Conditions & Procedures

The cornea functions as a "clear window" on the front of the eye. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea. This video discusses how a corneal abrasion occurs, available treatments, and preventive steps you can take.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness. This video will tell you more about glaucoma and how it is treated.

This is an eye problem that results from spending a lot of time using a computer or digital device. It's a form of eye strain that affects people of any age.

This is a common vision problem that can affect one or both eyes. With it, light isn't focused properly on the retina. Instead, the focus is in front of the retina. With nearsightedness, things in the distance look blurry. But things that are up close look sharp.

This is a common vision problem that can affect one or both eyes. With it, light isn't focused properly on the retina. Instead, the focus is somewhere behind the retina. For young people with farsightedness, things up close may look blurry, but things that are far away look sharp. After age 40, both near and far vision can become blurry.

This disease causes vision loss. It affects the center of your visual field. It usually affects both eyes, but in some people only one eye is affected. This type of degeneration is a gradual thinning and breaking down of the macula. The macula is part of the light-sensitive retina tissue that sees fine details in the center of your visual field.

This is the gradual loss of your ability to see up-close objects clearly. It's a normal part of the aging process, and one that most people first notice in their mid-40s. It tends to get worse until you're about 65.

This is a problem with the shape of your eye. It makes it hard for your eye to focus. This keeps you from seeing clearly. Astigmatism can affect both your near and far vision.

This disease causes vision loss. It affects the center of your visual field. Of the two types of AMD, it is the more advanced type. It usually affects both eyes, but in some people only one eye is affected. This type of degeneration is an abnormal buildup of fluid beneath the macula. The macula is part of the light-sensitive retina tissue that sees fine details in the center of your visual field.

Behind your eye's pupil is a lens that focuses light. In a healthy eye, this lens is clear. A cataract is a clouding of the lens. A cataract blocks light and can interfere with your vision.

This disorder, also called "narrow angle" or "closed angle" glaucoma, is a buildup of pressure in your eye. It usually happens very quickly. It can damage your optic nerve. It can cause blindness.

This condition results from a buildup of pressure inside your eye. It develops slowly. Most people don't realize they have a problem until their vision is harmed.

This disorder is a misalignment of the eyes. They don't line up to look at the same thing at the same time. They don't give a focused view. When one eye doesn't align properly, it's commonly called a "lazy eye." Strabismus is often noticed shortly after birth. But it can develop later in children and in adults.

This is a pulling away of the retina from the inner surface of your eye. It severely impairs your vision. Without proper treatment, this vision loss can become permanent.

The eye contains a jelly-like liquid we call "vitreous." It fills the eye, and helps it keep its shape. But with this condition, the vitreous separates from the back of the eye. This can harm the layer of light-sensitive cells we call the "retina." It can affect your vision.

With this condition, your tears don't keep your eyes comfortably moist. This happens if your body doesn't make enough tears. It can also happen if your tears are of poor quality.

These are dark or transparent strands or spots that you see floating in your visual field. They move as you move your eyes. When you try to focus on them, they may drift out of your vision. This can be annoying.

This is a disease of the cornea. That's the clear tissue at the front of your eye. With keratoconus, the cornea thins and bulges out. It becomes cone-shaped. This harms your vision.

This is a disease of the cornea. That's the clear tissue at the front of your eye. With Fuchs' dystrophy, cells that help keep the cornea clear begin to die off. Fluid builds up in the cornea, causing swelling. This usually happens to the corneas in both eyes. When your corneas swell, your vision becomes cloudy. And, your eyes may feel uncomfortable.

This is a blockage of tiny veins in your eye. Normally, these veins carry blood away from your retina (the layer of light-sensing cells at the rear of your eye). When the veins are blocked, your vision can be harmed.

Nystagmus is abnormal eye movement that can't be controlled. Some treatment options may help reduce symptoms, but they won't stop the problem completely.

OHS is a disease that can lead to vision loss. It is caused by a fungus. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of OHS, plus how it is treated.

A pterygium is a wedge-shaped growth on your eye. It may be white, pink, or red in color. It is not cancer.

A nevus is a colored growth on your eye. It's much like a mole on your skin.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause blindness. It often begins when pressure builds up in the eye. If caught early, it can often be controlled. But it often has no symptoms, so you need regular eye exams.

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over age 50. Learn about the 2 types of AMD and how to spot the symptoms.

The retina is the inside lining of the eye. It turns light into nerve signals. These signals are then sent to the brain where they become the images you see. The retina may be torn or detached due to aging, an eye injury, or other problems. Tears and detachments are painless.

Months or even years after cataract surgery, your vision can become cloudy again. A laser treatment called YAG capsulotomy can help.

You might know it as red eye or pink eye. A quick guide to conjunctivitis and what causes it.

To be comfortable, your eyes need to be lubricated, or bathed, with tears. But if your eyes don't produce enough tears, the surface gets irritated. This is known as dry eyes.

Uveitis is a serious eye problem. Left untreated, it can lead to other conditions such as glaucoma, and even vision loss. Here's what you should know about possible causes and symptoms.

Blepharitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the eyelids. The membrane covering the inside of your eyelid and the white of your eye may also become inflamed. It can't always be cured. But it can be controlled.

Conjunctivitis is an irritation or infection. It affects the membrane that covers the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelid (conjunctiva). It can happen to one or both eyes.

Conjunctivitis may be caused by allergies or other irritants. The problem can keep coming back. Sometimes an eye infection will result. Treatment involves relieving the symptoms and avoiding the cause of the irritation.

Infections are caused by viruses or germs (bacteria). Treatment includes keeping your eyes and hands clean. Your healthcare provider may prescribe eye drops, and tell you to stay home from work or school if you're contagious.

Here is information on different vision problems.

Presbyopia is the loss of close-up focusing. With age, the lens in the eye hardens and can't change its shape as easily. It then can't focus clearly on close objects. This makes them look blurry.

Glasses can correct presbyopia. They focus the image back onto the retina. This way, you can see an object clearly. There are several kinds of glasses you can choose from.

When you have low vision, you can't see well enough to get around or do daily activities. Regular glasses or contact lenses may not help. Your central or side vision, or both, may be reduced.

A clear lens in the eye focuses light. This lets the eye see images sharply. With age, the lens slowly becomes cloudy. The cloudy lens is a cataract. A cataract scatters light and makes it hard for the eye to focus.

In most cases, a black eye is a minor injury and can be treated at home. But there are times when you should get medical care right away.

While a slight cut or scratch to your cornea is minor, some eye injuries can be very serious. Learn when you should go to the emergency room, and what treatment options to expect.

Hyphema is bleeding in the front part of your eye.

Ultraviolet keratitis is when exposure to too much UV (ultraviolet) light hurts your cornea. This causes pain and affects your vision.

Your vision depends on how light is focused in your eye. A look at 3 common problems with focusing that make vision blurry: farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.

Strabismus and amblyopia are common vision problems in children. Your child won't outgrow these problems, but both can be treated.

Good vision needs the eyes, eye muscles, and brain to all work together. When that doesn't happen, vision problems can occur.

Aniridia means lack of an iris. It is a rare disorder in which the iris of the eye is partly or completely missing.

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on your cornea. In most cases, it's caused by an infection.

Ectropion is an eyelid that sags or turns outward. It often affects one or both lower eyelids. Ectropion leaves the eye too exposed. The eye can become dry, irritated, and even infected. This can lead to serious problems. In some cases it can lead to loss of eyesight.

Herpes eye disease is a condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. It causes redness, pain, tearing, and other symptoms in the eyes.

Iritis is the inflammation of parts of the eye. It causes pain, sensitivity to light, and other problems.

Keratoconus is an eye disorder where your cornea thins slowly over time. It happens more often in young adults in their teens and 20s.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is when a blood vessel breaks open in the white of the eye. It causes a bright red patch in the white of the eye. It is similar to a bruise on the skin. This type of hemorrhage is common. It can look quite alarming, but it is usually harmless.

When one of the vessels that carry blood to your eye's retina gets blocked, it can cause you to lose your eyesight. This problem often happens suddenly and without any pain. This is called a central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).

The vitreous is the clear, thick gel inside your eyeball. A hemorrhage means there is some blood in it.

If you have vision loss from macular degeneration, you can continue many of the activities you do now. Vision aids can help you with tasks that need detailed vision. Keep monitoring your vision and call your eye healthcare provider if you notice any changes.

Red eyes aren't caused only by viral and bacterial infections. Allergies and environmental irritants are often to blame. Here's a look at these 2 common causes of eye inflammation, and how to treat them.

Like any operation, small-incision cataract surgery needs preparation.

Your healthcare provider will let you know what you should and shouldn't do once you get home. You may need to wear eye protection the first day.

After cataract surgery, it is important to have regular eye exams. This is the best way to check the health of your eyes. It will help you maintain good vision.

A stye is a common problem in children. It's an infection that appears as a red bump or swelling near the rim of the upper or lower eyelid.

Learn how this laser surgery works to improve vision.

This improves vision by reshaping your eye's cornea. That's the clear outer layer at the front of your eye. The CustomVue method uses a special computer-controlled laser system. It ensures the reshaping is customized specifically for your eye.

This improves vision by reshaping your eye's cornea. That's the clear outer layer at the front of your eye. LASIK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

This surgery is used to remove a cataract. During the procedure, the cloudy lens in your eye is replaced with an artificial lens that will let you see clearly. This procedure is sometimes called "no-needle, no-stitch" cataract surgery. It's quick, painless, and you can go home the same day.

This surgery is used to remove a cataract. During the procedure, the cloudy lens in your eye is replaced with an artificial lens that will let you see clearly. This procedure is quick, painless, and you can go home the same day.

This condition may develop after cataract surgery. It is a clouding of the lens capsule in your eye. Its affect on vision can be similar to the problems caused by a true cataract.

This laser treatment fixes the drainage canals around the outer edge of the iris. It helps them drain more fluid from your eye so harmful pressure doesn't build up.

This surgery creates a small hole in the iris (the colored part of your eye). That helps fluid drain from your eye's rear chamber. It relieves the harmful pressure of glaucoma.

This laser treatment reduces the amount of fluid your eye produces. It lowers the pressure inside your eye. CPC may be an option when other glaucoma treatments haven't worked.

This procedure corrects a cloudy lens capsule that may develop after cataract surgery. The condition is known as "after cataract," "secondary cataract" or "posterior capsular opacification." This treatment is painless. It takes only a few minutes to perform.

This surgery treats the drainage canals around the iris. It helps fluid drain from your eye's front chamber. That relieves the harmful pressure of glaucoma.

CK is an in-office procedure designed to aid people over age 40 who have good distance vision but now have trouble seeing up close for reading and other near tasks (a condition called presbyopia). Less commonly, CK can also be used to correct farsightedness (hyperopia). The procedure lasts about three minutes.

This surgery corrects cloudy vision. It replaces a layer of damaged cells in the front of your eye with healthy tissue from a donor.

This procedure uses a laser to treat the inside of your eye. It can shrink or destroy abnormal tissues and blood vessels. It can also create tiny spots of scar tissue to repair a detached retina.

This is a surgery to improve your vision. It's typically used for people over age 40 who have very poor eyesight because of the way their eyes focus light. It can help if you have trouble seeing things up close or far away. Unlike LASIK, which reshapes your cornea, this surgery replaces the lens inside your eye. This procedure is quick, painless, and you can go home the same day.

This is a treatment for a form of age-related macular degeneration called "wet AMD." This treatment seals leaky blood vessels in your retina. It can help prevent further vision loss.

This procedure repairs a damaged cornea. The cornea is the clear, outer surface of the eye that lets light enter the pupil. During this surgery, a portion of your damaged cornea is replaced with healthy corneal tissue taken from a donor.

This is a treatment for a detached retina. That's the thin layer of light-sensitive tissue in the back of your eye. With this procedure, a bubble of air or gas pushes your retina back into place.

This injection delivers medicine into the back of your eyeball. It treats certain eye disorders. Often, it's used to get medicine to your retina. It's a simple procedure that can be done in your doctor's office.

This surgery removes the jelly in the back of the eye. We call it the "vitreous humor." It may need to be removed because it's cloudy, or to let your surgeon fix a problem with your retina.

This surgery puts a small, soft tube and drainage device into your eye. It helps excess fluid drain out of your eye. It's most commonly used to prevent harmful pressure buildup in people who have glaucoma.

This improves vision by reshaping the surface of your eye's cornea. That's the clear outer layer at the front of your eye. PRK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

An ICL is an artificial lens implanted in your eye. It works with your eye's natural lens. It helps people who can see near objects clearly, but who have poor distance vision. We call that "nearsightedness." With ICLs, you can have clear distance vision without wearing glasses or contact lenses.

An IOL is a tiny artificial lens that replaces your eye's natural lens. Most are made of silicone or acrylic. They treat poor eyesight caused by cataracts and other problems. There are different lenses for different needs. Let's look at a few types.

Watch this video to learn how cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens in the eye with an artificial lens to improve vision.

This surgery stabilizes a detached retina. It uses a band to hold your retina in place.

A surgeon removed the cloudy lens in your eye and replaced it with a clear manmade lens. Here's what you can expect after surgery, along with tips for a healthy recovery.

Depending on your retinal damage, your eye care provider may use one or more procedures to treat the problem. Some treatments can be done in your eye care provider's office. Others need surgery in a hospital or surgery center.

Find out how a YAG laser uses fast, tiny bursts of energy to improve your vision during a capsulotomy.

YAG capsulotomy is a quick, painless outpatient procedure. Here's what you can expect.

A helpful, step-by-step guide to putting in eye drops safely.

Most eye infections are caused by viruses or bacteria. Many can spread from person to person. Learn about the symptoms of viral and bacterial eye infections, and also how to treat them.

Artificial tears are the most common treatment for dry eyes. If they don't ease your symptoms, your eye care provider may put in plugs. Or they may advise surgery to stop the draining and increase the tear film.

Left untreated, uveitis can lead to vision loss. It's important to seek medical help right away.

Helpful tips on treating blepharitis with a warm compress and washing the area gently with an eyelid scrub.

Your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops or an ointment. These will help ease redness, swelling, and irritation. Your eye doctor will also need to check your eyes following treatment.

Contact lenses can correct presbyopia. They focus the image back onto the retina. This way, you can see an object clearly. There are 2 kinds of contacts you can choose from.

Using vision aids can help you do the things you need and want to do. There are many kinds of vision aids. You can buy them at low-vision centers. Some eye care providers also sell these aids.

You may be surprised by how little time small-incision cataract surgery takes.

Once your old lens has been removed, your surgeon slips the new lens (IOL or intraocular lens) in through the incision. The IOL is then placed in the capsule that held your old lens.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cataract and replacing the lens. Here are the two most common ways that cataracts are removed.

Take a closer look at how a new lens is implanted after cataract surgery.

Refractive surgery can improve your eyesight, but it does have some risks.

LASIK is laser surgery that helps reshape your cornea. It can help you see better without glasses or corrective lenses.

PRK is surgery to help you see better without glasses or corrective lenses.

Phakic intraocular lenses (PIOLs) can help you see better without glasses or corrective lenses. Here's what you can expect.

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes don't line up in the same direction. One eye may turn in, up, or down, while the other eye looks straight ahead. If not treated, it can lead to another eye problem.

Your child's eye doctor may recommend strabismus surgery to help align your child's eyes. This is a safe, common procedure. Read on to learn more about the surgery, and what to expect before and after it's done.

In most cases of amblyopia, the brain ignores signals coming from one eye. Over time, the brain gets used to working only with the other eye. So amblyopia must be treated as soon as possible.

Corneal ring implantation is a type of eye surgery. It puts a small ring of plastic into the cornea. It is done to fix an eyesight problem, so you can see more clearly.

Corneal transplantation is a surgery to replace a cornea that has problems.

A dacryocystorhinostomy is a type of surgery. It's done to make a new tear duct between your eyes and nose.

Pneumatic retinopexy is a procedure to correct a detached retina. It helps to bring back vision. It uses a special tool to repair the retina, and a small bubble of gas to hold the retina in place so it can heal.

Scleral buckling surgery is a type of eye surgery. It's done to correct a detached retina. It can restore vision.

Trabeculectomy is a type of eye surgery done in the front part of the eye. It's done to treat glaucoma by draining some fluid from the eye. If you have glaucoma, fluid can drain too slowly. This can cause the pressure in your eye to increase. This then increases pressure on the optic nerve. This surgery helps to lower pressure inside the eye.

A vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery to treat problems with the retina and vitreous.

Trabeculectomy is a type of eye surgery done in the front part of the eye. It's done to treat glaucoma by draining some fluid from the eye. This helps to lower pressure inside the eye.

A vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery to treat problems with the retina and vitreous. During the surgery, your eye healthcare provider removes the vitreous and replaces it with another solution.

Aniridia means lack of an iris. It is a rare disorder in which the iris of the eye is partly or completely missing. Here are details on treatments and complications.

Color blindness is when you can't see some colors in a normal way. Read on for details about treatment, and helpful tips on living with this condition.

Computer vision syndrome is a group of eye problems. These problems are due to a lot of computer use. Treatment is done by making changes in your use of computer or digital screens.

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on your cornea. Treatment may include medicine to treat the infection, as well as medicine to ease pain and swelling.

Herpes eye disease is a condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. Learn about treatment, prevention, and possible complications.

Corneal ring implantation is a surgery to put in a small ring of plastic into the cornea. It is done to fix an eyesight problem and let you see more clearly.

A cornea transplant is a surgery that replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy corneal tissue from a donor.

A dacryocystorhinostomy is a type of surgery. It's done to make a new tear duct between your eyes and nose.

Iritis is the inflammation of the iris. It causes pain, sensitivity to light, and other problems.

Keratoconus is an eye disorder where your cornea thins slowly over time. It happens more often in young adults in their teens and 20s.

Laser photocoagulation uses a laser to seal off abnormal blood vessels in your eye. This treatment can't restore eyesight that you already have lost. But it may slow down the damage to your central vision.

A pterygium is a type of growth on the eye that is not cancer. Often, it is only a minor problem unless it causes changes in your eyesight. Pterygia (the plural form of the word) are common in people who are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays for long periods of time.

Photodynamic therapy for the eyes uses lasers and a special medicine that works when exposed to a type of light. It is done to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Pneumatic retinopexy is a procedure to correct a detached retina. It helps to bring back vision. It uses a special tool to fix the retina and a small bubble of gas to hold the retina in place so it can heal.

Scleral buckling surgery is a type of eye surgery. It's done to correct a detached retina. It can restore vision.

Laser photocoagulation uses a laser to seal off abnormal blood vessels in your eye. Laser photocoagulation can't restore eyesight that you already have lost. But it may slow down the damage to your central vision.

Photodynamic therapy is a treatment for the eyes. It uses lasers and a special medicine that works when exposed to a type of light. It is done to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD).