A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and  cause blurred or distorted vision. They cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible.
People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:
- Blurred/hazy vision
- Spots in front of the eye(s)
- Sensitivity to glare
- A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
- A temporary improvement in near vision
Vision loss from cataracts can often be corrected with prescription glasses and contact lenses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, replacement surgery may be the preferred method of treatment. During cataract replacement (the most common surgical procedure in the country), the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL.
The cornea is the clear covering of the front of the eye which bends (refracts) light rays as they enter the eye. For clear vision to occur, the cornea must have the correct shape and power to focus incoming light rays precisely on the retina at the back of the eye. When the cornea loses its transparency, whether from injury, infection or disease, transplantation may be recommended to replace it.
Corneal transplants are usually performed with local anesthesia so there is no pain. During the procedure, the cornea is replaced with one from a human donor. The new cornea carries little risk of rejection and can last for many years.
One of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises high enough to damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma often develops over many years without causing pain - so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, and vision lost to it cannot be restored. For these reasons, regular eye exams and early detection are critical.
The high eye pressure associated with glaucoma is caused by blockages in the eye's fluid drains. No one knows yet why the blockages form.
Symptoms are occasionally present and should be taken as warning signs that glaucoma may be developing; these include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights and painful or reddened eyes. People at the greatest risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.
Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery.
Although most flashers and floaters occur in people with healthy or merely nearsighted eyes, they can be symptoms of serious problems including injury and retinal and posterior vitreous detachments. Flashes in vision are caused by pressure on the retina, the bundle of nerves in the back of the eye where images are detected and transmitted to the brain. Floaters are often seen when fibers move within the vitreous humor, the gelatinous substance made of water and protein fibers that fills the eye. Serious vision loss can occur if the retina or vitreous detach from the eye wall. Patients experiencing flashers and floaters should contact their doctor immediately so an examination can be performed.
Macular degeneration is the number-one cause of blindness in the United States. It occurs when the macula -- a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our vision is clear and sharp -- degrades or "degenerates," causing a progressive loss of vision.
The "dry" form of macular degeneration has no treatment, but the "wet" form may be helped by laser procedures if it is detected early. Because of this, and because vision lost to the disease is irrecoverable, regular eye exams are highly recommended. Certain vitamins and minerals may also aid in slowing or preventing vision loss.
Symptoms often associated with macular degeneration include:
- A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
- A gradual loss of color vision
- Distorted vision
- A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision
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The retina is the place in the back of the eye where light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain. It consists of layers of nerve fibers. If these layers separate, or detach, significant and swift vision loss can occur. Retinal detachment therefore requires immediate medical treatment. The exact procedure used varies depending on the patient's condition and the type of detachment suffered.
The most common form of retinal detachment occurs when fluid seeps through leaks in the retina's sensory layer. This is often caused by injury, eye surgery, or nearsightedness. More rarely, disease-related swelling or bleeding causes fluid to seep beneath all layers and push the entire retina away from the eye wall. Retinal detachment may also result from friction against vitreous or scar tissue, which occurs most frequently in patients with diabetes.
Signs of retinal detachment include light flashes and floaters, wavy or watery vision, the appearance of a veil or curtain obstructing vision, or a sudden drop in vision quality. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Early treatment is essential to maintain and restore vision quality.
 Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is the term for when a person cannot align both eyes on an object at the same time. Strabismus can be constant or intermittent (i.e. due to stress or illness). The condition occurs in about 5% of children. It may manifest at first as double vision. Eventually, the brain begins to ignore, or suppress, information from the weaker eye. If left untreated, strabismus can lead to visual impairment, loss of binocular vision, and even blindness in the weaker eye. Therefore early treatment is best, preferably before the age of six, although older patients can be helped as well.
The retina is a thin sheet of nerve tissue in the back of the eye where light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain. The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the eye and is connected to the retina, optic nerve and many blood vessels. Problems with the retina and vitreous -- including retinal tear, retinal detachment, severe intraocular infection (endophthalmitis) and trauma -- can lead to vision loss and even blindness. Surgery can correct problems before vision is lost or prevent further deterioration from occurring.
 It's never to early to test a child's vision and eye health. Comprehensive eye exams are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems, injury and disease. Early detection allows for treatment to begin before the child experiences difficulty in school due to poor vision, or before any permanent damage has been done to the eye(s). Exams test visual acuity, eye tracking, and focusing skills, and detect problems such as near- and far-sightedness, amblyopia, crossed eyes, dyslexia, and color blindness.
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