Ocular surface diseases are disorders of the surface of the cornea, the transparent layer that forms the front of the eye. These diseases include dry eye syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, rosacea, allergies, scarring from glaucoma medications, chemical burns, and immunological conditions. Ocular surface diseases can severely affect eyesight and quality of life. Symptoms may include blurry vision, discomfort or pain, redness and itching, and in severe cases, blindness due to corneal scarring. Unfortunately, cases often go undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of understanding of symptoms and inaccurate evaluation.

When we are young, the lens inside of our eye is extremely flexible, and allows us to easily focus on close objects. Over time, the lens gradually loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult to focus on close objects. This condition is called Presbyopia, and it is a normal part of the aging process that happens to everyone, even those who have never had a vision problem before.

In a healthy eye, a balance exists between the fluid produced, and the fluid that leaves the eye. This balance keeps the eye pressure at a healthy level. In order to maintain balance the eye has a built-in drainage system. This drainage system controls the inflow and outflow of fluids, which is responsible for nourishing the eye. The eye's drainage system works a lot like a sink. Fluid is produced from the faucet and exits through the drain. If a blockage develops in the eye's drainage system, or if fluid is produced faster than it can escape - an overflow will occur. In the eye, this overflow causes the pressure to elevate. The optic nerve is most vulnerable to damage from elevated pressure. Continuous elevated pressure or spikes in pressure can damage the optic nerve. If left untreated, damage to the optic nerve can lead to vision loss and even blindness. The main goals of glaucoma surgery are to reduce eye pressure and prevent vision loss. When treating glaucoma one option to reduce pressure, is to turn off the faucet. Another option to reduce pressure is to remove the blockage that's slowing the fluid from escaping. And the final option for reducing pressure is to create a new channel for the fluid to escape through. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Original Article Source Credits:   All About Vision , https://www.allaboutvision.com/

Article Written By:  Gary Heiting, OD

Original Article Posted on:  NA

Link to Original Article:  https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-ca/eye-exam/color-blind-tests/

Original Article Source Credits:   WebMD , https://www.webmd.com/

Article Written By:  NA

Original Article Posted on:  September 12, 2020

Link to Original Article:  https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-dry-eyes

Original Article Source Credits:   All About Vision , https://www.allaboutvision.com/

Article Written By:  Beth Longware Duff

Original Article Posted on:  NA

Link to Original Article:  https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/myopia-faq/what-is-myopia-control.htm

Original Article Source Credits:   WebMD , https://www.webmd.com/

Article Written By:  NA

Original Article Posted on:  October 26, 2020

Link to Original Article:  https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-uveitis

An ocular migraine occurs when blood vessels in part of the brain responsible for vision temporarily spasm.

Original Article Source Credits:   Verywell Health , https://www.verywellhealth.com/

Article Written By:  Sherry Christiansen

Original Article Posted on:  August 20, 2020

Link to Original Article:  https://www.verywellhealth.com/vitamins-and-supplements-for-macular-degeneration-5069858

Original Article Source Credits:   MyDryEye , https://mydryeye.ca/

Article Written By:  Diana Nguyen

Original Article Posted on:   April 1, 2021

Link to Original Article:  https://mydryeye.ca/eye-hygiene-eyegiene-for-better-eye-health/

Original Article Source Credits:   All About Vision , https://www.allaboutvision.com/

Article Written By:  John Egan and Adam Debrowski

Original Article Posted on:  NA

Link to Original Article:  https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-ca/coronavirus/covid-vaccine-side-effects-vision/

Healthy tears consist of a precise mixture of oil, water, and mucus. Meibomian gland dysfunction, also called MGD, is a condition where the meibomian glands do not produce the proper quality or quantity of oil in the outer layer of the tear film. In normal tears, the layer of oil produced by the meibomian glands seals the tear film and helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. In MGD, the glands become blocked and do not produce normal oil, due to inflammation. Inflammation can be related to problems of the lid, contact lenses, hormones, or even incomplete or infrequent blinking. When the glands do not produce enough quality oil, tears evaporate more quickly than normal, resulting in dry eye syndrome. MGD is the leading cause of dry eye. While MGD is not generally sight-threatening, it can have a negative impact on quality of life if left untreated. Symptoms of MGD can include dryness, scratchiness, a burning sensation and even problems with visual acuity. MGD can also lead to chalazia and infections of the lid margins, which can be painful and unsightly for patients. Lastly, for patients who wear contact lenses, MGD can make wearing lenses very difficult. MGD does not usually go away on its own, and requires treatment and follow up examinations by an eye care professional.

Original Article Source Credits:   Verywell Health , https://www.verywellhealth.com/

Article Written By:  Sherry Christiansen

Original Article Posted on:  November 24, 2020

Link to Original Article:  https://www.verywellhealth.com/wet-amd-symptoms-5025052

Original Article Source Credits:   All About Vision , https://www.allaboutvision.com/

Article Written By:  Gary Heiting, OD

Original Article Posted on:  NA

Link to Original Article:  https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-ca/sunglasses/sun-protection/

Original Article Source Credits:   Healthline , https://www.healthline.com/

Article Written By:   Kirsten Nunez

Original Article Posted on:  March 4, 2021

Link to Original Article:  https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/computer-vision-syndrome

Do your eyes feel irritated or like something is in them? Are you experiencing redness, burning, excessive tearing, or occasional blurry vision? You may have dry eye, a common condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears. Sometimes, the only symptom of dry eye is recurring blurred vision. Because there are many possible causes of dry eye, we gather a patient health history to better understand your risk.

Original Article Source Credits:   Verywell Health , https://www.verywellhealth.com/

Article Written By:  Troy Bedinghaus, OD 

Original Article Posted on:  July 25, 2020

Link to Original Article:  https://www.verywellhealth.com/contact-lens-hygiene-3421642

Original Article Source Credits:   Verywell Health , https://www.verywellhealth.com/

Article Written By:  Troy Bedinghaus, OD

Original Article Posted on:  August 23, 2020

Link to Original Article:  https://www.verywellhealth.com/macular-degeneration-causes-risk-factors-3421731

Original Article Source Credits:   MAYO CLINIC , https://www.mayoclinic.org/

Article Written By:  Mayo Clinic Staff

Original Article Posted on:  NA

Link to Original Article:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-macular-degeneration/symptoms-causes/syc-20350375

Original Article Source Credits:   Healthline , https://www.healthline.com/

Article Written By:  the Healthline Editorial Team

Original Article Posted on:  July 6, 2018

Link to Original Article:  https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health#eye-anatomy