Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) In the U.S., we estimate that as many as 15 million people suffer from some form of AMD and that there are more than 1.6 million cases of neovascular AMD. Approximately 500,000 new cases of neovascular AMD arise each year world-wide, approximately 200,000 of which are in the U.S. Although neovascular AMD represents approximately 10% of all AMD cases, it is responsible for up to 90% of the severe vision loss associated with AMD, with a majority of neovascular AMD patients experiencing severe vision loss in the affected eye within months to two years after diagnosis of the disease. Because AMD generally affects adults over 50 years of age, the incidence of AMD is expected to increase significantly as the baby boom generation ages and overall life expectancy increases. Although it rarely causes total blindness, AMD robs those affected of the sharp central vision necessary for reading, driving, identifying faces, watching television, doing fine detailed work, safely navigating stairs and performing other daily activities. It can also dim contrast sensitivity and color perception. Peripheral vision may not be affected, and it is possible to see "out of the corner of your eye." AMD can be devastating to those who were independent and active prior to the onset of this cruel impairment.
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Macular Degeneration Organization
Macular Degeneration Partnership
The Macula Foundation
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| Glaucoma is a disease that causes gradual damage to the optic nerve, and this, usually secondary to a high intraocular pressure (IOP). About 60 million people have signs of glaucoma and 10 million have increased IOP. Most cases of glaucoma can be controlled and vision loss slowed or halted by timely diagnosis and treatment designed to lower the IOP. | | related links
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Glaucoma Research Foundation
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Eye infections are bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic in origin. One of the most common infections is conjunctivitis, or pink eye, an inflammation of the conjuctiva (the thin, clear membrane over the white part of the eye). Viral conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye and causes excessive eye watering and a light discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis affects both eyes and causes a heavy, sometimes greenish, discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and causes itching and redness in the eyes and sometimes the nose, as well as excessive tearing. Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) usually affects both eyes and causes contact lens intolerance, itching, a heavy discharge, tearing and red bumps on the underside of the eyelids. | | |
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| Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. The risk of diabetic retinopathy increases over time for patients with diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar levels. | | related links
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The Wilmer Eye Institute at John Hopkins on Eye Infections
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A cataract is any opacity that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope. Cataracts can be formed by a variety of causes, including long-term ultraviolet exposure, eye injury or physical trauma, as a secondary effect to diseases such as diabetes, or simply by advanced age; they are usually a result of denaturation of lens proteins. Genetic factors are often a cause of congenital cataracts and may also play a role in predisposing someone to cataracts. Some cataract formation is to be expected in any person over the age of 70. Fully half of all people between the ages of 65 and 74 and about 70% of those over 75 have some cataract formation. Cataracts may be partial or complete, stationary or progressive, hard or soft.
An early technique to remove cataracts was couching, which involved using a thin needle or stick to remove the clouding. This technique is known to have existed in Roman times, was continued to be used throughout the Middle Ages, and is still used in some third world countries today.
The most effective and common treatment is to remove the cloudy lens with cataract surgery, of which there are two types: extra-capsular and intra-capsular. Extra-capsular surgery consists of removing the lens but leaving the majority of the lens capsule intact. High frequency sound waves (phacoemulsification) are sometimes used to break up the lens before extraction. Intra-capsular surgery involves removing the entire lens of the eye, including the lens capsule, but it is rarely performed in modern practice. The lens is then replaced with a plastic lens (an intraocular lens implant) that remains in the eye permanently.
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National Eye Institute
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| Dry Eye Syndrome is an extremely common condition. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality and imbalance between production and drainage of the tear film. The condition affects up to 15% of the population over age 65, and is more prevalent among the elderly and post-menopausal women. The frequency of dry eye syndrome is expected to increase as the population continues to age. | | related links
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National Institute of Health
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