Eye Diseases

Eye Diseases | Dry Eyes | Pterygium | Los Altos CA


Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. The length of time a person has diabetes determines his or her likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy. It is the most common diabetic eye complication, and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Diabetic retinopathy causes the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina, the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused, to weaken, swell and leak, causing a loss of vision.

Dry Eyes

Dry eye is a common condition in which the eyes are insufficiently lubricated, leading to itching, redness and pain. The eyes can become dry and irritated because the tear ducts are not producing a sufficient number of tears, or because there is a chemical imbalance in the tears themselves. Natural tears require a particular chemical balance to lubricate the eyes efficiently.

Chalazion & Styes

A stye and a chalazion are small fluid-filled lumps that develop in or at the edge of the eyelid. A stye is often filled with pus and appears on the eyelid as a small red bump that may look like a boil, while a chalazion is similar but usually larger and not as painful. A chalazion is a small, non-infectious lump that develops in the upper or lower eyelid due to the blockage of the meibomian gland, an oil gland in the eyelid. Styes usually heal within a week, while chalazions can take a few months to heal.

Eye Infections

Eye infections can occur when a patient has been exposed to a virus, fungus or bacterium. Different types of infections strike particular portions of the eye. Both eyes or only one may become infected. Treatment for an eye infection will vary depending on its cause. Some may go away on their own, while others will require the use of warm compresses, over-the-counter medications or antibiotic eye drops. Patients should avoid wearing makeup or contact lenses until after the infection is gone.

Ocular Allergies

Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as eye allergies, is a common condition that affect millions of Americans, causing redness, tearing and many other symptoms that can impair a patient's vision and affect their overall quality of life. These symptoms are typically caused by triggers in the air; such as pollen, mold, dust or pet dander; or by certain foods or medications, which can result in a different type of allergy.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is the chronic inflammation, or infection, of the eyelids and the eyelash follicles along the edge of the eyelid. Blepharitis, which is not contagious, affects patients of all ages.

Flashes & Floaters

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. Patients who have flashes in vision complain of seeing flashing lights or lightning streaks. Floaters are seen when fibers move within the vitreous humor, the gelatinous substance made of water and protein fibers that fills the eye. Patients symptoms include seeing small specks or dots that against clear backgrounds. Serious vision loss can occur if the retina or vitreous detach within the eye.

Pterygium

A pterygium is a painless, non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva, the lining that covers the white part of the eye. The pterygium may grow on the cornea, which covers the iris, the colored part of the eye. A pterygium usually begins at the nasal side of the eye and can be different colors, including red, pink, white, yellow or gray.

Pterygium Excision

For patients with severe cases of pterygium and whose vision has been affected, surgery known as a pterygiectomy is the only way to definitely remove this growth. This may be achieved through two different types of surgical procedures, either using tissue taken from another part of your body or an amniotic membrane (inner layer of the human placenta) graft.

Watery Eyes

Tears are necessary to lubricate the eyes and wash away foreign bodies and other particles. Excessive tearing, also known as epiphora, occurs when too many tears are produced or when the eyes are unable to drain properly.

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is a condition in which the eyelids spasm, closing involuntarily, forcing the patient to blink abnormally. Blepharospasm is a form of focal dystonia or abnormal contractions of the eye muscles. Patients with blepharospasm have normal vision, but the disturbance interferes with visual perception and may, in severe cases, result in functional blindness.

Thyroid Eye Disease

Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid gland, involves an excessive amount of hormone production that can lead to the following: Weight loss, Irregular heartbeat or Irritability. One of the most common reasons for an overactive thyroid gland is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies cause the thyroid to produce too much thyroxine.

Iritis/Uveitis

Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which contains the iris, ciliary body and the choroid. The uvea is located between the retina and sclera, the white of the eye. Iritis, also known as anterior uveitis, is an inflammation of the iris, the colored portion of the eye. The iris is located at the front of the uvea, a highly vascular fibrous tissue. Iritis is the more common form of uveitis and frequently manifests in young to middle-aged individuals. Iritis usually develops quickly and may only affect one eye.

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