Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can cause vision loss or blindness. There are several types of glaucoma and most involve a build-up of fluid and pressure inside the eye. The most common type of glaucoma has no symptoms or pain at first. Those who are at a higher risk of glaucoma are anyone over 60 or anyone with a family history of glaucoma.

Macular degeneration, which causes a progressive loss of vision, is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. There are two kinds: “wet” and “dry.” The “wet” form can be treated in the early stages. Symptoms of macular degeneration may include blurred central vision, distorted vision and a dark area in the center of vision.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs in many people with diabetes. It causes progressive damage to the retina and threatens vision. Symptoms include blurred vision, spots or floaters in the field of vision, a dark or empty spot in the center of vision and difficulty seeing at night.

Dry eye occurs when there is a lack of tears. Tears are necessary for the lubrication of the eyes and to wash away particles and foreign bodies. Dry eye is common among older adults and is often a chronic problem. Symptoms may include irritated, gritty, scratchy, sandy feeling or burning eyes. A person may feel as though there is something in the eye and vision may fluctuate.

“Eye floaters” are deposits or condensation in the vitreous jelly of the eye. Floating spots occur and are seen within a person’s vision. Floaters may be present in one or both eyes. By themselves, they are not dangerous, but a sudden onset of many eye floaters associated with flashing lights could signify a retinal tear that requires treatment to prevent retinal detachment. A curtain or cloud in the vision or a loss of side vision could be a symptom of retinal detachment. If you notice these symptoms, contact Anastasia Eye Care immediately.

Pink eye, which can spread easily, is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in children and adults. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and white part of the eyeball. The eye has a pink or reddish color because the inflammation makes the blood vessels more visible.

Blepharitis is inflammation to the eyelid. The most common cause is the bacteria on the skin. Signs and symptoms may include eyelid swelling, rusting, redness, scales or burning.

A macular hole is a break in the macula located in the center of the eye’s tissue called the retina. The macula provides the sharp central vision needed for reading, driving and seeing fine detail. A macular hole can cause distorted and blurred vision.