Visual disorders are the result of an interruption of the processing of images through the cornea to the retina and optic nerve and then to the brain for interpretation. Congenital defects, injury and age affect the ability to see clearly. Eye disorders include retinal and optic nerve damage, muscle abnormality and interference with light penetrating clearly through the lens. Ophthalmology is the medical specialty that evaluates, diagnoses and treats all types of eye disorders.
Cataract
A cataract, as defined by the National Eye Institute, is a clouding of the lens that normally allows light to reach the retina. Over half of all Americans undergo cataract surgery or have had a cataract by the time they reach 80 years of age. While most cataracts are age-related, other types of cataracts include secondary (from other eye problems or health issues), traumatic (following an eye injury), congenital (present at birth) and radiation cataract (occurs following exposure to some radiation types). Cataract symptoms include blurry vision, faded colors, diminished night vision and glare. Tests to determine the presence of a cataract include a visual acuity test and a dilated eye exam where the eye doctor checks the retina and optic nerve. Removal of the cataract is the only corrective measure.
Floaters and Flashes
The eyeball contains a clear jelly-like fluid known as vitreous gel. The University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center reports that tiny clumps of the gel separate into shapes and create floaters that look like circles, dots or cobwebs. Floaters appear to be outside the eye when they are actually inside the eyeball. When the vitreous gel thickens and shrinks, the possibility of a posterior vitreous detachment increases. Flashes like lightning or stars appear when the vitreous gel pulls on the retina. Expect to develop some floaters after about 45 years of age, and report any sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light to your ophthalmologist immediately because it could be an indication of a torn or detached retina.
Strabismus
Strabismus is an eye problem known as being cross-eyed that affects as many as 5 percent of all children. In strabismus, the eyes do not track simultaneously. One eye may turn out, up, down or in as the other eye focuses on an object. The two types of strabismus are constant (the eye misaligns continually) and intermittent (noticeable misalignment during illness or stress). The National Institutes of Health reports that treatment for strabismus includes strengthening the weak muscles and realigning the eyes.
