Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a rare, inherited eye disease in which the light-sensitive retina slowly and progressively degenerates. This causes progressive peripheral vision loss, night blindness, central vision loss and, in some cases, blindness. RP affects approximately one out of every 4,000 Americans. Signs and Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa The first symptoms of… Read More
Retinal Detachment A retinal detachment is a serious and sight-threatening event, occurring when the retina – the light-sensitive inner lining of the back of the eye – becomes separated from its underlying supportive tissue. The retina cannot function when it detaches, and unless it is reattached soon, permanent vision loss may result. Signs and Symptoms… Read More
Ptosis Ptosis (pronounced “toe-sis”) refers to the drooping of an eyelid. It affects only the upper eyelid of one or both eyes. The droop may be barely noticeable, or the lid can descend over the entire pupil. Ptosis can occur in both children and adults, but happens most often due to aging. Ptosis Signs and Symptoms The… Read More
Presbyopia Sometime after age 40, people begin to experience blurred near vision when performing tasks such as reading, sewing or working at a computer. This change is called presbyopia. There’s no getting around it — presbyopia happens to everyone at some point in life, even those who have never had a vision problem before. As of… Read More
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Technically, pink eye is the acute, contagious form of conjunctivitis – inflammation of the clear mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and overlies the white front surface of the eye, or sclera. Bacterial or viral infection causes the contagious form of conjunctivitis. However, the term “pink eye” is… Read More
Ocular Hypertension Ocular hypertension means the pressure in your eye, or your intraocular pressure (IOP), is higher than normal. Elevated IOP is also associated with glaucoma, which is a more serious condition that causes vision loss and optic nerve damage. By itself, however, ocular hypertension doesn’t damage your vision or eyes. Studies suggest that 2%… Read More
Myopia Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a very common vision problem. It’s estimated that up to one-third of Americans are nearsighted. Nearsighted people have difficulty reading road signs and seeing distant objects clearly, but can see well for up-close tasks such as reading or sewing. Signs and Symptoms of Myopia Nearsighted people often have headaches or eyestrain,… Read More
Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration (also called AMD, ARMD, or age-related macular degeneration) is an age-related condition in which the most sensitive part of the retina, called the macula, starts to break down and lose its ability to create clear visual images. The macula is responsible for central vision – the part of our sight we… Read More
Keratoconus Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This cone shape deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the light-sensitive retina, causing distorted vision. Keratoconus can occur in one or both eyes. Keratoconus is relatively rare. Most… Read More
Hyperopia Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common vision problem affecting about 25% of the U.S. population. People with hyperopia can usually see distant objects well, but have difficulty seeing objects that are up close. Signs and Symptoms of Hyperopia Farsighted people sometimes have headaches or eyestrain, and may squint or feel fatigued when performing work at… Read More