Eye problems can range from vision issues and infections to vision loss.
How the Eyes Work
The eye is made up of the pupil, cornea, iris, lens, sclera, and retina. Eyes capture an image and the optic nerve transmits that upside-down image to the brain. The photoreceptors of the eye are struck by light and create nerve impulses. Cones are the color photoreceptors and rods are the black-and-white photoreceptors. The brain interprets the images from the left and right eye (stereoscopic vision) to create a 3D image. Shadowing, sizing of objects, and other visual cues “help us determine depth and distance”. Tears from the lacrimal gland are spread via blinking so that the eyes are lubricated and not damaged by the friction of motion. Tears are also important for removing bacteria and other foreign objects.1
Types of Eye Problems
There are many types of problems the eyes can experience. Lazy eye, or amblyopia, can lead to vision loss. Astigmatism causes blurry vision due to an irregular cornea. Cataracts are a problem that comes with age. Diplopia is double vision, and this can be caused by cataracts and stroke. Some patients have dry eye syndrome, while others could develop an inflammation called blepharitis or an infection such as pink eye (conjunctivitis). Allergies and bacterial and viral infections could cause discomfort and vision trouble. Bell’s Palsy affects the eye due to the paralysis of the face, which affects blinking. The optic nerve is damaged by glaucoma. Macular degeneration impacts vision as well. Some patients could have eye twitches, tics, or nystagmus (“uncontrollable eye movements from…neurological causes”). Other vision issues are spots, flashes, and floaters. Patients can also be nearsighted, farsighted, or even require vision correction for both distance vision issues.2
Left untreated, infections of the eye can cause problems ranging from a stye on the eyelid or uveitis inflammation to a corneal ulcer or even vision loss. Typical infection treatments include compresses, ointments, and antibiotic eye drops. Some viral eye infections may require steroid drops. Sometimes oral medication is prescribed. Many infections can be avoided by handwashing and not touching the eyes. If someone in the home has a contagious infection, such as conjunctivitis, it is important that bedding and linens are cleaned and items are not shared.3 Patients who have trouble with their vision can opt for glasses, contact lenses, or even laser surgery. Surgery “permanently changes the curve of the cornea”.4 For cataracts, in which the lens of the eye becomes hazy, surgery may be necessary. Vascular disease and eye pressure could lead to glaucoma, and medications (such as eye drops) are often prescribed to reduce the pressure. Diabetic patients should take particular care to have their eyes examined as diabetes can lead to many eye issues, such as overgrowth of blood vessels that leak. Patients with the dry form of macular degeneration have no known treatment options. The wet form, which is less common, “may respond to laser procedures”. Macular degeneration leads to distorted vision and an “empty area…in the center of vision”.5