Eye Doctor - Eye Diseases
Austin, Texas

The human eye is a fascinating mix of toughness and vulnerability. The structures inside the eye are tiny and delicate. Yet often they last a lifetime, giving good vision despite the potential harm that could befall them from sports, auto accidents, or general disease.

There are many eye diseases that can interfere with eyesight. Some will eventually cause blindness if nothing is done to treat them. Regular eye check-ups are the best way to catch problems early and prevent unnecessary vision loss.

Glaucoma

The most frequent type of glaucoma is stealthy. There are no early symptoms and by the time you notice something wrong, some eyesight has been permanently lost. Glaucoma is a problem with the intraocular pressure becoming too high, which eventually damages the optic nerve and destroys vision. If you have reached the age of about 40, it would be wise to have regular eye checks so as to catch glaucoma early. It is controlled by special eyedrops that help to keep the eye’s internal pressure within normal range.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

The macula is the central part of the retina, the “camera film” of the eye. It is the area that gives us our central vision (as opposed to peripheral vision). Like glaucoma, ARMD creeps up quietly and slowly, but it can be slowed down if your eye doctor catches it early.

Diabetic Eye Disease

The diabetic tendency to high blood sugar affects the tiny capillaries that nourish the eye’s retina. They become weak and blood leaks out around the retina, causing swelling which blurs vision. The eyes try to grow new blood vessels so as to obtain enough oxygen and nutrients, but these too are dysfunctional and leak. Do not wait until you are losing your eyesight, but go regularly for eye checkups, so your eye doctor can catch this early.

Cataracts

Cataracts are tiny opacities in the eye’s lens that can form as we age. They prevent light from reaching the retina and over time they enlarge and increase in number. There is no cure for cataracts, but the lens can be replaced with an implantable artificial lens.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Our eyes need to be kept moist. Tears accomplish this for the eye’s front surface, being produced by the lachrymal gland above each eye. Sometimes tear production drops off and the eye’s surface becomes too dry. It feels scratchy and becomes red. Some medications can reduce tear production and aging can also be a factor. Moistening eyedrops can help.

Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis is probably the most common eye infection, making the eyes look pink and causing itchiness and discharge. The conjunctiva is a membrane over the inside surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye (sclera).

Uveitis is infection of the uvea and can cause blindness. The uvea is the middle layer of the eyeball, between the retina and the sclera. It contains many blood vessels and if it is infected they cannot properly nourish the rest of the eye. When the retina is deprived of oxygen and nutrients it deteriorates, impairing vision.

Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea and may infect only the surface layer, in which case it usually heals up without causing any vision problem. If it occurs in a deeper layer, it can heal leaving scars which impair vision.

Blepharitis is infection of the eyelids, upper or lower or both. It can occur either along near the eyelashes or on the back surface of the eyelid. It causes a feeling of grittiness, redness, and irritation.

Trachoma is an eye infection related to poor hygiene and is spread by direct contact with an infected person’s secretions or with objects like towels which have been in contact with those secretions. It is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. It causes blindness and is a worldwide problem, although it now occurs rarely in the developed world.

Any type of eye disease, especially an infection, is best caught and treated early. Some eye diseases are age-related. The best way to protect your vision and eye health is to see your eye doctor regularly. If you are wondering whether you have an eye disease and would like to talk to Eye Doctor Dr. Berkowitz or Dr. Rhodes, please contact our office today in Austin, Texas.