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Amblyopia

Amblyopia, or "lazy eye" is a condition in which the eye loses visual ability, or never develops it, due to insufficient use during childhood. This condition has a number of causes, including crossed eyes or a poor visual image in one eye. If caught early, it can be treated with glasses, medication, eye exercises, an eye patch, or surgery.

Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. A person with this condition may suffer chronic inflammation causing burning, itching, or a foreign body sensation in the eye. Blepharitis can be caused by bacteria, dandruff, or a reaction to the patient's own oil glands, and it is commonly treated with careful cleaning and attention to eyelid hygiene. Prescribed topical medications are also useful.

Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the natural, crystalline lens of the eye. This is a natural process associated with aging. Over time, the lens may become so cloudy that it can no longer clearly transmit or focus light. At that point, cataract surgery may be necessary to remove the impaired lens and replace it with an artificial, intraocular lens (IOL).

Chalazion
More commonly referred to as a stye, a chalazion is a small, swollen lump on the eyelid caused by a blockage or inflammation of one of the oil producing glands. If not serious, this condition can sometimes be treated at home with warm compresses and gentle lid massage. However, serious or recurring chalazia may require medical attention, including drainage or antibiotics.

CRT
Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) makes use of oxygen permeable contact lenses worn at night to temporarily reshape the cornea of the eye while the patient sleeps. CRT allows patients to see clearly during their daytime activities without need for glasses, contacts, or surgery.

Detached and Torn Retina
A torn or detached retina is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical intervention to avoid vision loss or blindness. The retina is the light-sensing nerve membrane at the back of the eye. This membrane can become torn or detached for a number of reasons, including trauma to the head or eye, nearsightedness, a family history of the condition, or diabetes. Sometimes the condition occurs spontaneously. Often there are warning signs of new flashes and/or floaters. Early intervention with office laser treatment of a torn retina may prevent the need for surgery, which is typically used to treat a detached retina.

Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition in which the retina of the eye is affected by diabetes. The disease causes blood vessels in the eye to leak blood or serum, which can result in swelling of the retina and reduced vision. There can also be lack of blood flow to parts of the retina that may lead to new, fragile vessel growth in the retina and to retinal hemorrhages.

Dry Eye
Dry eye is a common eye condition relating to the tear film that coats and lubricates the outer layer of the eye. This protective tear film is composed of mucus, water, and oil. If this film diminishes – due to natural aging, disease, smoking, or environmental conditions – the eyes can feel dry, red, and irritated. Ironically, many people who suffer from dry eye complain of excess tearing, as the eyes seek to compensate for the dryness. Dry eye can be effectively treated with artificial tears, medications, or, in some cases, plugs to block the tear duct drains, allowing one's natural tears to be more effective.

Ectropion
In ectropion of the lower eyelid, the lid has turned or rolled downwards and outwards, away from the eye. Aging is the most frequent cause of this condition, followed, less frequently, by scar tissue, paralysis of facial nerves (Bells Palsy), or congenital birth defects. Common symptoms associated with this condition include dryness, eye irritation, excessive tearing, redness, and sensitivity to light. Surgery to correct the eyelid is usually indicated and highly successful.

Entropion
In entropion of the lower eyelid, the lid has rolled inwards towards the eye. Again, this condition is most frequently caused by aging, although other factors such as infection or scarring on the eyelid can also cause it. The inward rolled lid and lashes rub against the eye, causing irritation, redness, and heightened sensitivity to light. If the irritation continues, ulceration of the eye surface can result. Eyelid surgery is generally required to correct the problem.