The eye is a complex organ that can be affected by a number of different disorders. Some disorders are minor and can usually disappear on their own, but others are serious and can lead to permanent vision loss. It is important to get eye checkups regularly in order to keep the eyes healthy and catch any potential problems early.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Cataracts usually develop gradually and do not cause any problems initially, but as they become more severe, they can cause decreased vision or vision loss, according to Mayo Clinic. Cataracts develop due to a change in the tissue of the eye. This change can be caused by aging, injury or genetic disorders. Diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol can also contribute to the development of cataracts. Symptoms of cataracts include clouded or blurred vision, decreased night vision, sensitivity to light, fading of colors and double vision in one eye, according to Mayo Clinic. The only treatment option for cataracts is surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a plastic lens. Surgery is usually very effective but results in an increased risk of developing future eye problems.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is not the name for a single disease, but rather encompasses a group of eye disorders that result in damage to the optic nerve, which is the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. The damage to the optic nerve is usually caused by intraocular pressure, or increased pressure in the eye. Several different types of glaucoma produce varying symptoms based on the type, according to MedlinePlus. Open-angle glaucoma usually presents no symptoms until an eventual loss of vision. Angle-closure glaucoma is characterized by sudden pain, cloudy vision, halos around lights, redness of the eye and a swollen feeling in the eye. Congenital glaucoma is present at birth and symptoms include cloudiness of the eye, eye enlargement, redness, sensitivity to light and tearing. Treatment of glaucoma is aimed at reducing eye pressure, which can be done by surgery or medication in the form of eyedrops, according to MedlinePlus. If glaucoma is left untreated, it can result in vision loss.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, which is commonly referred to as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is a clear structure that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis usually occurs as a result of a bacterial or viral infection, but can also appear as a result of allergies or chemical irritants, according to the website KidsHealth. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include eye discomfort, redness of the eye and eyelid, swollen eyelids, sensitivity to light and discharge from the eye, according to KidsHealth. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious so those with the condition should be kept away from others until symptoms have gone away. Conjunctivitis that has occurred due to a virus usually goes away on its own and requires no treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eyedrops. Although it causes moderate irritation, conjunctivitis is a minor disorder that does not result in any future complications, according to KidsHealth.
