Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or injection of the outer membrane of the eye and the inner eyelid. This condition can be caused either by allergies, dry eye or bacterial/viral infection. The infection is highly contagious, and can be treated with antibiotic eye drops.
Detached Retina
A detached retina occurs when the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye lifts from the wall of the eye. This can be caused by injury and other conditions and should be treated by a medical professional immediately. Left untreated, retinal detachment can cause severe and permanent vision loss.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel breaks just underneath the surface of the conjunctiva of your eye. The blood gets trapped as the conjunctiva cannot easily absorb it. A subconjunctival hemorrhage can occur without any obvious harm to your eye, such as after a sneeze or cough.
Corneal Abrasion (Scratched Eye)
A corneal abrasion usually refers to any scratch or blister on the surface of the cornea. Corneal abrasions are generally painful and require evaluation and treatment. Treatment can help stem cells to heal and prevent recurrent abrasions. Mild abrasion does not usually need treatment, and will repair themselves in a few days. Depending on the severity of the abrasion, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops.
Corneal Ulcer
Corneal ulcers typically occur as a painful, bloodshot eye. This usually includes mild to severe eye discharge and blurry vision. Corneal ulcers most commonly occur as a result of injury, trauma, and/or infection. Contact lens wearers are more susceptible to corneal ulcer. Topical antibiotics are typically used as treatment. If severe damage and scarring occur because of the ulcer, surgery may be necessary.
Eye Herpes
The type 1 herpes simplex virus more commonly causes ocular herpes. Ocular herpes is a common, recurrent viral infection that causes swelling, tearing, eye infections, redness, sores, irritation and sensitivity to light. Treatment depends on where the infection is located in the cornea. Eye drops, ointments, and oral antiviral pills may be prescribed.
Eye Infections
There are many different types of infections that can affect the eye. Common eye infections include conjunctivitis, ocular herpes, bacterial keratitis and more. Eye infection can cause extreme damage to the eye, and can occasionally cause damage so great that the eye cannot see. If treated promptly, most eye infections can be cured without permanent damage to the eye.
Floaters, Flashes and Spots
Floaters appear in the eyes as specks, which may vary in size. These specks may appear to be on the surface of the eye, but they are actually inside the vitreous gel that fills your eye. Floaters occur as pieces of vitreous clump together. Flashes, which appear as “flashes” of light in vision, are a result of vitreous pulling away from the eye. These are common but require immediate evaluation as these symptoms can be a sign of retinal detachment.