Eye Disease

How does COVID-19 affect the eyes? Much has been talked about regarding the wide variety of symptoms associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While we are still learning about the various systems in our body that can be affected, we are just beginning to understand how the disease affects the eyes. Recent research has shown us that the virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and can be absorbed or spread through the surface of the eye. This is because the eyes are the only area of our body that are completely exposed to the environment (not protected by skin). […]

What options do I have for dry eyes? Dry eyes can be due to a variety of reasons including not blinking often enough, side effects of medications, changes in hormones, seasonal weather variations, or other systemic diseases. Some symptoms often associated with dryness include: Irritated, gritty feeling Burning or stinging sensation Mild pain Excessive tearing (trying to make up for dryness) Foreign body sensation when blinking (may be due to clogged glands along the eyelids) Tips to try to improve dry eyes at home:   Take frequent breaks when doing near work to consciously blink. Studies have shown us that we […]

The term “pink eye” is commonly used to describe any red eyes. It should be used to describe a viral conjunctivitis but is often confused for bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or other common causes of red eyes. Causes of pink or red eyes: Viral conjunctivitis: a viral infection in or around your eyes is causing your eyes to try to fight the virus Common symptoms include redness, tearing, irritation, fever, runny nose, sinus congestion, and sore throat. Bacterial conjunctivitis: your body is trying to fight a bacterial infection in your eyes. Common symptoms include redness, thick discharge, irritation, and tearing. Uveitis, Iritis, […]

High blood pressure (hypertension) and Diabetes are diseases that affect the blood vessels in your body. These diseases are very common and can affect many organs including the eyes. Since the eye is the only place we can view the blood vessels directly (without surgery), an eye examination can provide a small glimpse into your overall health and identify signs of hypertension and diabetes. Patient symptoms and signs: Fluctuating vision – If the blood pressure or blood sugar spike due to diet or not taking medication as directed, the lens inside the eye can swell or fluid in the retina can […]

Inflammation is your body’s appropriate response to an injury or infection in order to heal. This normal process becomes a problem when an overreaction of the immune system produces excessive inflammation without a specific cause leading to chronic inflammatory diseases. Some of these diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and lupus. While often these conditions have other symptoms, occasionally signs in the eye could be the first clue to systemic inflammation throughout the body. Possible symptoms related to inflammation: Repeated red eyes Sensitivity to light (photophobia) Blurred vision Pain in the eyes What does your […]