Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the lens, located behind the colored part of your eye, becomes cloudy. This occurs when the proteins that make up the lens begin to clump together, forming a foggy film over the lens. This can make vision extremely blurry and distorted, and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are easily treatable through cataract surgery.
Cataract Surgery
During cataract surgery, your surgeon will remove the cloudy lens completely from the eye. Once removed, the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial intra-ocular lens (IOL). IOLs are made to mimic a healthy young natural lens, and some types of IOLs can correct astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia and even presbyopia. Some intraocular lenses can be customized to treat astigmatism and can even correct near and far vision, thus increasing vision at multiple distances for activities such as driving and reading.
Chalazion
A chalazion is a painless bump that occurs when a gland in the eyelid becomes infected. This bump can grow quite large and look red and irritated. A few chalazia go away, but many need to be treated by an eye doctor. Warm compresses and good ocular hygiene practices can help, but drainage can get rid of them.
Macular Hole
A macular hole is a small hole in the macula that causes blurred and distorted central vision. A macular hole can occur due to vitreous detachment, trauma, diabetic eye disease, a detached retina, extreme nearsightedness, macular pucker and more. Macular holes are generally treated through a vitrectomy.
Pinguecula
Pinguecula appears as a yellowish, fleshy bump on the surface of the cornea. These non-cancerous growths are caused by sun exposure. They can grow large and red and cause eye problems. Your eye doctor can treat or remove irritating or unsightly pinguecula.
Pterygium
Pterygium is a fleshy growth the can occur on the surface of the cornea. This growth can grow towards the center of the eye and obscure vision. It is harmless, but can sometimes cause irritation and vision loss. In these cases, you doctor can easily remove the pterygium in office.
Vitrectomy and Vitreoretinal Procedures
Vitrectomy and other vitreoretinal procedures are performed to fix problems with the vitreous gel (the fluid that fills your eye cavity.) A vitrectomy can be performed to treat vision problems due to diabetic retinopathy and other retinal issues.