Eyes are extremely complex. There are several layers and divisions within the eye, and problems can arise in any area. Eye problems in general are common, especially as people age. Eye problems should never be ignored. Some conditions are mild and self limiting, but it's best to have your eye doctor advise you if you're experiencing any problem with your eye.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye. Cataracts are very common, especially as people age, and they worsen over time, causing blurry vision. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States, with 3 million people undergoing cataract removal each year, AllAboutVision.com states.
Cataracts form as people age because proteins in the eye called crystalins start to stick together in an area of the lens, causing clouding in the normally clear lens. There are three types of cataracts: nuclear, usually related to aging; subscapular, more common in people with diabetes or those taking steroid medications; and cortical. Cortical cataracts form at the outside edge of the lens and move towards the center. This is called cortical spoking. Cataracts are surgically removed when they interfere with vision.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a very common inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin layer of tissue covering the lower eyelids and lower part of the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, bacteria or viruses. Symptoms are redness, watering, white or yellow discharge that causes the eye to stick together and burning or itching. Conjunctivitis in children is often known as "pink eye." Bacterial conjunctivitis responds to antibiotics, but viral and allergic conjunctivitis do not. Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up within a few days, and removing the discharge frequently and holding cool compresses over the closed eyelid helps with discomfort.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes happen often as people age, affecting nearly everyone over 65 at some point, the American Optometric Association reports. Dry eye can be caused by a lack of tear production or by tears that evaporate too quickly or that don't spread evenly over the eye. Artificial tears are helpful in some cases, but more severe cases of dry eye may require a prescription medication that improves tear production. Devices that block tear ducts, keeping tears in the eye longer may also help treat the condition.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve, often associated with elevated pressure within the eye. Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness. Many conditions cause elevated intraocular pressure, or IOP. Fluid can build up in the eye as part of aging, and debris blocks the drains that allow fluid to escape from the eye. Since fluid must be kept in balance high enough to maintain the shape of the eye, but not so high as to compress the optic nerve, anything that blocks the drainage of fluid raises IOP. African-Americans have a six to eight times higher risk of developing the disease than caucasians, the Mayo Clinic states. Eye drops to help fluid drain more freely or to decrease the production of aqueous humor fluid within the eye are given to treat glaucoma.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Subconjunctival hemorrhage is caused by broken blood vessels in the white part of the eye, the sclera. A large part of the white of the eye may be filled with blood. Although subconjunctival hemorrhage looks terrible, it's generally harmless. Blood vessels often break for no discernible reason, AllAboutVision.com states. This condition is not considered an emergency, although you may want to see your doctor to make sure there's no underlying damage to the eye. Most people don't realize they have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until they look in the mirror or someone tells them. It's usually painless. There's no treatment for subconjunctival hemorrhage, and it may take a week for the blood to be absorbed.
