Diseases that interfere with overall health by affecting body systems are called systemic diseases; while those which bring about abnormal changes in eye health are termed ‘ocular diseases’. These ocular diseases either result from direct insults to the eye or they can be linked to systemic diseases. When eye diseases are attributed to underlying health problems, they are referred to as‘ocular complications’ of systemic disease.
Albinism is a genetic anomaly characterized by reduced formation of the pigment called melanin of the skin, leading to a more pale looking skin. Albinism is a hereditary disorder characterized by reduced pigmentation of the skin, hair and or the eyes. This is due to a defect in the formation of an amino acid that …
In the course of clinical practice, eyecare professionals learn about various myths patients carry concerning the state of their eyes. Pterygium is no different in this regard, as some patient even refer to it as ‘cataract’ (go here to read up a previous article on cataract); however, a pterygium is neither “cataract” nor a cancer.
However, irrespective of the reason behind it, self-medication remains an important hindrance to patients obtaining the best care possible for their condition, leading frequently to complications of health challenges.
Numerous diseases result from invasion of the body by disease-causing organisms. Such causative organisms include: bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. However, for the purpose of this article, the parasites are of particular interest to us.
[post_views] Glasses are worn by millions of people worldwide to correct various types of refractive errors. The prevalent word used by eye doctors when prescribing glasses is that “the lenses will correct your refractive error.” This is very reassuring, as it makes the patient know that there is a definite solution to their presenting complaint. …
How Glasses Correct Your Vision By Dr. I.G. Nathan Read More »
Just according to its name, ARMD leads to degenerative changes around a structure of the eye known as the macula, also known as the ‘fovea’. The ‘macula’ is the structure which is located at the center of the retina (the thin, light-sensitive tissue which sends visual messages to the brain).
Glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages. That is why it is called the silent thief of sight. You don’t know it is there until it has caused a significant loss of vision. But people who have had the disease for a long time may experience head-aches/eye-aches, darkening vision, difficulty reading, even with glasses on, tunnel vision (as though they are looking through a straw) and finally, total loss of vision.
The most common symptom associated with cataract is a perceived and persistent blur in vision, usually accompanied by reduced visual clarity. Although the extent of reduction in vision depends largely on the progress of lens opacities. Central lens opacities usually impair vision more than those which emerge from peripheral areas of the crystalline lens.
Diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disease which affects the islets of Langerhans (type 1) leading to little or no production of insulin (which helps in mopping up excess sugar in the bloodstream); or by the inability of insulin to do its job of mopping up excess insulin due to resistance of insulin at the cells (usually common in obese people) or even during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
