What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the surface of the inner eyelid and a portion of the front of the eye. Conjunctivitis has several causes and affects people of all ages. What causes conjunctivitis? Three main types of conjunctivitis: infectious, allergic, and chemical. Infectious conjunctivitis: also […]
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What is blepharitis? Blepharitis is a common condition that causes eyelid inflammation. It is a chronic external eye disorder resulting in red, burning, and irritated eyes. What causes blepharitis? Blepharitis is caused by inflammation of the oil glands behind the eyelashes. These oil glands are responsible for producing the outermost layer of tears. With blepharitis,
What is astigmatism? Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the front surface of your eye (cornea) or the lens inside the eye is slightly irregular in shape. This results in blurred vision or distortion at all distances. Astigmatism is not a disease, but a common visual condition. What causes astigmatism? Astigmatism is caused
What is a cataract? When the lens within your eye becomes cloudy and opaque, it is called a cataract. Cataracts vary from extremely small areas of cloudiness to large opaque areas that cause a noticeable blurring of vision. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but often at different rates. Who gets cataracts? Cataracts happen with
What is lazy eye (amblyopia)? Lazy eye (amblyopia) is the term used when the vision in one eye is reduced because the eye and brain are not working together properly. Lazy eye can result from any condition that prevents the eye from focusing correctly during the early stages of development. If detected and treated, it
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What is Bell’s palsy? Bell’s palsy is a common condition that results from facial nerve weakness or paralysis. It usually only affects one side of the face including the forehead and lower facial areas. Several physical manifestations of Bell’s palsy include: Difficulty closing one eye Slurred speech Drooping of one corner of the mouth Inability
What causes seasonal allergies? Seasonal allergies are caused by specific allergens such as ragweed, grass, or tree pollen. When these allergens come in contact with your body, they are considered foreign particles. The allergens bind themselves to mast cells that are loaded with histamine. In response, your immune system starts to release large quantities of
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What is anterior uveitis? Anterior uveitis is a common inflammation of the eye – more specifically, the iris. The iris is the coloured part of the eye. In anterior uveitis, the iris becomes inflamed and the blood vessels within the iris leak white blood cells and protein into the anterior chamber (the cavity in the
What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? Macular degeneration is a condition that causes the centre of your vision to blur while the side or peripheral vision remains unaffected. The macula is the central most part of the retina, the inner layer at the back of the eye responsible for detailed central vision. It is used
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What is vitreous detachment? Vitreous detachment is a condition where the gel-like fluid that fills the eye separates from the retina. It is usually harmless and can cause floaters or flashes in your sight. In more serious cases, vitreous detachment can pull at the retina and cause it to tear or detach, which can lead
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