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You are here:  Home → Information on Eye Conditions → Eye Disease Definitions
  • Age Related Macular Degeneration

    This is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain.

  • Amblyopia

    The brain and the eye work together to produce vision. Light enters the eye and is changed into nerve signals that travel along the optic nerve to the brain. Amblyopia is the medical term used when the vision in one of the eyes is reduced because the eye and the brain are not working together properly. The eye itself looks normal, but it is not being used normally because the brain is favoring the other eye.

  • Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia

    Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are often used interchangeably. Microphthalmia is a disorder in which one or both eyes are abnormally small, while Anophthalmia is the absence of one or both eyes. These rare disorders develop during pregnancy and can be associated with other birth defects.

  • Behcet’s Disease of the Eye

    Behcet’s disease is an autoimmune disease that results from damage to blood vessels throughout the body, particularly veins. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks and harms the body’s own tissues. This is also known as Adamantiades. The exact cause is unknown. It is believed that an autoimmune reaction may cause blood vessels to become inflamed, but it is not clear what triggers this reaction.

  • Bietti’s Crystalline Dystrophy

    Bietti’s Crystalline Dystrophy (BCD) is an inherited eye disease that is a rare and appears to be more common in people with Asian ancestry. People with BCD have crystals in some of their white blood cells (lymphocytes) that can be seen by using an electron microscope. Researchers have been unable to determine exactly what substance makes up these crystalline deposits. Their presence does not appear to harm the patient in any other way except to affect vision.

  • Blepharitis

    Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. The condition can be difficult to manage because it tends to recur. Anterior blepharitis affects the outside front of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. THe two skin disorders can cause this form of blepharitis: acne rosacea, which leads to red and inflamed skin, and scalp dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).

  • Blepharospasm

    Blepharospasm is associated with an abnormal function of the basal ganglion from an unknown cause. The basal ganglion is the part of the brain responsible for controlling the muscles. In rare cases, heredity may play a role in the development of blepharospasm. Most people develop blepharospasm without any warning symptoms.

  • Cataract

    A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.

  • Corneal Disease

    The cornea is the eye’s outermost layer. It is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. The refractive process is similar to the way a camera takes a picture. The cornea and lens in the eye act as the camera lens. The retina is similar to the film. If the image is not focused properly, the film (or retina) receives a blurry image.

  • Diabetic Retinopathy

    Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of diabetes. All can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.

  • Floaters

    Floaters are little “cobwebs” or specks that float about in your field of vision. They are small, dark, shadowy shapes that can look like spots, thread-like strands, or squiggly lines. They move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly. They do not follow your eye movements precisely, and usually drift when your eyes stop moving.

Continue to Page II

Eye Disease Definitions

  • Age Related Macular Degeneration
  • Amblyopia
  • Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia
  • Behcet’s Disease of the Eye
  • Blepharitis
  • Bietti’s Crystalline Dystrophy
  • Blepharospasm
  • Cataract
  • Corneal Disease
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Floaters
  • Glaucoma
  • Histoplasmosis
  • Macular Hole
  • Macular Pucker
  • Refractive Errors
  • Retinal Detachment
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
  • Stargardt
  • Usher Syndrome
  • Vitreous Detachment
  • Information on Eye Conditions

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