The eyes are some of the most sensitive organs in the body. They are very complex with microscopic parts working together so an individual can see. Lesions of the eyes may occur inside and outside the eye, and they may be caused by various conditions and diseases. In addition, lesions may be caused by trauma or injury. Essentially, a lesion is any abnormal structural change in the body, in this case the eye.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at risk for diabetic eye disease, defined as eye problems that result from diabetic complications. In the worst cases, diabetic eye disease causes blindness, but severe loss of vision may also result, notes the National Eye Institute. The most common diabetic eye disease is diabetic retinopathy, the number one cause of blindness in adult Americans. Diabetic retinopathy causes the blood vessels of the eyes to swell and leak fluid, resulting in new abnormal blood vessel growth on the retina. Normally, both eyes are affected by this type of lesion.
Old Age
The normal aging process may result in internal lesions of the eyes, known as "age-related macular degeneration," or AMD. MedlinePlus notes that AMD is among the leading causes of vision loss in Americans over the age of 60. Age-related macular degeneration results in the death of cells in the macula, which worsens central vision. Regular eye exams can detect AMD before the disease has caused too much vision loss. Once the disease is detected, treatments can be administered to slow down the loss of vision.
Cancer
Iris melanoma is an example of cancer that affects the eyes. The iris is the colored or pigmented part of the eye, and iris melanoma lesions are malignant tumors that grow within and behind the iris, notes the Eye Cancer Network. This condition usually has no symptoms, although the tumor might be noticed visually by the patient, friends, family or an eye care specialist during an eye exam. Since most pigmented iris tumors do not grow, they are just monitored at first. If growth is observed, the patient is at risk for eye damage, because the tumor may cause secondary glaucoma. Glaucoma involves increased pressure in the eye, which may cause blindness.
Trauma
The eyes may be easily damaged by direct trauma or by trauma that occurs to the area surrounding the eye. Eye injuries are not uncommon in sports and in industry. An example of an eye trauma is retinal detachment. A detached retina can result in permanent vision loss, according to the National Eye Institute. Any trauma to the eyes or surrounding area should be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure optimal vision preservation.
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