Eye Problems and Diseases
Allergies
The most common eye allergies are those related to pollen. Symptoms can include redness, itching, tearing, burning, and watery discharge. An increasing number of eye allergy cases are related to medications, cosmetics, soaps, lotions, contact lens wear, smoke or fumes. Some allergies, like hay fever, make the eyes very itchy while others may produce a chronic redness. Allergies tend to cause a type of conjunctivitis which produces a discharge. Any type of irritation is aggravated by dryness of the eyes.
Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment
Diabetic Eye Disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina and the nerve layer at the back of the eye. The condition can cause vision loss or blindness. Diabetic patients need to have regular medical eye exams so that your ophthalmologist can detect changes inside your eyes and can diagnose and treat serious diabetic retinopathy before you are aware of any vision problems. The best treatment is to prevent the development of retinopathy as much as possible through strict control of blood sugar. In some cases, your eye doctor may need to treat diabetic eye problems with injections of medicine in the eye, with laser surgery, or with more invasive surgery (victrectomy).
Dry Eyes Treatment
Dry eyes are a common problem for many of our elderly patients. Dry eyes cause irritation, redness and excessive tearing. Severe dry eyes may damage the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye).
The eye produces two types of tears:
- One is the watery type of tear that is produced when we cry or when the eye is irritated.
- The second tear is a thicker, oily tear that covers and coats the ocular surface.
The initial treatment for dry eyes is artificial tears. Trying several brands is common to see which one provides the best relief. For severe dry eyes, we sometimes recommend temporary punctual occlusion. Small plugs are placed in the outflow drains at the corners of each eye to prevent your natural tears from leaving the eye. These tiny plugs dissolve in 3 to 7 days. If during that time your eyes are more comfortable, we may recommend permanent closure of the tiny drains, usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries are a leading cause of blindness in children. Most eye injuries are sports-related and could be avoided by using protective eyewear (safety glasses & goggles, safety shields, eye guards) designed for a particular sport. Ordinary prescription glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses do not protect against eye injuries, and safety goggles should be worn. Protective eyewear is 10 times more impact resistant than other plastics and does not reduce vision. All children who play sports should use protective eyewear. Most protective eyewear can be made to match an eyeglasses or contact lens prescription.
Eyelid Surgery
As we age, the delicate skin around the eyes can appear puffy or saggy. Eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and the normal deposits of protective fat around the eye bulge.
Blepharoplasty is the surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid tissue (skin, muscle or fat). It can be performed on both upper and lower eyelids. Sometimes excess upper eyelid tissue obstructs the upper visual field or can weigh down the eyelid and produce tired-feeling eyes. Surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and can take 1-3 hours. Upper lid incisions are made in the natural crease of the lid, and lower lid incisions are made just below the lash line. Incisions are closed with fine sutures.
Ectropion is an outward turning of the lower lid, commonly caused by aging, although eyelid burns or skin disease may also be responsible. Normally, the eyelids help lubricate & cleanse the eye during blinking. An eyelid that is drooping and has lost contact with the eye can cause dry eyes, excessive tearing, redness, and sensitivity to light and wind. Surgery can be performed to tighten the eyelid and return it to its normal position.
Entropion is an inward turning of the eyelid and lashes, usually caused by relaxation of the eye muscles and tissue due to aging. Entropion usually affects the lower lid. The skin and eyelashes rub against the eye and cause discomfort and tearing, and the irritated eye can produce mucous or become red and sensitive. If entropion is not treated, rubbing of the skin and eyelashes can cause infection or scarring of the eye, which can cause vision loss. Surgery can be performed to tighten the eyelid and return it to its normal position.
