COMMON URGENT EYE PROBLEMS

Is a chronic lid inflammation, which may cause burning, itching, tearing and crusting of the eyelids. Treatment is a regimen of medication and lid hygiene intended to make your lids and eyes comfortable.

Occurs when lid blepharitis spreads onto the eye causing redness, irritation and a foreign body sensation in the eye.

Is an inflammed eyelid gland. It may be acute with swelling, pain, tenderness and drainage, or it may be chronic as a painless lump in the eyelid present for weeks or months. A chronic chalazion usually requires minor surgery to remove.

Acid or neutral chemical burns of the eye require frequent eye medications and usually heal without scarring or loss of vision.

Alkali burns of the eye are extremely serious and often cause permanent loss of vision despite immediate and aggressive treatment with the best medication.

Infection of the eye is common and may be viral or bacterial. It can be highly contagious. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent complications.

Inflammation / infection of the cornea from contact lenses is a potentially sight threatening condition. Without proper treatment and follow up care, serious infection, scarring, and permanent loss of vision could occur.

A scratch or abrasion of the surface layer of the cornea can be extremely painful and poses a risk of infection. Abrasions usually heal within 24-48 hours, depending on the size, and generally do not cause permanent scarring or loss of vision.

Infections of the cornea from contact overwear or injury is extremely serious and requires frequent drops and mandatory follow up examination.

Diabetes causes blood vessels in the retina to leak fluid and to bleed inside the eye, causing blurred vision or sudden complete loss of vision.

Foreign bodies on the cornea, on the inner surface of the lids, or in the eye should be removed as soon as possible to avoid secondary infection and scar formation. Metallic foreign bodies frequently leave rust in the cornea which should be removed.

Floaters are usually caused by movement of the gel-like fluid inside your eye. Flashing lights occur when the fluid exerts traction on the retina. These symptoms may be indicative of retinal tears and retinal detachment.

Glaucoma is elevated pressure inside the eye, which causes damage to the optic nerve and permanent loss of vision.

Acute glaucoma is a sudden and extreme rise in pressure, which is a true medical emergency. It may cause severe headache, eye pain, nausea and vomiting, and may cause permanent complete blindness within hours. Acute glaucoma requires immediate medical and surgical treatment by an eye surgeon.

Chronic glaucoma is a painless elevation of pressure, with minimal or no symptoms early in the disease process. If untreated, chronic glaucoma causes progressive permanent loss of vision.

Herpes viral infection of the cornea may cause permanent scarring and irreversible loss of vision despite aggressive treatment with the best available medications. The infection is often recurrent and progressive.

Zoster viral infection of the face and of the eye is extremely serious and painful and may cause sight threatening complications including corneal scarring, iritis, glaucoma, and permanent loss of vision.

A hyphema is bleeding inside the eye, behind the cornea and in front of the iris. It is usually caused by injuries, but it can occur spontaneously from other rare conditions.

Daily examinations by an eye doctor are mandatory to monitor the eye for glaucoma and other complications, which may cause permanent and irreversible loss of vision. Surgery may be required to remove the blood.

Inflammation inside the eye may result from injury or from underlying systemic disease.

Optic nerve disease is most frequently caused by circulation problems, stroke, inflammatory conditions, injuries or glaucoma. Inflammation or injury of the optic nerve may cause total and irreversible loss of vision despite all available treatments.

Blunt injury to the eye or the structures surrounding the eye may cause injuries inside the eye.

An infection of the eyelid and the skin around your eye usually arises from an infected eyelid gland or from an injury.

A simple hemorrhage on the surface of your eye can occur spontaneously, from coughing or sneezing, strenuous exercise, high blood pressure, or as a result of blood thinners such as aspirin, plavix or coumadin.

Diabetes, an injury, or a tear in the retina may cause bleeding inside the eye.

Viral infection of the conjunctiva is commonly referred to as pink eye. Keratitis occurs when viral infection is present on the cornea, causing a foreign body sensation and blurred vision.