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Eye Diseases
Some eye problems are minor and fleeting. But some lead to a permanent loss of vision. Common eye problems include
- Cataracts - clouded lenses
- Glaucoma - damage to the optic nerve from too much pressure in the eye
- Retinal disorders - problems with the nerve layer at the back of the eye
- Conjunctivitis - an infection also known as pink eye
Your best defense is to have regular checkups, because eye diseases do not always have symptoms. Early detection and treatment could prevent vision loss. See an eye care professional right away if you have a sudden change in vision or everything looks dim or if you see flashes of light. Other symptoms that need quick attention are pain, double vision, fluid coming from the eye and inflammation.
National Eye Institute
Eye Infections
Your eyes can get infections from bacteria, fungi or viruses. Eye infections can occur in different parts of the eye and can affect just one eye or both. Two common eye infections are
- Conjunctivitis - also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is often due to an infection. Children frequently get it, and it is very contagious.
- Stye - a bump on the eyelid that happens when bacteria from your skin get into the hair follicle of an eyelash.
Symptoms of eye infections may include redness, itching, swelling, discharge, pain, or problems with vision. Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and may include compresses, eye drops, creams or antibiotics.
Eye Cancer
Cancer of the eye is uncommon. It can affect the outer parts of the eye, such as the eyelid, which are made up of muscles, skin and nerves. If the cancer starts inside the eyeball it's called intraocular cancer. The most common intraocular cancers in adults are melanoma and lymphoma. The most common eye cancer in children is retinoblastoma, which starts in the cells of the retina. Cancer can also spread to the eye from other parts of the body.
Treatment for eye cancer varies by the type and by how advanced it is. It may include surgery, radiation therapy, freezing or heat therapy, or laser therapy.
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