Eye Health

Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, occurs when the eye and brain fail to work together, resulting in reduced vision in one eye. Correcting vision with glasses alone isn't effective. It's the leading cause of visual impairment in childhood, affecting about 2-3 out of every 100 children. If untreated in early childhood, it typically persists into adulthood, making it the primary cause of visual impairment in one eye among children and young to middle-aged adults.

The human eye, akin to a camera, is intricately linked to the brain and comprises multiple parts working in tandem to create clear vision. It transforms light into an electro-chemical signal, transmitted via the optic nerve to the brain, where it is processed into vision.

Astigmatism, a prevalent eye condition, involves unequal curvatures of the cornea and leads to blurry vision if left uncorrected. It can affect both nearsighted and farsighted individuals and is typically corrected using eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

A cataract is the clouding of the eye's normally clear lens, impairing vision akin to looking through a frosted window. This condition, named after the appearance of a waterfall, makes activities like reading, driving (particularly at night), and discerning facial expressions challenging.

Although contact lenses are worn safely by many, there is always a possibility of contracting an eye infection. Factors contributing to this risk include prolonged wear, reduced tear exchange beneath the lens, environmental elements, and inadequate hygiene practices.

Individuals diagnosed with diabetes face the potential risk of vision loss. In diabetic patients, improper sugar utilization can lead to elevated sugar levels, causing damage to the retinal blood vessels, a condition known as Diabetic Retinopathy.

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a prevalent vision condition characterized by clearer vision of distant objects compared to near ones. The severity of hyperopia affects focusing ability, with individuals experiencing severe farsightedness having difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly, while those with mild hyperopia may have better near vision.

Glaucoma is a progressive condition that reduces the optic nerve's ability to transmit visual signals to the brain. Without treatment or control, it leads to gradual and irreversible vision loss, starting with peripheral vision impairment, progressing to central vision decline, and ultimately resulting in complete blindness.

Keratoconus is a condition characterized by the distortion of the cornea, the clear structure covering the eye's front. The cornea plays a vital role in focusing light, with 85% of this function attributed to it. While a healthy cornea has a domed shape, in keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and bulges, causing it to sag and distort vision.

Macular degeneration encompasses various eye conditions that impact central, detailed vision. Among these, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most prevalent, particularly affecting individuals over 60. While there are several types of macular degeneration, AMD stands out as the most common form.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a frequent vision issue characterized by clearer vision of nearby objects compared to distant ones. The severity of nearsightedness affects one's ability to focus on distant objects. Individuals with severe myopia may struggle to see objects just a few inches away, whereas those with mild myopia may discern objects clearly from several yards.

Presbyopia, an age-related condition, leads to blurry near vision, usually emerging around age 40 and impacting individuals regardless of their prior vision health. As presbyopia sets in, individuals may find themselves squinting or extending reading materials to arm's length to aid focus. Symptoms often include eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.

Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography are diagnostic procedures employing specialized cameras to capture images of the structures at the rear of the eye. These tests are valuable for detecting leakage or damage to the blood vessels supplying the retina, the light-sensitive tissue. During both procedures, a colored dye is injected into a vein in the patient's arm, traveling through the circulatory system to reach the retinal and deeper choroidal vessels.

Strabismus, also referred to as crossed eyes, deviation, heterotropia, squint, or tropia, is a condition where the eyes fail to align toward the same object. The six muscles surrounding the eye do not coordinate effectively, preventing both eyes from focusing on the same point. Consequently, one eye fixates on one object while the other turns in a separate direction. This misalignment sends two distinct images, one from each eye, to the brain, leading to confusion. Over time, the brain may disregard the image from the weaker eye.

Retinal detachment impacts about one in 10,000 individuals annually. Without treatment, most cases result in vision loss. A grasp of the eye's typical anatomy is beneficial in comprehending the development of retinal tears and detachment, along with the symptoms they may induce.