuntary eye movements may be side-to-side, up and down, or in a circular pattern, which hinders the eyes’ ability to focus on a steady object. Individuals with nystagmus may hold their heads in unusual positions or nod their heads in an effort to…
Many correctable vision problems are caused by abnormal eye anatomy. Very few people have perfectly shaped eyes that facilitate ideal vision. Rather, most people have some degree of abnormal curvature or other anatomical irregularities that cause slight visual changes. Astigmatism is one common form of visual impairment that results from irregular anatomy. What Is Astigmatism?…
An eye occlusion is a blockage in one of the arteries or veins supplying blood to the retina and/or optic nerve. These blockages can cause severe and sudden vision loss. Contact your eye care professional immediately if you experience sudden vision loss, and follow up right away with your family doctor. Eye occlusions often signal…
Also known as demyelinating optic neuritis, optic neuritis refers to the inflammation of the optic nerve due to the loss of or damage to a protective covering called myelin, which surrounds the optic nerve. The myelin is essential to the function of the optic nerve. A more general term, optic neuropathy, refers to nerve damage…