Cataract is clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Common factors are increasing age, smoking, diabetes, and excessive exposure to sunlight. It can also be present at birth or be caused by injury to the eye. Symptoms include blurred or hazy vision, nearsightedness, a gradual loss of color vision a sense of having a film over the eyes and increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night

Glaucoma is caused when the pressure inside the eye rises enough to damage the optic nerve. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain – so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. Symptoms include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights and painful or reddened eyes. Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery,

Macular degeneration occurs when the macula - a part of the retina in the back of the eye degrades or "degenerates," causing a progressive loss of vision. The "dry" form of macular degeneration has no treatment, but the "wet" form may be helped by laser procedures if it is detected early. Because of this, and because vision lost to the disease is irrecoverable, regular eye exams are highly recommended. Certain vitamins and minerals may also aid in slowing or preventing vision loss.

Symptoms include a loss of ability to see objects clearly, gradual loss of color vision, distorted vision, a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision

Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina. When these weak vessels leak, swell or develop thin branches, vision loss occurs Although damage caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot be corrected, patients diagnosed with the condition can be treated to slow its progression and prevent further vision loss.

The retina is the place in the back of the eye where light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain. It consists of layers of nerve fibers. If these layers separate, or detach, significant and swift vision loss can occur. Retinal detachment therefore requires immediate medical treatment. Signs of retinal detachment include light flashes and floaters, wavy or watery vision, the appearance of a veil or curtain obstructing vision, or a sudden drop in vision quality. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Early treatment is essential to maintain and restore vision quality.

The vitreous is a clear liquid that fills our eyes and gives them shape. When we are young, the vitreous has a thick, gelatinous consistency and is firmly attached to the retina. As we age, the vitreous thins and separates from the retina. Although this usually results in nothing more than a few harmless floaters, tension from the detached vitreous can cause the retina to tear. Retinal tears commonly lead to retinal detachment Signs include flashes of light, a group or web of floaters, wavy or watery vision, a sense that there is a veil or curtain obstructing vision, or a sudden drop in vision quality.

Although most flashes and floaters occur in people with healthy or merely nearsighted eyes, they can be symptoms of serious problems including injury and retinal and posterior vitreous detachments. Flashes in vision are caused by pressure on the retina, the bundle of nerves in the back of the eye where images are detected and transmitted to the brain. Floaters are often seen when fibers move within the vitreous humor, the gelatinous substance made of water and protein fibers that fills the eye. Serious vision loss can occur if the retina or vitreous detach from the eye wall. Patients experiencing flashes and floaters should contact their doctor immediately to schedule an examination..

A chronic inflammation – a long-term swelling – of the eyelids and eyelash follicles. It may be caused by dermatitis, acne, bacterial infection, allergic reaction or poor eyelid hygiene. The eyelids crust, flake, scale or redden, and the smooth inside lining of the lids may become rough. In more serious cases, sores can form when the crusting skin is removed, the eyelashes may fall out, the eyelids can deform, the infection can spread to the cornea, and patients often suffer from excessive tearing. Treatment involves cleaning of the eyelids, face and scalp. This may be combined with antibiotics if a bacterial infection is causing or contributing to the problems.

Dry Eye  -  Eyes may become dry and irritated because the tear ducts don't produce enough tears, or because the tears themselves have a chemical imbalance. In addition to being uncomfortable, it can damage the eye's tissues and impair vision. People usually begin experiencing dry eye symptoms as they age, but the condition can also result from eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications, environment, injury, and various health problems. Dry eye is not preventable, but it can be controlled.