While the eyes are highly specialized sense organs, they remain susceptible to many of the same types of disease processes that affect other body tissues. Infections, allergies, pollution and age-related changes commonly lead to eye disorders. Due to the threat of vision loss associated with certain eye diseases, it is important to seek medical care when eye disorders develop. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment can prevent possible complications associated with eye diseases.
Conjunctivitis
The tissues that line the inside of the eyelids and cover the whites of the eyes are the conjunctiva. Inflammation of these tissues is termed conjunctivitis, a common eye disorder. According to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, possible causes of conjunctivitis include viral or bacterial infections, eye allergies and environmental eye irritants. Bloodshot eyes, redness of the eyelids, blurred vision, tearing, eye scratchiness or itching, light sensitivity and eye discharge commonly occur with conjunctivitis, which may affect one or both eyes. Treatment for conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, depends on the underlying cause.
Sty
A sty, also known as a hordeolum, is a small abscess of the eyelid caused by bacterial infection of one of the glands that produce an oil-like film that protects the eye. The abscess appears as a swollen red lump at the rim of the upper or lower eyelid. Pain and tenderness occur, along with tearing and a feeling that something is in the eye. Information provided by MayoClinic.com indicates that staphylococcal bacteria most commonly cause sties. Most sties clear without treatment, usually within one week. Warm compresses promote spontaneous sty drainage and healing. Sties that do not resolve may require drainage of the abscess by an eye doctor.
Cataracts
As in a camera, each eye contains a clear lens, which focuses perceived images onto the retina--the tissues that capture envisioned sights for brain processing. The eye lens contains proteins suspended in a fluid matrix. Over time, the proteins of the lens may clump together, causing cloudiness. The development of lens cloudiness defines the eye condition cataracts. The National Eye Institute notes that early cataracts may not interfere with vision, but as lens cloudiness increases, vision becomes blurry and dim. Common visual disturbances associated with cataracts include the appearance of halos or glare around bright lights, decreased ability to see at night, double vision and decreased color perception. Severe cataracts can cause blindness. While most cataracts develop in older adults, babies and young children may have congenital cataracts, which are present at birth or develop shortly thereafter. Eye trauma at any age can also lead to the development of a cataract. Smoking, alcohol abuse and diabetes increase the risk for development of cataracts. The definitive treatment for cataracts is replacement of a clouded eye lens with an artificial lens.
