Anatomy of the Eye
Top Eye Clinic in Nigeria, the anatomy of the eye is complex. The main structures of the eye include the following:
- Cornea: clear tissue in the very front of the eye
- Iris: colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil
- Pupil: dark hole in the iris that regulates the amount of light going into the eye
- Lens: small clear disk inside the eye that focuses light rays onto the retina
- Retina: layer that lines the back of the eye, senses light, and creates electrical impulses that travel through the optic nerve to the brain
- Macula: small central area in the retina that allows us to see fine details clearly
- Optic nerve: connects the eye to the brain and carries the electrical impulses formed by the retina to the visual cortex of the brain
- Vitreous: clear, jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye
Eye problems can involve any and all of these parts. As you read through this article, you can refer to this illustration for reference.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that cause pressure increases within your eye. The increased pressure affects the optic nerve and may cause vision loss. Glaucoma can be classified into two main types. These are open-angle, which is more common and develops more slowly, and angle-closure, which comes on suddenly and is painful. Without treatment, either type can cause vision problems and blindness.
In the early phases of glaucoma there are often no symptoms. By the time vision is affected, the damage is permanent. Progression of glaucoma can be slowed or halted with eye drops, laser treatments, or surgery. So, early diagnosis is key.
People with a family history of glaucoma, the elderly, and African-Americans are at increased risk of the disease.
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Cataracts
One of the most common eye problems among seniors, the development of cataracts can cause vision problems and vision loss. A cataract is a painless cloudy lens in the eye that causes blurry vision.
It progresses slowly as we age. Most people who reach their mid-70s will have some cataract-like changes to their cornea. Other than aging, causes of cataracts include diabetes, trauma, some medications, and excessive UV light exposure.
Your doctor can see a cataract while doing a routine eye exam. Treatments for cataracts include eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, and surgery. Surgery is curative as the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one. The need for surgery and the risks involved should be discussed with your eye doctor.
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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that can begin at any age, but usually develops after age 60. This eye condition progressively destroys your macula, which is the central portion of the retina that helps with focus. It rarely causes total blindness as only the center of vision is affected.
There are two types: wet and dry. In wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow, leaking blood and fluid, causing loss of central vision, which may occur quickly. In dry macular degeneration, the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down causing central vision to diminish over time.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina (tissue in the back of the eye) separates (detaches) from its underlying structures. The buildup of fluid behind the retina is what separates the retina from the back of the eye. Retina detachments are often painless, and symptoms that may be noticed include perception of flashing lights, floaters, or a curtain drawn over your visual field. Risk factors for retinal detachment include being a nearsighted adult age 25 to 50, or an elderly person after cataract surgery. Treatment for a detached retina involves surgery, mostly using lasers, that can improve vision affected by the retinal detachment.
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Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, is an eye diseases that causes redness and inflammation of the clear tissue covering the eye and the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva). It is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections but may also be due to irritants (chemicals, pollutants, or allergens).
Most cases of infectious conjunctivitis are viral and do not need treatment with antibiotics. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic drops or ointments prescribed by your doctor. A crusty discharge may make it difficult to open the eyelids. If this happens a warm, wet compress may be applied to the eyes to gently remove the crusting.
To reduce the spread of the infectious conjunctivitis, wash hands frequently, do not share eye drops, cosmetics, towels, or washcloths.
Hope this was helpful, for more updates on how best to take care of your eye contact Rovich Diagnostics Services