Glaucoma is an eye disease that slowly and progressively destroys the optic nerve. This disease can be caused by too much liquid (aqueous humour) being produced by the eye, by poor evacuation of this liquid or by insufficient blood flow to the optic nerve due to increased intraocular pressure.
Although glaucoma can occur at any age, it is more common in people over 40. This is one reason why an annual eye exam is strongly recommended beginning at that age.
Glaucoma may be hereditary. It may also be caused by a trauma, an ocular accident or another eye disease. Glaucoma can also be congenital; some children are born with the condition or develop it within a year of birth. This type of glaucoma is caused by a disease contracted by the mother during pregnancy, such as German measles. Glaucoma can also appear without the presence of any of these factors. Undiagnosed and untreated, the condition can lead to blindness.
Cataracts are an opacity that develops in the crystalline lens, causing a reduction in the clarity of vision. The opacity may affect either the lens or the lens envelope, or the lens itself may be the cause of the cataract.
Some medications taken for long periods can cause cataracts. Cataracts may also be congenital. Like glaucoma, they may be caused by German measles.
The most common cause of cataracts is aging, however. Senile cataracts appears at different ages. Some people develop senile cataracts at the age of 50, and others at 65. Cataracts also develop differently in different people. They may take anywhere from 2 to 15 years to mature. This is another reason why having an annual eye exam is so important. Annual eye exams also allow patients to adjust the strength of their glasses to maintain the best possible vision. There is only one possible treatment for mature cataracts: surgery.
The lens becomes opaque: less and less light is able to penetrate the eye.
Macular degeneration is the destruction of the cells in the central part of the retina – the part that allows us to see clearly. This disease affects the quality of vision and may result in deformed or blurry images. Macular degeneration affects older people, generally after the age of 65.
Floaters are usually particles of protein or other natural substances floating in the liquid inside the eye. If the particles are big enough, they can cause shadows that appear to be floating in front of the eye. They may also be caused by a deterioration of the ocular fluid (vitreous humour). If they are accompanied by flashes of light, they may be a sign of a problem in the retina. People who have floaters, with or without flashes, should always undergo an in-depth examination of the retina.
Conjunctivitis is a fairly common ailment of the conjunctiva that may have many different causes.
Conjunctivitis may be caused by allergies. If the ailment is chronic, the cause of the allergy should be determined and eliminated. Conjunctivitis may also be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The symptoms differ depending on the cause. Too much sunlight may also cause conjunctivitis if the eye is sufficiently irritated.
A stye is a small abscess inside the eyelid. In the initial stages, it may be painful before it is big enough to see.
Small pieces of metal or wood or grains of dust may penetrate the eye and cause irritation.
Sometimes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva may burst, resulting in large red spots. Some of the more fragile vessels may even break after a sneeze or coughing fit. They can also break from contact with a fingernail. Nothing can be done in this case. The blood will eventually be reabsorbed, but it may take several days before the eye looks normal again.
Diabetes may affect some parts of the eye. Diabetes may change the strength of the eyes, lead to early presbyopia, cause fluctuating vision, accelerate the development of cataracts, cause glaucoma and provoke retinal hemorrhages. This condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, is the most serious visual complication related to diabetes. If left untreated, it may lead to blindness. All diabetics must undergo annual eye exams because early detection of diabetic retinopathy is crucial.
This deficiency makes it difficult for people to distinguish between different colours. The hereditary condition, also known as Daltonism, affects 8% of men and only 0.5% of women. Some types of disease, trauma, poisoning and medication may also impair colour perception. People who suffer from colour blindness are generally unaware of their condition. An in-depth eye examination includes an analysis of colour vision.
Migraines and headaches are among the most common symptoms that affect human beings. Almost everyone occasionally suffers from headaches. The common headache affects almost everyone from time to time, when they are tired or anxious. The causes of headaches include tension, migraines, sinusitis, meningitis, and so on, but headaches may also be caused by eye problems. To determine whether eye problems are at the root of a patient’s headaches, the optometrist must complete an in-depth examination.
Arcus senilis, as its name suggests, appears with age. It is a whitish opacity at the periphery of the cornea, formed by a cholesterol deposit, that can be seen by the naked eye. It begins forming at one point on the cornea and gradually makes its way around the entire circle. Arcus senilis presents no danger for the eye.
A pinguecula is a very common condition that results in a small yellowish nodule on the conjunctiva near the nose or temple. A pinguecula is formed by a small cluster of tissue. It may increase in size when irritated by wind or dust, causing a tingling feeling. If a pinguecula becomes too large or irritating, it can be removed with a simple operation.