Eye Disease
Amblyopia (am-blee-OH-pee-uh), "lazy eye." Decreased vision in one or both eyes without detectable
anatomic damage in the eye or visual pathways. Usually
uncorrectable by eyeglasses or contact lenses.
National Eye Institute
Cataracts Opacity or cloudiness
of the crystalline lens, which
may prevent a clear image from forming on the retina.
Surgical removal of the lens may be necessary if
visual loss becomes significant, with lost optical
power replaced with an intraocular lens, contact
lens, or aphakic spectacles. May be congenital or
caused by trauma, disease, or age.
National Eye Institute
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) (kun-junk-tih-VI-tis), "pink eye." Inflammation of the conjunctiva. Characterized by
discharge, grittiness, redness and swelling. Usually
viral in origin, but may be bacterial or allergic;
may be contageous.
Kidshealth.org
Diabetic Retinopathy (ret-in-AHP-uh-thee). Spectrum of
retinal changes accompanying long-standing diabetes
mellitus. Early stage is background retinopathy.
May advance to proliferative retinopathy,
which includes the growth of abnormal new blood
vessels (neovascularization) and fibrous tissue.
National Eye Institute
Diagram of the Eye
National Eye Institute
Dry Eye Syndrome Corneal
and conjunctival dryness due to deficient tear production,
predominantly in menopausal and post-menopausal
women. Can cause foreign body sensation, burning
eyes, filamentary keratitis, and erosion of conjunctival
and corneal epithelium.
American Optometric Association
St. Lukes Eye
Glaucoma (glaw-KOH-muh).
Group of diseases characterized by increased intraocular
pressure resulting in damage to the optic nerve and retinal nerve fibers. A common cause of preventable
vision loss. May be treated by prescription drugs
or surgery.
Glaucoma.org
National Eye Institute
Macular Degeneration (MAK-yu-lur).
Group of conditions that include deterioration of
the macula, resulting in loss
of sharp central vision. Two general types: "dry,"
which is more common, and "wet," in which
abnormal new blood vessels grow under the retina
and leak fluid and blood (neovascularization), further
disturbing macular function. Most common cause of
decreased vision after age 60.
Macular Degeneration Foundation
National Eye Institute
Retinal Detachment eparation
of the retina from the underlying pigment epithelium.
Disrupts visual cell structure and thus markedly disturbs vision. Almost always caused by a retinal
tear; often requires immediate surgical repair.
Hendrick Health Systems
National Eye Institute