Eye Diseases - Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What are common eye diseases that can cause pain or vision problems?
  
  A: Conjunctivitis, which can be due to viral or bacterial infection, can cause pain that feels like grit in the eye. Uveitis is characterized by dull, aching pain. It may be an autoimmune condition. Glaucoma causes the pressure of the fluid in the eye to rise and is characterized by severe pain and may cause nausea or vomiting. Corneal ulcer due to a foreign object in the eye can produce severe redness and pain. Macular degeneration of the retina causes fuzzy vision, although peripheral vision is not affected. It is a disease of the elderly. Cataracts cause a loss of transparency of the lens of the eye and is also a disease of the elderly.



• Q: What can cause eye diseases?
  
  Some eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts are common in elderly people. Other eye diseases can be caused by infection or may have an autoimmune basis. See your physician for diagnosis and treatment. Eye diseases can be a sign that there is an imbalance in your system. When you have an imbalance, you are susceptible to various diseases which can settle in weak areas of your body. You can check to see if there is an imbalance in your system. Your eyes can provide a lot of information about the state of balance of your body if you know what to look for.



• Q: How do I prevent this from recurring?
  
  A:If you take the Balance Analysis and find that there is an imbalance in your system, you can generally restore balance through simple, natural methods that affect your food choices and activity choices. You can do this by visiting an Ayurvedic physician or by ordering a Personalized Report for Restoring Balance. These methods will help your body's immune system to function correctly.



• Q: What causes Low Vision Impairment?
  
  A: Low Vision Impairment is caused by a variety of diseases or conditions. Macular degeneration heads the list, accounting for about 65% to 75% of patients requesting vision rehabilitation. Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, hereditary retinal degenerations or diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Albinism, Lebers Optic Neuropathy, Bests Disease and other conditions such as stroke or brain tumors make up the rest of the list.



• Q: What is glaucoma?
  
  A: Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal fluid pressure of your eye rises to a point that the optic nerve is damaged. The pressure that builds up is usually due to inadequate drainage of fluid normally produced in your eyes. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S.



• Q: How can glaucoma be treated?
  
  A: Glaucoma is usually effectively treated with prescription eye drops and medicines that must be taken regularly. In some cases, laser therapy or surgery may be required. The goal of treatment is to prevent loss of vision by lowering the fluid pressure in the eye. Anyone with this condition should be under the regular care of his or her optometrist.



• Q: What are the symptoms of a cataract?
  
  A: Cataracts usually develop slowly and without pain. Some indications that a cataract may be forming include blurred or hazy vision, decreased color perception, or the feeling of having a film over the eyes. A temporary improvement in near vision may occur, and increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night, may be experienced. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but often at different rates.



• Q: What is Conjunctivitis?
  
  A: More commonly known as "pink eye," conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent layer covering the surface of the inner eyelid and a portion of the front of the eye. This condition appears in many forms, including an infection, and affects people of all ages.



• Q: Is "pink eye" contagious?
  
  A: True "pink eye" is caused by infectious organisms--virus, bacteria, or fungus--that are contagious. However, "pink eye" is just one of many types of conjunctivitis that are similar. In any case, if you have any type of conjunctivitis, it is best to use good hygiene by washing hands regularly, not sharing towels, and trying not to touch or rub the eyes.



• Q: What causes dry eye?
  
  A: Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce tears which do not have the proper chemical composition. Dry eye symptoms can result from the normal aging process, exposure to environmental conditions, problems with normal blinking or from medications such as antihistamines, oral contraceptives or antidepressants. Dry eye can also be symptomatic of general health problems or can result from chemical or thermal burns to the eye. Always schedule regular appointments with your optometrist, but if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, call your optometrist immediately.



• Q: What is the seriousness of vitreous detachment?
  
  A: A vitreous detachment, often noticed by the appearance of "floaters" in one's vision, is usually a benign (non-serious) condition. However, it is important to note that floaters often precede a retinal detachment, a more serious sight-threatening problem. You should check with your optometrist if or when you notice an increase in the number of spots or floaters present, or you experience the sensation of flashing lights. You should also schedule regular examinations with your optometrist so that your pupils may be dilated to allow better diagnosis of retinal conditions.