Looking after your eyes. All you need to know for free.

Neonatal Conjunctivitis. (conjunctivitis of the new born).

Severe neonatal conjunctivitis appears in the first week of life. Serious damage to vision occurs if it is not treated immediately. The eyes must be cleansed and drops or ointment given. In Canada, US , UK and Australia this is standard practice

Xerophthalmia (Also known as conjunctivitis arida).

This is vitamin deficiency disease, (Vitamin A deficiency). It starts with the drying of the conjunctiva and cornea. The retina is also affected causing poor vision in dull light and at night. Xerophthalmia is caused by poor diet - a lack of dark green leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, tubers and fruits, eggs and milk. Treatment can be given by one or more doses of vitamin A. The condition can be present and then disappear during different seasons because of the fruits and vegetables that are available. If the condition is allowed to progress, the cornea becomes cloudy and is eventually destroyed. A child with xerophthalmia may have poor general health.

The treatment depends on the cause. Artificial tears, which lubricate the eye, are the principal symptomatic treatment for dry eye. They are available over-the-counter as eye drops. Using humidifiers, wearing wrap-around glasses when outside, and avoiding outside windy and dry conditions may bring relief. For people with severe cases of dry eye, temporary or permanent closure of the tear drain (small openings at the inner corner of the eyelids where tears drain from the eye) may be helpful.

Measles and xeropthalmia.

Cause corneal ulceration (keratomalacia) and blindness very rapidly. The use of harmful eye medicines to treat conjunctivitis during measles can damage the cornea and lead to low vision or blindness. Easily preventable by using professionally approved medications which are clean.

Trachoma

Caused by an infection of the conjunctiva. If not treated, scars form on the cornea and eventually blindness can result. Poor hygiene and lack of treatment affect the seriousness of trachoma. Regular washing of the face to keep eyes clean can prevent eye damage from trachoma and the spread to other people.

Cataract.

Cataract is clouding of all or part of the lens. Usually, visual acuity is reduced and vision is blurred and depth perception can be affected. The effect on vision depends on the area and cloudiness of the cataract.

A cataract can be present at birth. It can develop later in life from injury, illness, a lifetime of sunlight exposure or in old age. Some cataracts don't change but others become worse. Blindness can result.

The treatment for cataract is the surgical removal of the lens. This needs a specially trained person to do the operation. Glasses or special lenses are needed to take the place of the lens that has been removed.

Near or distance vision or both may be affected. Materials and objects of good contrast are better for a person with cataracts. Large print or increase in size of materials may not be necessary. The most important needs are for good lighting without glare and good contrast.

Refraction disorders are covered as a separate topic.

Picture 2. Cataract of the eye. Note the complete opacity of the eye.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the nerves (retina/optic nerve) that can occur with either 'normal' or high pressure in the eye. Peripheral visual fields become reduced and visual acuity is affected. Vision is affected in dull light and at night so good lighting is needed. Sometimes drops or an operation are needed to help control the pressure in the eyes. If drops are prescribed they should be used regularly. Blindness can result if it is not treated.

Many eye diseases such as glaucoma run in families.

Rubella

Congenial Rubella Syndrome occurs in babies whose mothers have been infected by rubella (German measles) during pregnancy. Congenital Rubella Syndrome results in multiple disabilities including cataracts, glaucoma, deafness and heart disease.

Retinal Dystrophies.

There are a large number of conditions where the retina and especially the macula never develop properly or are destroyed (degeneration). Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can have onset in childhood but more commonly occurs in older people. Both near and distance vision are affected when the central area of the retina is involved. Making objects or print larger will help make things easier to see. Low vision devices are often helpful.

Albinism

People with albinism have pale or white skin and hair, and vision is poor. Near vision is usually better than distance vision. They can have nystagmus, refractive errors and poor visual acuity. Spectacles usually improve vision but do not give normal vision. Albinos usually prefer dark or tinted spectacles. The skin should be protected from the sun. Low vision devices can be useful for distance and are sometimes needed for near activities.

Retinitis pigmentosa

This usually affects young adults. There is a slow worsening of vision. The peripheral (side) vision is the first area affected. Visual acuity may remain normal or become poor. In good light the person may be able to do many activities that require good vision. Vision is often poor in dull light or at night. It can be difficult to move around safely and avoid objects.