If you have been reading Laser Eye Center of Miami’s blog for a while, you probably noticed that we discuss common eye problems like refractive errors, cataracts and glaucoma quite often. But as some of Miami’s most experienced eye doctors, we also treat a wide range of other eye diseases that compromise vision.
In this post, we want to shine a light on some less commonly known eye diseases that can affect your vision. We hope that if you experience any of the symptoms discussed in this post, you will schedule a visit with us so that we can help.
Uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, or middle layers of eye tissue. Uveitis can occur because of trauma to the eye, infection or an inflammatory disease. The disorder causes eye pain, blurry vision, sensitivity to light and spots in the visual field.
Strabismus
Strabismus is a condition in which both eyes cannot be aligned simultaneously. The eyes may cross or turn outward, looking in different directions without focusing on a single point. The cause is usually unknown. Strabismus can cause a reduction or loss of depth perception and decreased vision or permanent vision loss in one eye. It is common in children (affecting about 4 percent of all kids in the United States).
Amblyopia
Colloquially known as “lazy eye,” amblyopia occurs when vision in one eye is reduced. This happens when the eye and brain do not work together as they should. Like strabismus, amblyopia usually occurs in childhood.
Retinal Detachment
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. Sometimes fluid can build up behind the retina, causing it to separate from the back wall of the eye. When this happens, it can cause visual disturbances such as floaters, flashing lights or the perception of a curtain being drawn over the visual field.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that can be attributed to bacterial infection, dry eye disease or parasites. Initial symptoms include burning, itching or watery eyes. If blepharitis goes untreated, it can lead to blurry vision.
Conjunctivitis
You might know conjunctivitis by another name: pink eye. This is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the protective membrane covering the surface of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids. Highly contagious, conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacteria, a virus, allergies or other environmental factors like smoke or dust. If conjunctivitis is not treated, it can cause an inflammation of the cornea that jeopardizes sight.
For more in-depth information about any of these conditions, or to discuss any troubling symptoms with our doctors, please contact Laser Eye Center of Miami today.