Ocular diseases are those that affect the eye health and vision in patients of all different ages. While the majority of ocular diseases the general population is familiar with affect older adults, this is not to say younger, healthy individuals are not at risk. Here at First Eye Care, we treat and diagnose a wide range of common eye diseases. Eye disease is a very blanket term that refers to the group of diseases that impact the function of the eye. The best way to treat these common conditions is to visit your eye doctor on an annual basis. Early detection is absolutely key here.
Common Ocular Diseases
Some of the most common ocular diseases we can diagnose and treat here at First Eye Care include:
- Cataracts - This is a common eye disease that typically affects older adults. Cataracts occur when there is a clouding or opacity of the natural internal lens of the eye. In some cases, this opacity is a small spot, whereas in others it will cover the entire lens. When this occurs, the light that enters the eye becomes scattered, causing images to appear blurred and hazy. The best treatment for those with cataracts is surgery, at which points we will replace the cataract lens with a plastic, man-made lens.
- Pink Eye- Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is a very common infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva - which is the thin membrane that covers the surface of the eye and inside of the eyelids. Pink eye is caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, and other irritants and it is highly contagious.
- Diabetic Eye Disease- This is a general term that refers to the group of eye problems that can affect individuals with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are all examples of diabetic eye disease. In many cases, there are no symptoms of the early stages of diabetic eye disease, so a comprehensive eye exam once a year is very important.
- Glaucoma - Glaucoma is characterized by an increase in the intraocular pressure in the eyes, which results in damage to the optic nerve. In most cases, there are no signs or early symptoms of the disease, which is why it is often referred to as “the silent thief of sight”. Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma, but there are medications and surgical options that can stop further vision loss from setting in.
- Macular Degeneration- This chronic, progressive disease ruins sharp, clear vision as the macula - a spot in the center of the retina - deteriorates. There are two different types of macular degeneration: wet (less common) and dry (more common).
- Blepharitis - This ocular disease is characterized by an inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes. It is one of the most common eye conditions and usually occurs as a result of poor eyelid hygiene, a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or abnormalities in oil gland function.
- Dry Eye Syndrome - Also known as Ocular Surface Disorder, dry eye syndrome is characterized by the breakdown in the quantity or quality of tears that are produced to cleanse, moisten, and protect the eyes.
To learn more about ocular diseases and how we diagnose and treat them here at First Eye Care, please visit one of our three convenient locations in Hurst, Keller, and Roanoke today.