Diseases of the Eyes

Age-related Macular Degeneration Breaking down of the Macula- the center portion of the retina, where light is sensed and converted into electrical impulses that get sent to the brain Decrease in sharpness of vision Advances at different rates Does not cause pain

Diabetic Retinopathy Complication of diabetes Can potentially cause blindness Blood vessels in retina become weak and begin to leak Shadows across vision Blurred vision Loss of vision in specific areas Does cause pain

Glaucoma Damage to the optic nerve in the eye Vision loss and blindness No initial symptoms, but a gradual failing of vision Medications and surgery are needed to treat Glaucoma Surgery creates a new path for eye to drain fluids Use of steroids increases risk for Glaucoma

Cataracts Clouding of the lens within the eye Lens is made of protein and water If protein clumps together, it clouds over a small area of the lens This is now called a cataract and the mass can grow larger Surgery is necessary to remove these protein clumps Symptoms: Cloudy vision Double vision in one eye Glare from light