PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of laser surgery used to correct refractive errors such as astigmatism. PRK surgery may be done to correct one of these refractive errors: Nearsightedness (myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects. Farsightedness (hyperopia): Difficulty with near vision. Astigmatism: Curvature of the cornea or lens is uneven, leading to distorted or blurred vision. What is PRK surgery?...
Several eye diseases are directly or indirectly caused by high blood pressure Unfortunately, yes. Suffering from untreated or poorly controlled high blood pressure for a long time can be detrimental to your eyes. Several eye diseases are directly or indirectly caused by high blood pressure (hypertension). Various hypertension-induced eye damages include: Hypertensive retinopathy: Retinopathy means...
A scratched eye may turn into a sore over the cornea and cause blindness. A scratched eye may turn into a sore over the cornea and cause blindness. Hence, it is important to seek immediate medical care for a scratched eye (corneal abrasion). Depending on the cause, an eye scratch could leave minor to major...
Can an optometrist remove foreign bodies? An optometrist can remove a foreign body from the eye under certain circumstances. Some foreign bodies in the eye may be simple and go away on their own, whereas others require removal. Removal of foreign bodies from certain parts of the eye, such as the cornea, eyelid, or conjunctiva – with any appropriate...
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a condition that causes fluid accumulation in the macula. Diabetic macular edema can be cured by tackling the underlying medical cause and treating abnormal eye changes caused by the condition. Diabetic macular edema (DME) can be cured by tackling the underlying medical cause and treating abnormal eye changes caused by...
Yes, an intraocular lens (IOL) can be removed and replaced Yes, an intraocular lens (IOL) can be removed and replaced, but it may not be an easy procedure and may have potential complications to vision. Such procedures are very rare because intraocular once implanted are permanent. The lens is made up of a transparent, lightweight,...
Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal vitreous so that the image can be properly projected over the retina. Vitreous or vitreous humor is a transparent gel that makes up around 80 percent of the eyeball. It provides a transparent medium for the light to travel within the eye and reach the retina....
Chalazion facts Picture of a chalazion. Photo courtesy of Andrew A. Dahl, MD, FACS. A chalazion is a lump in the upper or lower eyelid caused by obstruction and inflammation of an oil gland of the eyelid. A chalazion is not a tumor or growth and does not cause permanent changes in the vision. A...
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an OTC eye care product. "Oh, something is wrong with my eye!" We...
Facts you should know about optic neuritis Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve. Optic neuritis most commonly affects young adults in one eye. Optic neuritis is frequently associated with multiple sclerosis. Other causes include infections, autoimmune disease, and injury to the optic nerve. The symptoms of optic neuritis include vision loss, reduced color...