Cataract
Protein and water make up most of the lens in a person’s eye.
Protein is arranged to let light pass through and focus on the retina.
A cataract forms when some of the protein clumps together, clouding
small areas of the lens and blocking some light from reaching the
retina, interfering with vision. Cataracts usually occur as people
age. Though, some cataracts are congenital or develop during childhood.
Secondary cataracts most often occur in people with other conditions,
such as diabetes. Traumatic cataracts may occur following an eye
injury or years later.
Glaucoma
While generally thought of as one disease, Glaucoma is instead a
group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. In most
cases, due to increased pressure within the eye. As the optic nerve
deteriorates, peripheral vision is gradually lost. If left untreated
will eventually lead to total blindness.
Retinal Detachment
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina is pulled away from
its normal position. This is a very serious condition that almost
always causes blindness unless treated. A detachment can occur anywhere
in the field of vision where the retina may be weakened. Weakness
in the retina may occur as a result of a number of things including:
injury, previous cataract surgery, glaucoma, nearsightedness, family
history, or previous detachment in the other eye. Symptoms of retinal
detachment are flashing lights, floaters and what appears to be
a gray/black curtain moving across the field of vision.
Total Blindness
80% of legally blind people can see something, though those born
totally blind can’t really express what they see, as they
have no concept of color or light. Those that go blind later in
life can more accurately explain what they can or cannot see. Total
Blindness may occur due to any number of things, some we don’t
even know.
Diabetic Retinopathy
One of the leading causes of blindness, Diabetic Retinopathy occurs
due to complications from diabetes. It causes blurred, patchy vision
in areas that are damaged due to changes in the small blood vessels
that nourish the eye. In advanced stages, connective scar tissue
forms in association with new vessel growth causing addition distortion
and blurriness and over time this tissue can shrink causing Retinal
Detachment.
Macular Degeneration
Another leading cause of blindness, especially in older people,
Macular Degeneration results from the deterioration of the macula,
a portion of the retina responsible for clear sharp vision.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Tunnel vision is commonly associated with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP),
a progressive eye disease in which ones peripheral vision is lost.
Nystagmus
Nystagmus is characterized by an involuntary movement of the eyes,
which may reduce vision or be associated with other, more serious,
conditions that limit vision, like Achromatopsia. Nystagmus may
be one of several infantile types or may be acquired later in life.
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