Eye Diseases
Understanding Eye Diseases
Taking care of your eyes starts with regular eye examinations, early detection, and understanding your eye health. We believe that educating our patients helps them make informed decisions about their vision and overall eye health.
Below, you’ll find information about some of the more common eye conditions, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Select a topic below or scroll down to learn more.
*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not intended to replace professional eye care, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you notice a change in your vision or have concerns about your eye health, please contact our office at (610) 593-6670 to schedule an evaluation.
Blepharitis
What Is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation and irritation along the edges of the eyelids. It can affect people of all ages and may come and go over time.
Causes
Blepharitis can be caused by bacteria, clogged oil glands in the eyelids, dandruff, rosacea, or other skin conditions. Problems with the eyelid oil glands can also contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include red or swollen eyelids, itching, burning, watery or dry eyes, crusting around the eyelashes, and a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes. Some people may also experience light sensitivity or blurry vision.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on keeping the eyelids clean and reducing inflammation. Your doctor may recommend warm compresses, gentle eyelid cleaning, eyelid massage, artificial tears, or prescription medications when appropriate.
Blepharitis can be a long-term condition, but regular eyelid care can help control symptoms and improve comfort. At Christiana Eyecare LLC, our doctors can evaluate your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan that is right for you.
Cataracts
A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, causing vision to become blurry or hazy. Cataracts are most commonly caused by aging, but they can also develop after eye trauma or injury, with certain medical conditions or medications, and from long-term UV exposure or smoking.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include blurry or cloudy vision, glare or sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, halos around lights, faded or less vibrant colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription.
Treatment
Early cataracts may be managed with an updated glasses prescription and improved lighting. However, glasses cannot remove a cataract. When cataracts begin to interfere with everyday activities, cataract surgery may be recommended. During surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens implant.
Regular eye exams allow your doctor to monitor cataracts and help determine when treatment may be needed.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelids. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritation.
Causes
Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with a cold or other respiratory infection and can spread easily from person to person. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria and can also be contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander and is not contagious. Irritation from smoke, chemicals, or foreign particles can also cause conjunctivitis.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include redness, watery or itchy eyes, irritation, swelling, discharge, and a gritty or burning sensation. Bacterial conjunctivitis may cause thicker discharge or crusting around the eyelids.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis usually improves on its own, while bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops. Allergic conjunctivitis can often be managed by avoiding triggers and using allergy medications or eye drops. Artificial tears and cool compresses may also help relieve irritation and discomfort.
If you experience significant eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, or worsening symptoms, an eye examination is recommended.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It can develop in people with diabetes and may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Causes
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina. Over time, these damaged vessels can leak fluid or blood, or abnormal blood vessels can grow and cause further damage.
Symptoms
Diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, symptoms may include blurry or fluctuating vision, dark spots or floaters, difficulty seeing at night, and vision loss.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include improving blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control. Some patients may need injections into the eye, laser treatment, or surgery to protect or restore vision. Regular comprehensive dilated eye examinations are important for detecting diabetic retinopathy early and monitoring changes over time.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause irritation and discomfort and may affect the quality of your vision.
Causes
Dry eye can be caused by aging, certain medications, prolonged screen use, contact lens wear, environmental factors such as wind or dry air, and some medical conditions. Changes in the eyelids or the glands that produce the oily layer of tears can also contribute to dry eye.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include dryness, burning, itching, redness, watering, a gritty or sandy feeling, light sensitivity, and fluctuating or blurry vision.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of dry eye. Artificial tears, warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, and taking regular breaks from screens may help relieve symptoms. Your eye doctor may also recommend prescription eye drops or other treatments when needed. Regular eye examinations can help identify the cause of dry eye and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Symptoms
Glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular eye exams are important. As it progresses, it can cause gradual loss of peripheral vision. Some types of glaucoma can cause sudden eye pain, redness, blurred vision, nausea, or halos around lights and require immediate medical attention.
Treatment
Treatment is focused on preventing or slowing further damage to the optic nerve. Depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery. Regular eye exams, including pressure checks and other testing when appropriate, are important for detecting and monitoring glaucoma.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss.
Causes
Glaucoma is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve over time. However, glaucoma can also occur with normal eye pressure. Risk increases with age, family history, certain medical conditions, and previous eye injury.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. It can make activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces more difficult.
Causes
The exact cause of AMD is not fully understood. Aging is the primary risk factor, while family history, smoking, and certain health and lifestyle factors can also increase the risk.
Symptoms
Early AMD may not cause noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms can include blurry or distorted central vision, difficulty reading, trouble recognizing faces, and straight lines appearing wavy or distorted. AMD typically does not affect peripheral vision.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of AMD. Dry AMD may be monitored regularly, and certain patients may benefit from specific nutritional supplements. Wet AMD can often be treated with medications injected into the eye to slow abnormal blood vessel growth and help protect vision. Regular eye examinations are important for detecting and monitoring AMD.