Common Eye Diseases
			Macular Degeneration
			Macular Degeneration is a disease that affects the portion of the retina required for central vision. As the loss of vital central or detail vision progresses, the brain learns to compensate and fill in the missing part of the picture in early cases with spotty macular cell damage. Most individuals do not realize the vision impairment until the disease is fairly advanced.
			Although certain types may occur without long term warning, the disease generally progresses gradually and has a tendency to run in families. Macular Degeneration is found most commonly in individuals over the age of 60.
				The far right and left photo's depict possible results of Macular Degeneration.
			Glaucoma
			Glaucoma is a disease where the fluid pressure in your eyeball increases to the point that it damages the optic nerve. Should this disease be left untreated, the resulting damage may cause severe vision loss and even possible blindness.
		Glaucoma can be treated with prescription eye drops or other types of medication to reduce fluid pressure in the eyeball with effective results. For more serious cases of Glaucoma, surgery may be required.
			The right photo depicts a possible result of Glaucoma.
			Cataracts
			Cataracts are a clouding over of the normally clear lens inside the eye. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision becomes blurred and/or distorted. Most commonly, cataracts are found in individuals over the age of 60. It is possible, however, for cataracts to occur at any age.
			Until cataracts develop to the point where they impair vision, prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses may provide clear vision. When vision becomes extremely impaired, cataracts need to be removed surgically. After surgery, contact lenses or eyeglasses are often still required to fully restore vision.
			Diabetic Retinopathy
			Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that affects the retina of the eye and occurs in individuals with diabetes. It causes new blood vessels to grow in the retina which tend to be leaky.
			Without treatment, a person with this disease may face blindness. Early treatment is critical, therefore an annual eye examination is an absolute must.
			Conjunctivitis
			Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin transparent layer covering the surfaces of your inner eyeball and a portion of the front of your eyeball). The three main types are allergic, infectious (known as pink eye), and chemical.
			Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat these infectious forms. Ideally, treatment for allergic and chemical forms is to remove the cause of the inflammation. If that is not possible, both prescription and nonprescription eye drops may be recommended to assist in the relief of discomfort.
			Blepharitis
			Blepharitis is a common external disorder of the eye, more precisely the margins of the eyelid. With this disorder, eyelid margins are red, with scales and flakes at the base of the lashes. There is an irritation / sensation of a foreign body in the eye with redness, burning and itching of the eyelid margin. Most of this is caused by bacterial infection, however allergies, toxins and viral infection can also lead to its development.
			Treatment often requires a program of daily eyelid hygiene including cleansing at specified intervals. Also, warm compresses applied directly to the eyelid margins, prescribed antibiotic ointment or drops and ocular lubricants may be recommended to relieve symptoms.