Cataracts
A cataract is a cloudiness of the normally transparent eye lens. If left untreated, it will decrease vision and can lead to blindness.
Learn MoreConditions
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, more commonly referred to as “pink eye,” is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball.
Learn MoreCorneal Dystrophy
Corneal dystrophies are genetic eye disorders that occur when abnormal material gathers in the cornea. Examples include macular corneal dystrophy, map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy and Fuchs’ dystrophy.
Learn MoreCorneal Infections
A corneal infection, or keratitis, occurs when the cornea is damaged by a foreign object, by bacteria or by fungi from a contaminated contact lens. Keratitis can cause painful inflammation and lead to corneal scarring.
Learn MoreDiabetes and Your Eyes
Diabetics are more prone to developing cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Here’s what you need to know if you’re diabetic.
Learn MoreDiabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy refers to any damage that occurs to the eye’s retina in conjunction with long-term diabetes. (Retinopathy refers to any non-inflammatory disease of the retina.) Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among American adults.
Learn MoreDroopy Eyelids (Ocular Plastics)
Some conditions, like droopy eyelids, can gradually interfere with your eyesight. Not only do droopy eyelids make you look sad or tired, they can actually limit your field of vision.
Learn MoreDry Eye
Dry eye is caused by a lack of tears, which lubricate the eyes and clear away particles and foreign bodies.
Learn MoreGlaucoma: “The Sneak Thief of Sight”
Glaucoma has been called “The Sneak Thief of Sight” because, in its early stages, there are often no symptoms, and once glaucoma has been diagnosed, permanent vision loss may have occurred.
Learn MoreIridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome
Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome (ICE) is a grouping of three closely linked conditions: Iris Nevus (or Cogan-Reese Syndrome), Chandler’s Syndrome and Essential Progressive Iris Syndrome. There are three main features of ICE: visible changes of the iris, swelling of the cornea and the development of glaucoma, which can cause severe vision loss.
Learn MoreKeratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea and is the most common cornea dystrophy in the United States, affecting one in every 2,000.
Learn MoreMacular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans who are 60 or older. Macular degeneration damages a person’s central vision, which is needed to see objects clearly, read and drive. Without clear vision, a person can become incapable of completing daily tasks effectively or independently.
Learn MoreOcular Herpes
Ocular herpes is a recurrent viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. In fact, it is the most common infectious cause of corneal blindness in the country.
Learn MorePeriocular Skin Cancer
When skin cancer is near your eyes, it is called periocular skin cancer. Skin cancer can arise from any of the types of cells in your skin. The most common form is basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are relatively slow growing.
Learn MorePosterior Vitreous Detachment
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is a common eye condition where the vitreous separates from the retina. Normally the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance within the eye, is in direct contact with the retina. As the eye ages, the vitreous tends to get more liquid, so PVD is a normal part of the aging process.
Learn MorePterygium
Pterygium (pronounced tur-IJ-ee-um) is a common eye condition that affects people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Pterygium is also known as surfer’s eye because of its common occurrence in surfers. Individuals with pterygium have a growth of pink, fleshy tissue on the white of the eye. This growth usually forms on the side of the eye closest to the nose.
Learn MoreRefractive Errors (Vision Problems)
Most common vision problems are caused by refractive errors – the eye’s inability to focus, or refract, light correctly on the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye). Refractive disorders are usually the result of an eyeball that is too short or too long, a cornea (the clear front part of your eye) that is irregularly shaped or a lens that is curved too much or too little.
Learn MoreRetinal Detachment
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye, sending visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. When detached, the retina is lifted or pulled from its normal position.
Learn MoreShingles
Shingles is a disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a patient has chickenpox, the virus stays in the body, and, as some people age, it may reappear as shingles. Shingles is not contagious – you can’t “catch it.” In about 40 percent of people with shingles, the cornea will be affected.
Learn MoreStevens-Johnson Syndrome
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. SJS can cause serious eye problems, such as severe conjunctivitis; iritis, an inflammation inside the eye; corneal blisters and erosions; and corneal holes. In some cases it can lead to severe vision loss.
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