Eye Conditions and Your Vision

Good eye care is essential to clear, healthy vision. Learn about your eyes and visit your Clarity Vision of Smithfield eye doctor regularly to ensure any eye conditions are diagnosed and treated early. Timing can make an incredible difference in how well you see once the condition has been treated.
 

You will better understand your condition if you know about the various tissues that make up your eyes. Here is a basic introduction:

* Cornea – Responsible for focusing light, the cornea is a clear piece of tissue covering the eye front.

* Pupil and Iris – Located in the center of your eye, the pupil controls the incoming light. The pupil is surrounded by a color circle known as the iris, which contracts to control pupil size.

* Tear Ducts – Healthy tear ducts keep the eye lubricated and clean.

* Lens and Retina – This duo is responsible for collecting and sending image messages to the optic nerve.

* Optic Nerve – At the back of the eyeball is a dense cord of nerve fibers known as the optic nerve. It transmits data to the brain.

The causes of eye conditions can be genetic or caused by aging, accidents and microscopic organisms. They can range from mild to serious, and temporary to permanent. While some, like red eyes, can generally be treated at home, others demand professional attention.
 

The following are eye conditions commonly diagnosed by an eye doctor:

* Astigmatism – Presenting as generally blurry vision, astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.

* Presbyopia – Commonly known as farsightedness, presbyopia makes it difficult to see close up. The causes can be genetic or due to aging.

* Hyperopia – This condition makes it difficult to focus on distant objects. Is often referred to as nearsightedness.

* Cataracts – Cloudy eyes are one sign of cataracts. This condition prevents light from entering the eyes as easily, causing the patient to see glares. Because they form slowly and don’t cause discomfort, many go undiagnosed for a long time. However, eye care professionals can catch and treat it before it affects vision.

* Glaucoma – This is a collective term that causes increased pressure around the optic nerve. The damage can be corrected with surgical procedures, whether it was caused by a blocked blood vessel, injury, or inflammatory disorder.

* Keratoconus – Keratoconus distorts the cornea, causing it to form a cone shape. It is caused by a breakdown of protein fibers in the eye resultant from antioxidant loss.

* Diplopia – Also known as double vision, this eye condition can be caused by several different factors, including stroke.

* Styes – These tiny little blister-like bumps on the eyelash line are caused by bacteria commonly found in the nose. As such, they shouldn’t be popped the way you might a pimple. Instead, styes will generally clear up on their own within a few days.

* Conjunctivitis – Pinkeye causes a painful sensation in the eyes and can be caused by many different things, including infections and allergies. Painful swelling, redness, burning and tearing are a few of the common symptoms associated with this treatable condition.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, or other ones related to your vision, contact your Clarity Vision of Smithfield eye clinic for a diagnostic eye exam. You deserve to take care of your eye health! Additional Clarity Vision offices are located in Apex, Clayton, Holly Springs and Williamston, NC