The gift of sight is one of our most valued senses and often not paid attention to until symptoms arise.
Some common eye complaints are:
Conjunctivitis: this may be sudden in onset and due to an infection if it occurs in one eye (or both) , is accompanied by pain , swollen eyelids , itching , burning or eye discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis is due to exposure to allergens and is usually seen when there is itchy, watering with redness. This may be more seasonal and changes with the environment.
Cataract: the clouding of the lens in the eye, which should normally be as clear as water. In this case, patients may experience blurred vision, double vision, increased light sensitivity, or poor night / dark vision. Colors may also appear faded. Cataracts are treated through a short surgical procedure.
Glaucoma: this occurs when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye and increases the eye’s pressure resulting in damage to the optic nerve. There are 2 types of glaucoma, one can be painless and causes no symptoms but slowly affects vision. The other can cause acute pain or loss of vision and is a medical emergency.
Retinopathy: this refers to the damage to the back of the eye where the blood vessels are present. Both diabetes and hypertension that is not controlled may affect the retinal blood vessels and result in bleeding.
Many eye problems also arise from chronic disease such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and autoimmune diseases and so it is important to discuss your eye health with your primary care physician as well as your ophthalmologist. A yearly eye examination is usually enough, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
This column is sponsored by Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.
Dr. Trishanna Sookdeo is a board certified physician who has a Master’s in Public Health. She cares for the whole family, ages 3 days and up. Should you have any questions or wish to schedule and appointment, call 863-419-2420 ext 2, and ask for Dr. Sookdeo. https://www.heartofflorida.com/