Definition of eye problem
Eye problem is defined as impairment or a condition of abnormal functioning of the eye. Nearly everyone has eye pain or sore eyes at some point in life. Eye pain may be something that resolves on its own. But it also can be a sign of something more serious.
The following are the common eye problem in human.
- Short sightedness (myopia):
Shortsightedness or myopia is a term used to describe a condition where light from distant object forms an image before it reaches the retina. This could because the eye is too long or the cornea or crystalline lens is too strong. A myopic person has clear vision when looking at objects close to them, but distant objects will appear blurred.
Correction (treatment) of short sightedness
Short sightedness is easily corrected using prescription glasses or contact lenses specifically designed to counteract the effect. A concave lens (minus powered) is placed in front of a myopic eye, moving the image back to the retina and clarify the image.
- Long sightedness (hypermetropia)
Long sightedness or hypermetropia occurs when the image of a nearby object is formed behind the retina. This could be because the eye is too short or the cornea or crystalline lens does not refract the light enough. A hypermetropic person may have blurred vision when looking at objects close to them and clearer vision when looking at objects at a distance.
Correction (treatment) of long sightedness
Long sightedness can be corrected by placing a convex (plus powered) lens in front of a hypermetropic eye; with this, the image is moved forward and focuses correctly on the retina.
- Glaucoma
This is a disease of the eye in which fluid pressure within the eye rises. If left untreated, the patient may lose vision and even become blind. The disease generally affects both eyes, although one may have more severe signs and symptoms than the other. There is a small space In the front of the eye called the “anterior chamber”. Clear liquid flows in and out of the anterior chamber; this fluid nourishes and bathes nearby tissues. If a patient has glaucoma, the fluid does not drain properly – it drains too slowly – out of the eye. This leads to fluid build up and pressure inside the eye rises. Unless this pressure is brought down and under control, the optic nerve and other part of the eye may become damaged, leading to loss of vision.
Treatment of glaucoma
Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, pills, laser surgery, traditional surgery or a combination of these methods. The goal of any treatment is to prevent loss of vision, as vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible.
- Cataract
This is a very common eye problem as people get older. As old age sets in, the lens inside the eye gradually changes and becomes less transparent (clear). A lens that has turned misty or cloudy is said to have a cataract. Over time, cataract can get worse, gradually making your vision misty. Apart from old aged – induced cataract, cataracts can also occur in children; this is called congenital cataract. This usually occurs before and just after birth. This is usually dealt with in a different way to cataract in adults.
Treatment of cataract
Treatment of cataract is through cataract surgery, which involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one.
- River blindness
This is caused by a parasitic worm that lives up to 14 years inside the human body. This disease is called river blindness because it is caused by blackfly vector which lives in fertile areas near rivers. Each adult female worm produces larvae that migrate throughout the body and causes serious visual impairment and sometimes blindness, rashes, lesions, intense itching, depigmentation of the skin, elephantiasis and general debilitation. The disease show symptoms one to three years after infectious larvae enter the body.
Treatment of river blindness
The treatment for river blindness is by the used of ivermectin. Ivermectin paralyses and kills microfilariae, relieving intense skin itching and halting the progression towards blindness. It also prevents adult worms from producing more microfilariae for a few months following treatment, so reduces transmission.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Pinkeye (also called conjunctivitis) is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. The lining of the eye is usually clear. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining becomes red and swollen. Traditionally, at-home remedies have been sufficient for soothing conjunctivitis associated with uncomplicated colds, minor infections, or allergies. Treatment consists primarily of cleansing the eyes and preventing the condition from spreading. Viral conjunctivitis usually runs its course in one to two weeks. Pinkeye is very common. It usually is not serious and goes away in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment. Most cases of pinkeye are caused by:
- Infections caused by viruses or bacteria.
- Dry eyes from lack of tears or exposure to wind and sun.
- Chemicals, fumes, or smoke (chemical conjunctivitis).
- Allergies.
Treatment of conjunctivitis
The treatment for pinkeye depends on the cause.
- Pinkeye caused by bacteria, including those related to STDs, is treated with antibiotics, in the form of eye drops, ointments, or pills. Eye drops or ointments may need to be applied to the inside of the eyelid three to four times a day for five to seven days. Pills may need to be taken for several days. The infection should improve within a week. Take or use the drugs as instructed by your doctor, even if the symptoms go away.
- This type of pinkeye often results from the viruses that cause a common cold. Just as a cold must run its course, so must this form of pinkeye, which usually lasts from four to seven days. Viral conjunctivitis can be highly contagious. Avoid contact with others and wash your hands frequently. If you wear contact lenses, you should throw away contacts worn while you have pinkeye and wear glasses. Same for makeup.
- For pinkeye caused by an irritating substance, use water to wash the substance from the eye for five minutes. Your eyes should begin to improve within four hours. If the conjunctivitis is caused by acid or alkaline material such as bleach, immediately rinse the eyes with lots of water and call your doctor immediately.
- Allergy-associated conjunctivitis should improve once the allergy is treated and the allergen removed. See your doctor if you have conjunctivitis that is linked to an allergy.
