Eye Conditions :: Other Eye Conditions and Definitions

Tears - The function of tears is to bathe, lubricate and nourish the surface of the eye. Also there are antibodies in tears to protect the eye from infection; it's one of nature's ways to protect our eyes and keep us healthy. Our tears are produced by our tear glands that are located near the outer corner of the eye. When tears are produced they flow over the eye and exit through two holes in the eyelids that lead to a channel that empties into the nose.

20/20 Vision - is an expression used to express visual acuity and is measured at a distance of twenty feet. When you have 20/20 vision you can see what you should be able to see at a distance of twenty feet. 20/20 Vision does not mean that you have perfect vision though, there are a lot of other things that can affect the eye even though you have 20/20 vision. For instance you could have color blindness, or a loss of peripheral vision as well as a number of other problems. Having your eyes checked regularly will give you a chance to catch any problem you might develop. Glasses, contact lenses, and certain types of eye surgery can be used to remedy vision when it's not 20/20.

Uveitis - is an inflammation inside the eye that affects one, or more of three parts of the eye that make up the Uvea. The iris, the ciliary body behind the iris, and the Choroid which is the vascular lining tissue underneath the retina are the parts that make up the uvea, Uveitis is a serious condition and is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. If Uveitis is left untreated, or under-treated, it can lead to scarring and blinding consequences. There are many types and effects of Uveitis and it's imperative that they are treated as soon as possible. Uveitis is treatable and requires the utilization of a trained ophthalmoligist.

Astigmatism - A condition in which the surface of the eye is not spherical and it causes a blurred image to be received at the retina. A major result of this can be blurred vision at all distances. Astigmatism can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Blind Spot - An area of the visual field where the optic nerve enters the eye. It is a normal occurrence in all eyes. It is also a reference to any area of the retina where no visual cells are present and is associated with eye disease.

Cataract - There is a lens inside the eye that helps us see and this lens is made of protein and water. The protein is arranged so that it will allow light to pass through it and focus on the retina. There can be a time when this protein will clump together causing a cloudy spot on the lens. This cloudy spot makes it more difficult to see and can be rectified by using a stronger light to read by or sometimes by surgery.

Cornea - The cornea is the outer, transparent, dome-like structure that forms the anterior part of the outer coat of the eye. If you look through the cornea you can see the iris, pupil and anterior chamber of the eye. The cornea is part of the eye's focusing system.

Detached Retina - When the retina is pulled away from its position at the back of the eye it creates a condition known as a detached retina. When there is a detachment of the retina it can no longer send visual images properly to the brain through the optic nerve and you have blurred vision. Having a detached retina is an extremely serious problem that almost always causes blindness unless it is treated.

Flashers - Flashers are sensations of light when there isn't any light present. They usually last for a few seconds, but are known to recur repeatedly. Flashers are caused when the vitreous jelly pulls on, or tears the retina. If you have flashers you should be examined promptly by an ophthalmologist who will search for retinal tears in your eye.

Floaters - appear as gray or blacks specks in front of the eyes. Floaters are caused by particles such as white blood cells and vitreous condensates suspended in the vitreous gel inside the eye. Floaters may have a number of causes and a person should see their physician if floaters become a problem with their vision.

Dry Eye Syndrome - Is a condition that can develop for any one of a number of reasons. Dry eye affects 9 to 10 million people or more in the United States. Dry eye is caused by the alteration in a person's natural tear film protecting the surface of their eye. Damage to the surface of the eye is responsible for the symptom of dry eye. The symptoms of dry eye may include scratchy, dry, irritated, red eyes. You may even feel a burning sensation as if something is in your eye and your vision may be blurred. Excessive dry eyes may damage eye tissue, scar the cornea and impair vision making the wearing of contact lens very difficult. If you experience any of the symptoms of dry eye you should see your local ophthalmologist.