Learn about common eye problems from your New York ophthalmologists.
Are you familiar with common eye conditions? Dr. Christopher Coad and Dr. James Kirszrot, ophthalmologists in New York, NY at Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology, share information on several eye conditions and diseases and discuss treatment methods.
Conjunctivitis
Commonly called "pink eye," conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which forms the white part of the eye and lines the eyelids. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itching, burning, swollen eyelids, sensitivity to light and tearing. Although the viral form of conjunctivitis will get better on its own, you'll need to use prescription antibiotic drops if you have bacterial conjunctivitis.
Floaters
Have you ever watched cobwebs or strings float across your field of vision? These spots, called floaters, are more common as you grow older. The vitreous, a gel-like material that fills the center of your eye, gradually shrinks with age. When it does, small strings occasionally detach and float through your eye. In most cases, floaters are harmless and don't need treatment. If you suddenly notice many floaters, call your ophthalmologist immediately. A dramatic increase in floaters can be a sign of a retinal detachment.
Cataracts
Cataracts cloud the clear lens in your eye, affecting your focusing ability. If you have cataracts, you may notice:
- Decreased color intensity
- Blurry vision
- Hazy vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with your vision at night
Cataracts are removed and replaced with artificial lenses when they begin to significantly interfere with your vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to blindness. Because the disease often has no symptoms initially, you may not realize that anything is wrong until you experience loss of vision. Glaucoma damages your vision by increasing the pressure inside your eye. Glaucoma tests, part of your annual eye exam, are essential screening tools that can help you avoid permanent vision loss. If you do develop glaucoma, medication can help prevent your condition from worsening.
The acute form of glaucoma can develop very suddenly. In some cases, it may seem as if a curtain has dropped in front of your eye. You may also experience severe eye pain or headache, rainbow halos around lights, nausea and blurred vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist immediately or go to the emergency room.
Your ophthalmologist offers treatments that can help you manage many common eye conditions and diseases. To schedule your ophthalmology appointment, call Dr. Coad and Dr. Kirszrot at Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology, in New York, NY, at (212) 220-0066.