The eyes are sensitive and fragile parts of the human anatomy. They are also one of the most important parts. Over the course of time, they can be subject to injury and conditions that can compromise your vision and lead to treatments. Eye problems usually appear by themselves, but they are sometimes caused from underlying conditions.
Glaucoma
The optic nerve is a large nerve that is found in the back of the eye. When this nerve becomes damaged, a condition called "glaucoma" can develop. This is most commonly caused from an excessive amount of pressure inside the eye called "intraocular pressure." Glaucoma causes a slow loss of sight that can eventually lead to total blindness.
Astigmatism
The cornea is the center, round part of the eye were light travels into. Astigmatism is an eye problem that causes your cornea to be egg-shaped instead of round. The main symptoms of this condition are blurred vision and the inability to focus on objects.
Retinopathy
Diabetes is a condition in which your pancreas does not release insulin properly or at all. When this takes place, your blood sugar levels can become elevated, and your blood vessels and nerves can suffer damage. When the nerves around the retina and eye become damaged, a condition called "diabetic retinopathy" can be seen. This can cause scarring in the eye, blind spots and, in the worst of cases, complete blindness.
Film
Cataracts are an eye problem that happens as you age. When they develop, your eyes can develop a cloudy film over them that can compromise your vision. To help improve your vision, this cloudy film can be surgically removed.
Degeneration
Central vision in the eye is made possible by way of the macula. When this tissue gets deteriorated, a condition called "macular degeneration (MD)" can develop. In similar fashion to cataracts, this eye problem takes place when you age. Symptoms of this condition include difficulties reading fine print, having blurry central vision and seeing blank spots.
Dry Eyes
The eyes have a constant flow of aqueous fluid that is found in tears. When tears are not being adequately produced, dry eye syndrome can develop. This can cause redness, inflammation, burning and a feeling that something is in your eye. Prescription eye drops are a common treatment for dry eyes.
Near and Far Sighted
Myopia is the clinical name for being near-sighted. With this eye problem, you are only able to see objects that are up close to you. When they are at a distance, they appear fuzzy and out of focus.
Presbyopia is the clinical name for being far-sighted. With this condition, you have a hard time seeing things that are close to you like newspaper print. Both myopia and presbyopia can be treated with glasses or contacts.
