Medical Eye Care Definitions
at the Eye Institute of Southern Arizona
Diabetes is a condition associated with abnormal
blood sugar regulation. Untreated diabetes results in chronic elevation
of blood sugar, which can lead to kidney failure, abnormal nerve function
called neuropathy, and blindness. Long term blood sugar management and
routine screening are critical to prevent such complications. Today,
millions of people are living healthfully with diabetes, but this requires
a daily commitment to eating right, exercise, adherence to doctor prescribed
medication and regular screening.
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Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve often
referred to as the “sneak thief of sight.” It gradually and painlessly
results in loss of peripheral vision or “side vision.” Being slowly
progressive, early diagnosis offers an opportunity to prevent serious
impairment. Adults should be screened by the mid forties and individuals
with a family history or African–American ancestry should consider earlier
screening. Treatment usually involves the use of eye drops and on occasion,
laser or other forms of surgery.
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Macular
Degeneration is
a disease involving the central retina, which gradually or abruptly affects
ones central vision. The condition is age related and typically affects
individuals of Caucasian descent. Two forms of the disease, wet and
dry, require different management. Following screening and diagnosis,
patient self-monitoring with an Amsler Grid is an important ongoing
exercise to detect changes in ones condition. Treatment may include
oral vitamin supplementation, laser, and/or periodic intraocular injections.
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An Amsler Grid is
a high contrast grid of white and black resembling graph paper. To monitor
for disease changes one must gaze at the center dot with each eye separately
and assess for the presence of missing, wavy or otherwise distorted lines.
Preexisting disease will reveal abnormalities which serve as a baseline
of which to compare for possible further change.
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Dry Eye is a syndrome caused by an insufficient
amount of natural eye lubrication. Adequate lubrication requires
a healthy tear film comprised of moisture, mucous, and oil. An
imbalance of these three components is the most common reason for
dryness. Mild dry eye responds to over-the-counter artificial
tears. More severe dry eye may require thicker artificial tears
or prescription eye medications like topical steroids or topical cyclosporine
(Restasis®). Symptoms include fluctuating vision, burning, stinging,
or watering of the eyes, or a sensation of eye fatigue.
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Corneal Infections can be caused by bacteria,
viruses, fungi, or protozoa. However, the most common cause of corneal
infection in the US is bacterial and these are usually contact lens related.
Such infections can be serious and vision threatening, on occasion, requiring
corneal transplantation. Most infections if caught early can be treated
and eradicated with antimicrobial eye drops.
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Corneal
Scars A corneal scar is a permanent
opacity of the otherwise clear cornea. If centrally placed, scars
can affect ones vision and can affect ones candidacy for laser vision
correction. If vision is severely affected corneal transplantation
may be required to rehabilitate ones vision.
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Fuch’s Dystrophy
A Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally
clear lens. The clouded lens prevents light from being focused on the
retina, resulting in blurred vision. There are no medications, exercises
or eyeglasses that can treat a cataract. If the cataract interferes
with everyday activity, treatment should be considered. The only treatment
is surgical, involving removal of the clouded lens and replacement with
a clear lens implant. This out-patient surgery is typically painless,
performed through a small incision, and has a high rate of success.
Symptoms of a cataract include painless blurring, poor night vision,
glare or light sensitivity, double vision and fading of colors.
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