Macular Degeneration

Today I had the opportunity to research macular degeneration. Macular Degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the part of the retina that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve to the brain. This part of the retina, the macula is responsible for focusing our vision and controls our ability to read, drive a car, or even see objects in fine detail. Macular degeneration comes in stages. It may at first not even affect our vision, but as time goes on the vision can become blurred. The final stage of macular degeneration is a total loss of vision, or blindness. This eye disease is most likely to occur in people ages 55 or older. Having family history of macular degeneration increases your risk of having this eye condition as well. Smoking can have a large affect on this condition, as someone who smokes has double the risk of having this disease. Their is currently no cure for this condition, but can be helped with a healthy diet, exercise and avoiding ultraviolet rays. This condition is the leading cause of vision loss in the world. More than 10 million Americans have this condition, which is more than cataracts and glaucoma combined. Researching this eye condition has been very insightful and I'm glad I could learn about this topic.

Identity Theft

Click on the link below to watch me present on identity theft and learn how to protect yourself!

Retinal Detachment

This month I had the opportunity to dig a little deeper and research retinal detachment. This condition is when the retina pulls away from its normal position. This separates the retinal cells from the blood cells that provide oxygen and nourishment. Symptoms of retinal detachment include: sudden appearance of many floaters, flashes of light, blurred vision, blurred peripheral vision and a reduced visual field. If this condition goes untreated it could result in permanent vision loss. Surgery is the only treatment for a retinal detachment. There are many different techniques that usually always have a positive outcome. With this condition, you could be on the verge of a retinal detachment, which we call a retinal tear. If this is the case your Doctor might perform laser surgery on your eye to try and preserve the retina from further damage. Retinal detachment can be a very serious condition. However, with the advancement of medicine retinal detachments are becoming easier to treat.

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the uveal layer. This is the middle layer of the three that make up the eye. Their are several different forms of Uveitis. These forms can affect the retina, iris and in extreme conditions can affect the optic nerve. Uveitis can be caused by a multitude of conditions. These include: eye surgery, eye cancer and possibly a side effect of an underlying condition. Uveitis could be indicated by blurred vision, pain in the eyes and red eyes. Eye drops are a treatment option for Uveitis, but are not always successful if they don't penetrate to the back of the eye. Injections to the eye, oral medications and even surgical procedures are ways to combat Uveitis. Uveitis can be treated in a couple months in mild conditions. However, in severe cases, the Uveitis can last quite a while.

January Project on Epilepsy

Click on the link below to watch me present on Epilepsy!

Diplopia

Diplopia is the technical term for double vision. This condition is when you see two images that could either be side by side or on top of each other. Diplopia can occur is both eyes or just a single eye. Diplopia in only one eye could be caused by cornea damage and can be fixed with the use of glasses. Lens issues such as cataracts can also be a cause of diplopia in a single eye. Surgery is the main treatment for cataracts. Diplopia in both eyes can be caused by issues within the muscles of your eye, nerves and even your brain. Conditions such as Diabetes, Graves' Disease, and even having a stroke can cause you to have double vision.

Symptoms of Diplopia include misalignment of your eyes, pain, headaches, nausea and even droopy eyelids. Diagnosis of double vision can be performed by your regular eye doctor. You could eventually have more testing including: blood tests, a physical exam and possibly even a CT scan. Surgery and medication are the most common treatments for diplopia. The treatment for double vision really depends on what caused the double vision in the first place. If the Diplopia does not go away after these treatments, their are a couple other options. Glasses, prisms, and eye patching are all forms of treatment for Diplopia to help you live with  condition.

December Project on Blepharitis

Watch the video of me presenting below to learn about blepharitis!