Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a degenerative non-inflammatory disorder of the eye in which structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more conical shape than its normal gradual curve. Keratoconus can cause substantial distortion of vision with multiple images, streaking and sensitivity to light as reported by most patients. Though frequently thought of as a rare condition, keratoconus is the most common dystrophy of the cornea, affecting around one person in a thousand, and it seems to occur equally in all ethnic groups world wide. It is typically diagnosed in the patient’s adolescent years and attains its most severe state in the twenties and thirties. The first symptoms of keratoconus are usually blurred or distorted vision. At first, the vision can be easily corrected with eyeglasses. As keratoconus progresses, the person’s vision becomes more and more nearsighted. Vision irregularity and astigmatism will develop.
Once a person reaches a moderate degree of keratoconus, contact lenses will be necessary to correct vision. In severe cases, scarring will form and corneal transplantation may be discussed.
Dry Eye
Dry Eye, or Keratitis Sicca, is one of the most common chronic conditions that affect the human eye. Put very simply, it is an eye that has lost some of its moisture balance. The eye should naturally produce its own tears throughout the day. The symptoms can range from nothing at all to blurred vision and severe pain. Most commonly patients will complain about a gritty or scratchy feeling made worse with contact lenses or environmental influences. Dry eyes are more prone to eye infection or injury.
Dr. Tran commonly treats this disorder. Please ask if you think you are suffering from dry eye.
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of all or part of the normally clear lens within your eye, which results in blurred or distorted vision. Cataracts are most often found in persons over age 55, but they are also occasionally found in younger people. No one knows exactly what causes cataracts, but it is known that a chemical change occurs within in your eye to cause the lens to become cloudy. This may be due to advancing age, heredity or an injury or disease. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, cigarette smoking or the use of certain medications are also risk factors for the development of cataracts. Although cataracts develop without pain or discomfort, there are some indications that a cataract may be forming. These include blurred or hazy vision, the appearance of spots in front of the eyes, increased sensitivity to glare or the feeling of having a film over the eyes. A temporary improvement in near vision may also indicate formation of a cataract.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computers are everywhere today and so are complaints from computer users about headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and other symptoms of eyestrain. Although there is no evidence that using a computer causes vision problem, it can cause Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), says the American Optometric Association. CVS is a catchall term for the eyestrain symptoms that can affect computer users’ productivity and leave them feeling tired and miserable at the end of the day. The good news is that CVS can be eliminated.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a disease that interferes with the body’s ability to use and store sugar and can cause many health problems. One, called diabetic retinopathy, can weaken and cause changes in the small blood vessels that nourish your eye’s retina, the delicate, light sensitive lining of the back of the eye. These blood vessels may begin to leak, swell or develop brush-like branches. The early stages of diabetic retinopathy may cause blurred vision, or may produce no visual symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, you may notice a cloudiness of vision, blind spots or floaters.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in America. It is the result of changes to the macula, a pinpoint sized portion of the retina that is responsible for clear, sharp vision and is located directly in the back of the eye. As macular degeneration advances, a distorted, dark, or empty area often appears in the center of vision. There are two forms of macular degeneration, dry and wet.
The dry form is more prevalent, is usually milder and slow to progress. The retina slowly deteriorates and there is no known treatment. There is some recent evidence that certain combinations of vitamins may help slow the progression of macular degenerations. The wet form is so named due to the bleeding that can occur underneath the retina. Sometimes prior to bleeding, the retina will become rippled, distorting vision in a wavy pattern. For this reason, all patients with macular degeneration are given an Amsler Grid. The grid is a way to monitor each eye at home on a daily basis to watch for subtle changes in your vision that may indicate changes in your condition. Sometimes, the wet form of macular degeneration responds to laser therapy.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure in your eyes increases enough to damage the nerve fibers in your optic nerve and cause vision loss. The increase in pressure happens when the passages that normally allow fluid in your eyes to drain become clogged or blocked. The reason that the passages become blocked is not known.
Noticeable symptoms of glaucoma may be a gradual loss of side vision or blurred vision. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. It mostly occurs in people over age 40. People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans, those who are very nearsighted and diabetics are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
The most common type of glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly, without symptoms. A more rare type occurs rapidly and its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of side vision, seeing colored rings around lights and pain or redness in the eye. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled. Vision lost from glaucoma cannot be restored, that it why it is very important to get annual checkups regardless of any changes in vision.
