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Chalazions are due to obstruction and inflammation of small glands in the eyelids called membomian glands. They normally secrete a thick, fatty fluid called sebum. When this leaks into the surrounding tissue it causes a reaction that causes the chalazion. Treatment may include warm compresses with gentle massage and antibiotics. Some chalazions may require drainage or steroid injections.
A choroidal nevus is a lesion that develops inside the eye,similar to a freckle on the skin. It often appears as a dark gray-brown lesion that does not gradually interfere with vision. These lesions are not usually harmful, and are typically non-progressive. Treatment for choroidal nevi involves a dilated retinal exam, retinal photographs and a follow up visit looking for suspicious nevi. Suspicious choroidal nevi that show growth, become thicker, are associated with visual symptoms, change color, or have fluid buildup have a 10% chance of progressing to malignant melanoma.
Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctivae, the membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. The inflammation affects the blood vessels and gives the eye a pink or red appearance. Conjunctivitis can be 1: infectious caused by bacteria, virus and others, or 2: non-infectious, such as allergic, toxic, contact lens-related and others. Symptoms of pink eye include redness or itchiness in one or both eyes, along with discharge and excess tearing.
Treatment for pink eye depends on the cause. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or recommend over-the-counter drugs.
Corneal neovascularization involves a growth of blood vessels within the cornea, which is common in soft contact lens wearers. A certain amount of corneal neovascularization is acceptable, but if it extends too far into the cornea, then contact lenses should be discontinued. This type of neovascularization is possibly due to hypoxia ( lack of oxygen). This condition can often be treated through avoiding contact lenses or wearing oxygen-permeable lenses.
Fuchs’ dystrophy is a disease that causes the cells in the inner layer of the cornea to deteriorate, leading to distorted vision and corneal swelling. Most commonly, there is no known inheritance. The dystrophy usually starts in a patient's 50s or 60s, and can cause blurry vision and eye pain. Symptoms may be worse in the morning. Treatment includes salt solutions to decrease the corneal swelling, soft bandage lenses, or in advanced cases, corneal transplant surgery.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. The cornea is the clear, central part of the surface of the eye. In patients with keratoconus, the cone-shaped cornea deflects light and causes distorted vision. Changes in the shape of the cornea occur gradually, usually over several years. Patients with keratoconus often experience blurred and distorted vision, nearsightedness, and a glaring sensitivity to light. Keratoconus can often be treated with visual aids, INTACS or collagen cross-linking.
Pinguecula are yellow lesions that can form on the white of the eye as a result of long-term sun exposure, most commonly appearing in older patients. Most cases of pinguecula do not cause any symptoms, although patients may experience irritation in the eye. Treatments such as lubricating eye drops and adequate sun protection can often help relieve these symptoms, while severe cases may require surgical removal.
Pterygium is a benign growth of the conjunctiva that grows into the cornea, which covers the iris. Patients with pterygium often first notice the condition because of the appearance of a lesion on their eye or because of dry, itchy irritation. Other symptoms include dryness, redness, irritation, inflammation, and tearing. In more severe cases, the pterygium grows over the pupil and limits vision. The most common pterygium treatment is eye drops and use of sunglasses. In more severe cases involving vision impairment, surgery may be recommended.
Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is the term for when a person cannot align both eyes on an object at the same time. The condition occurs in about 5% of children, and many adults suffer from it as well. Strabismus can be congenital or acquired from eye injury, diabetes, stroke and other conditions. Strabismus may manifest at first as double vision. For children, early treatment is best, preferably before the age of six. Older patients can be helped as well; it's never too late to seek treatment. Strabismus treatment often includes prescribing glasses and exercising the eye muscles.
A stye is a small fluid-filled cyst that develops along the eyelid as a result of an infection or blocked oil gland. While these bumps do not usually lead to any serious complications, they may cause pain, swelling and tearing of the eye. In most cases, styes heal on their own within a week, but antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to help this process. Makeup and contact lenses should be avoided until after the stye heals.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage refers to a broken blood vessel within the conjunctiva, causing the escaped blood to become trapped under the surface of the eye. This can occur after a strong sneeze or cough and does not require an injury to the eye. Although it may appear unsightly, this condition is not usually harmful and will go away on its own within two weeks. You may use eye drops to soothe the eye, but no real treatment is needed.
