Catching serious eye problems early can help preserve your vision. Even non-vision-threatening eye problems can be treated to keep your eyes comfortable and your eyesight as sharp as possible.
Two of the most complex organs of the body, the eyes provide us with instantaneous visual feedback of the world around us. We have all experienced eye trouble at one time or another-eyes that are tired, bloodshot, dry, irritated, itchy, sensitive to light, or watery, to name just a few. While some eye disorders-nearsightedness or cataracts, for example- are localized problems, eye disturbances can be a symptom of disease elsewhere in the body. Watery eyes, for example, can be a symptom of the common cold; a thyroid problem may be indicated by protruding or bulging eyes and reading difficulties; dark circles under the eyes and eyes that are red, swollen, and/ or watery may indicate allergies; yellowing of the eyes from jaundice can be a sign of hepatitis, gallbladder disease, or gallstone blockage; droopy eyes are often an early sign of myasthenia gravis, a disorder in which the eye muscles weaken. A drastic difference in the sizes of the pupils can indicate a tumor somewhere in the body, whereas high blood pressure and diabetes may manifest themselves in periodic blurring of vision.
The eyeball is a sphere about an inch in diameter that is covered by a tough outer layer called the sclera, the “white of the eye.” Underneath the sclera is the middle layer of the eye, the choroid, which contains the blood vessels that serve the eye. The front of the eye is covered by a transparent membrane called the cornea. Behind the cornea is a fluidfilled chamber called the anterior chamber; behind that-in the center of the sclera, on the front of the eyeball-is the highly pigmented iris, and in the center of the iris is the pupil. Behind the iris is the transparent lens. Inside, at the back of the eye, is the retina, a delicate light-sensitive membrane that is connected to the brain by the optic nerve.
The eye also contains two important fluids. The ciliary body, whose muscles are responsible for focusing the lens of the eye, also produces a waterlike substance called the aqueous humor, which fills the space between the cornea and the lens. The aqueous humor contains all of the constituents of blood except for red blood cells. The other fluid is the vitreous humor, a jellylike substance that fills the back of the eyeball, the space between the lens and the retina.
On the outside of the eyeball are six muscles that move the eyes. Under the upper eyelids are the lacrimal glands, which secrete tears. At the inner corners of the eyelids are the tear ducts, small openings through which the tears drain into the nose and the back of the throat. At the edges of the eyelids, where the eyelashes are, are glands that produce oils, sweat, and other secretions.
What we think of as the simple act of seeing is actually a complex, multistep process that goes on continuously and at breathtaking speed. Light enters the eye through the pupil, which changes size depending on the amount of light entering it. When there is very little light, the pupil dilates; in bright light, the pupil constricts. As light enters the eye, it is focused by the lens, which adjusts its shape by means of the action of the muscles and ligaments of the ciliary body.
The lens becomes fatter or flatter depending upon the distance to the object being focused on. The lens projects light onto the retina, where special pigment absorbs the light and forms a corresponding image. Finally, this image is transmitted by means of the optic nerve to the brain, which interprets the image. Anything that interferes with any link in this chain of events can result in impaired vision.
Many cases of eye damage and vision loss are linked to underlying diseases of one type or another. Diabetes often leads to hemorrhages in the retina and the vitreous humor, eventually producing blindness. Early cataracts also may be related to diabetes. High blood pressure produces a gradual thickening of the blood vessels inside the eyes that can result in visual impairment and even blindness. Other factors linked to declining eyesight include too much sun exposure, poor nutrition, exposure to tobacco smoke or other pollutants, and dehydration.
One major contributor to eye problems is poor diet, specifically the denatured, chemical- and preservative-laden foods that most people consume daily. A deficiency of just one vitamin can lead to various eye problems. Supplementation with the correct vitamins and minerals can help prevent or correct eye problems. Some of these supplements also protect against the formation of free radicals, which can damage the eyes. Specific eye problems that can be helped by supplementing the diet with vitamins and other nutrients are discussed below.
Symptoms Of Eye Problems
Monitoring your eye health can ensure your eyes are properly taken care of. If your notice signs of eye problems, then start implementing a treatment plan to preserve and protect your vision.
- Red Eyes
Redness in the eye can be caused by many different conditions and injuries that can lead to irritation, swelling, and vision loss. Typically, the eyes’ small blood vessels will become inflamed, making the whites of the eyes seem pink or red.
Red eyes can be an indication that your eyes are irritated. It can also be a sign of a bigger problem or infection. Common eye problems associated with red eyes include:
- Blepharitis
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Eye Allergies
- Uveitis
- Night Blindness
If you’re having trouble seeing when it gets dark outside, you may have a night vision problem. Typically, your eyes can easily adjust between well-lit and dark places, but some eye problems can make it difficult to do so.
Troubles with night vision can be an indicator of:
- Cataracts
- Nystagmus
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Headache
Woman holding the bridge of her nose and medication in one hand due to a headache
A headache is referred to as pain in the head, neck, and face. Typically, a headache is indicative of emotional or physical distress, such as stress or high blood pressure.
Headaches can affect different parts of the head, depending on the cause. A headache can feel like a dull ache, sharp pain, or throbbing in the temples.
A headache can also be associated with various eye problems, some of which are considered eye emergencies. Some eye conditions that a headache may indicate are:
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Refractive Error
- Migraine
- Photokeratitis
- Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity is a condition that causes bright light to be uncomfortable, commonly referred to as photophobia. Mild photophobia makes you squint in a brightly lit room or while outside. More severe cases may cause significant pain when your eyes are exposed to any sort of light.
Light sensitivity is also a common symptom of several different eye conditions. Some conditions associated with light sensitivity include:
- Cataracts
- Corneal Abrasion
- Allergies
- Keratoconus
- Migraine
- Strabismus
- Floaters
Floaters are specks, dots, lines, or webs that appear in your field of vision. Although they seem to be in front of your eye, they are floating inside the vitreous. What you see are the shadows cast on the retina by small clumps of cells.
Typically, floaters are harmless in small amounts, and they will usually fade and go away over time. You will normally notice them when you’re looking at something plain, like a blank wall or the sky.
However, severe floaters can be indicative of a larger problem, such as:
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Eye Lymphoma
- Torn or Detached Retina
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment
- Uveitis
- Flashes
Flashes can appear as flashing lights or lightning streaks in your field of vision. Some patients report seeing flashes similar to “seeing stars” after being hit on the head.
Typically, flashes are a result of the vitreous rubbing or pulling on the retina and can happen as a result of ageing. However, flashes are common with certain eye conditions such as:
- Detached or Torn Retina
- Migraine
- Dry Eyes
Dry eye can cause your eyes to feel gritty, scratchy, and irritated. Dry eye is a chronic condition that is normally caused by your eyes not producing enough good quality tears for the eyes to stay lubricated.
However, dryness in the eyes can also be indicative of a bigger condition. Dry eye is a common symptom of:
- Chronic Dry Eye
- Blepharitis
- Bell’s Palsy
- Excessive Tearing
If your eyes are producing too many tears and are continually watering, you may be experiencing a variety of issues. Irritated eyes produce tears in an attempt to lubricate and soothe the eyes.
Typically, tearing may be associated with:
- Bacterial Keratitis
- Blocked Tear Duct
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Dry Eye
- Allergies
- Blurred or Distorted Vision
Blurred or distorted vision is a common symptom of a variety of eye conditions. Common eye conditions that may cause blurred or distorted vision include:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Astigmatism
- Cataracts
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Detached or Torn Retina
- Keratoconus
- Macular Edema
- Refractive Error
- Swelling
Swelling on or around the eye can be a result of trauma to the head, neck, or face. The tissues in the eye or eyelids can become irritated and inflamed, causing the typical swollen, discoloured appearance.
Swelling can indicate a serious eye problem. Common issues include:
- Black Eye
- Blepharitis
- Blocked Tear Duct
- Cellulitis
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Corneal Ulcer
- Scleritis
- Graves’ Disease
Eye Problems Treatment
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