Eye Education

In Brief (Distance)

Myopia. Blurry vision in one eye or both eyes may be a symptom of myopia (nearsightedness), along with squinting, eye strain and headaches. Myopia is the most common refractive error and causes objects in the distance to become blurred.

General

• Hyperopia. Blurred vision from hyperopia (farsightedness) is when distant objects can be seen sharply but your eyes can't focus properly on close-up objects or doing so causes unusual eye strain and fatigue. In cases of severe farsightedness, even distant objects may appear blurred
• Myopia. Blurry vision in one eye or both eyes may be a symptom of myopia (nearsightedness), along with squinting, eye strain and headaches. Myopia is the most common refractive error and causes objects in the distance to become blurred.
• Astigmatism. Blurred vision at all distances often is a symptom of astigmatism. A type of refractive error, astigmatism usually is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
• With astigmatism, light rays fail to come to a single focus point on the retina to produce clear vision, regardless of how far away the viewed object is from the eye. Astigmatism, like nearsightedness and farsightedness, can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.

Near

Hyperopia. Blurred vision from hyperopia (farsightedness) is when distant objects can be seen sharply but your eyes can't focus properly on close-up objects or doing so causes unusual eye strain and fatigue. In cases of severe farsightedness, even distant objects may appear blurred.

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In Brief (Distance)

A pinguecula is a yellowish, slightly raised thickening of the conjunctiva on the white part of the eye (sclera), close to the edge of the cornea. Pingueculae are non-cancerous bumps on the eyeball and typically occur on top of the middle part of the sclera — the part that's between your eyelids and therefore is exposed to the sun. Usually pingueculae affect the surface of the sclera that's closer to the nose, but they can occur on the outer sclera (closer to the ear) as well.

Symptoms

• Usually don’t cause any symptoms
• May cause burning sensation due to dry eye
• May cause redness with irritation

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In Brief (Distance)

A pinguecula is a yellowish, slightly raised thickening of the conjunctiva on the white part of the eye (sclera), close to the edge of the cornea. Pingueculae are non-cancerous bumps on the eyeball and typically occur on top of the middle part of the sclera — the part that's between your eyelids and therefore is exposed to the sun. Usually pingueculae affect the surface of the sclera that's closer to the nose, but they can occur on the outer sclera (closer to the ear) as well.

Symptoms

• Usually don’t cause any symptoms
• May cause burning sensation due to dry eye
• May cause redness with irritation

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In Brief (Distance)

Most bumps on the eyelid are styes. A stye (external hordeolum) is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of your eyelid, where the lash meets the lid. It appears as a red, swollen bump that looks like a pimple. It is often tender to the touch.

Symptoms

In addition to the red, swollen bump, other possible symptoms include:

• A gritty, scratchy sensation, as if there is a foreign body in your eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Tearing of your eye
• Tenderness of the eyelid

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In Brief (Distance)

Cataract is the term to denote clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye.

Symptoms

• Blurred vision or cloudy vision
• Glare
• Decreased brightness
• Gradual painless progressive course

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In Brief (Distance)

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection. Cellulitis may first appear as a red, swollen area that feels hot and tender to the touch. The redness and swelling often spread rapidly. Cellulitis is usually painful. Cellulitis usually affects the surface of your skin, but it may also affect the underlying tissues of your skin. Cellulitis can also spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Redness or inflammation of your skin
• A skin sore or rash that appears and grows quickly
• A tight, glossy, swollen appearance of the skin
• A feeling of warmth in the affected area
• A central area that has an abscess with pus formation
• A fever

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In Brief (Distance)

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a blockage of the main vein in the retina. The blockage causes the walls of the vein to leak blood and excess fluid into the retina. When this fluid collects in the macula (the area of the retina responsible for central vision), vision becomes blurry. Two types: Non-ischemic CRVO and ischemic CRVO.

Symptoms

• Blurring of vision, sometimes complete vision loss
• Painless
• Happens suddenly or worsens over several hours

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In Brief (Distance)

In central serous retinopathy (sometimes called central serous choroidopathy), fluid builds up under the retina and distorts vision. Fluid leakage is believed to come from a tissue layer with blood vessels under the retina, called the choroid. Often associated with stress and steroids.

Symptoms

• Distorted central vision, blind spot in centre
• Blurred or dim vision

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In Brief (Distance)

Symptoms

• A lump on the top or bottom eyelid
• Localized swelling of the eyelid
• Localized pain
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Crusting of the eyelid margins
• Burning in the eye
• Droopiness of the eyelid
• Scratchy sensation on the eyeball (itching)
• Blurred vision
• Mucous discharge in the eye
• Irritation of the eye
• Light sensitivity
• Tearing
• Discomfort during blinking
• Sensation of a foreign body in the eye

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In Brief (Distance)

Choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVM) are new blood vessels that grow beneath the retina and disrupt vision. These blood vessels grow in an area called the choroid, the area between the retina and the sclera (the white part of your eye). The choroid supplies oxygen and nutrients to the eye. CNVM occur when new blood vessels start to grow in the choroid and break through the barrier between the choroid and the retina. When CNVM leak in the retina, they cause vision loss.

Symptoms

• Painless vision loss
• Blank spots in vision, especially central vision
• Distorted vision
• Size of objects may appear different for each eye
• Colors lose brightness and may look different
• Light flashes or flickering in central vision

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In Brief (Distance)

A coloboma describes conditions where normal tissue in or around the eye is missing from birth. Coloboma term comes from a Greek word meaning “curtailed”. Depending on the tissue involved, it may be

• Eyelid coloboma
• Lens coloboma
• Macular coloboma
• Optic nerve coloboma
• Uveal coloboma
• Chorioretinal coloboma

Symptoms

• A coloboma of the iris will be visibly noticeable due to the keyhole or cat-eye appearance of the pupil.
• An eyelid coloboma will also be noticeable due to a notch or defect in the eyelid.
• Other types can cause vision loss depending on their size and location
• A child with a coloboma affecting the macula or the optic nerve will likely have reduced vision.
• children who are missing a part of their retina will have a “field defect,” which means that they will not have vision in a specific location (for instance, the upper part of the field of vision).
• Sometimes children with a coloboma have increased sensitivity to light.

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In Brief (Distance)

Color blindness or colour vision problem occurs when you are unable to see colors in a normal way. Most commonly, color blindness (also known as color deficiency) happens when someone cannot distinguish between certain colors, usually between greens and reds, and occasionally blues.

Symptoms

• Trouble seeing colors and the brightness of colors in the usual way
• Inability to tell the difference between shades of the same or similar colors, particularly red and green, or blue and yellow.
• Mostly does not affect sharpness of vision

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Causes

• Viruses
• Bacteria (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia)
• Irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and pool chlorine
• Allergies like dust, pollen, or a special type of allergy that affects some contact lens wearers

Symptoms

• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
• Increased amount of tears
• Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep
• Green or white discharge from the eye
• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light

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In Brief

Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections

The most common infection related to contact lens use is keratitis, an infection of the cornea (the clear, round dome covering the eye's iris and pupil). Keratitis can have multiple causes, including herpes, bacteria, fungus and microbes (such as acanthamoeba—a very difficult infection to treat). Keratitis is the most serious complication of contact lens wear. In severe cases, it can lead to corneal scarring that impairs vision, and may lead to the need for a cornea transplant.

Symptoms

• Blurry vision
• Unusual redness of the eye
• Pain in the eye
• Tearing or discharge from the eye
• Increased light sensitivity
• Sensation of something in your eye.

Infections

Factors contributing to contact-lens related infections

• Use of extended-wear lenses
• Sleeping in your contact lenses
• Reduced tear exchange under the lens
• Environmental factors
• Poor hygiene, including poor maintenance of contact lens cases or reusing or topping off contact lens solution

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In Brief

A corneal abrasion (scratched cornea or scratched eye) is one of the most common eye injuries. It is a superficial damage to the cornea which is the transparent part of the eye. Corneal abrasions result from a disruption or loss of cells in the top layer of the cornea, called the corneal epithelium.

Symptoms

• Significant discomfort
• Red eyes
• Watering of eyes
• Hypersensitivity to light.

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In Brief

Corneal dystrophy is a group of rare hereditary disorders characterised by bilateral abnormal deposition of substances in the transparent front part of the eye called the cornea.

Corneal dystrophies are characterized by the accumulation of foreign material in one or more of the five layers of the cornea. The material may cause the cornea to lose its transparency, potentially causing loss of vision or blurred vision.

There are more than 20 different types of corneal dystrophies. They are generally grouped into three categories, depending on the part of the cornea that they affect:

• Anterior or superficial corneal dystrophies affect the outermost layers of the cornea: the epithelium and the Bowman membrane.
• Stromal corneal dystrophies affect the stroma, the middle and thickest layer of the cornea.
• Posterior corneal dystrophies affect the innermost parts of the cornea: the endothelium and the Descemet membrane. The most common posterior corneal dystrophy is Fuchs’ dystrophy,

Symptoms

• May cause significant decrease in vision
• Usually seen in first or second decade of life
• Grayish white lines, circles or clouding of cornea

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In Brief

Corneal erosion affects the cornea, the clear dome covering the front of the eye. The cornea is composed of five layers. The outermost layer is the epithelium. When the epithelium does not stay attached correctly to the corneal tissue below, including the layer called the Bowman's layer or the basement membrane, this can cause a condition called corneal erosion. If the problem occurs repeatedly, it is called recurrent corneal erosion.

Symptoms

• Mild to severe pain
• Light sensitivity
• Feeling of something in the eye
• Blurred vision
• Watery eyes
• Dryness

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In Brief

A corneal laceration is a cut on the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. It is usually caused by something sharp flying into the eye or something striking the eye with significant force, like a metallic hand tool. A corneal laceration is deeper than a corneal abrasion, cutting partially or fully through the cornea. If the corneal laceration is deep enough (called a full thickness laceration), it will cut completely through the cornea and cause a ruptured globe, a tear in the outer surface of the eyeball itself.

Symptoms

• Severe pain
• Tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Bleeding (blood in the eye)
• The feeling that there is something in the eye.

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In Brief

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea - the clear front window of the eye. The cornea covers the iris (the colored portion of the eye) and the round pupil, much like a watch crystal covers the face of a watch. A corneal ulcer usually results from an eye infection, though it can be caused by severe dry eye or other eye disorders.

Symptoms

• Redness of the eye
• Severe pain and soreness of the eye
• The feeling of having something in your eye
• Tearing
• Pus or other discharge
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Swelling of the eyelids
• A white spot on your cornea that you may or may not be able to see when looking in the mirror.

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In Brief

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis is an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related opportunistic infection that can lead to blindness. CMV retinitis occurred with higher frequency prior to the advent of antiretroviral therapy, but has since been decreasing in well-developed countries, although still remains a prevalent condition in developing countries. It is a full thickness retinal infection that can lead to necrosis and retinal breaks and detachments.

Most patients are asymptomatic, but may have floaters, flashes (photopsias), blind spots (scotomata). Pain and photophobia are uncommon.

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In Brief

Crossed eyes (or strabismus) occur when a person’s eyes are not able to align on the same point at the same time, and appear to be misaligned or pointed in different directions.

Symptoms

• Eyes that do not move together
• Unsymmetrical points of reflection in each eye
• Tilting the head to one side
• Inability to gauge depth
• Squinting with only one eye

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In Brief

Cloud shape in vision

A dark or gray spot or cloud shaped spot or speck that passes across your field of vision and moves as you move your eye is known as floater. Floaters are very common and may look like clouds, strands, webs, spots, squiggles, wavy lines or other shapes. As your eye ages, the gelatinous vitreous humor begins to liquefy in the center of the gel. Floaters are caused by the undissolved vitreous humor that floats in the liquid vitreous. Sometimes, a "shower of floaters" is a sign of a serious condition, particularly if you also see flashes of light.

Symptoms

• Spots in your vision that appear as dark specks or knobby, transparent strings of floating material
• Spots that move when you move your eyes, so when you try to look at them, they move quickly out of your visual field
• Spots that are most noticeable when you look at a plain bright background, such as a blue sky or a white wall
• Spots that eventually settle down and drift out of the line of vision

When to see a doctor

• Many more eye floaters than usual
• A sudden onset of new floaterss
• Flashes of light
• Darkness on the sides of your vision (peripheral vision loss)

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In Brief

Color vision problem

Color blindness or colour vision problem occurs when you are unable to see colors in a normal way. Most commonly, color blindness (also known as color deficiency) happens when someone cannot distinguish between certain colors, usually between greens and reds, and occasionally blues.

Symptoms

• Trouble seeing colors and the brightness of colors in the usual way.
• Inability to tell the difference between shades of the same or similar colors, particularly red and green, or blue and yellow.
• Mostly does not affect sharpness of vision.

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In Brief

Clouding of the eye’s surface

Corneal opacities are eye problems that can lead to scarring or clouding of the cornea, which decreases vision. Corneal opacities can cause anything from minor irritation to vision problems and even blindness. In some cases it can be present from birth.

Symptoms

• Redness and swelling of the eye tissues and eyelid
• Tearing
• Blurred vision
• Irritation
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensation of something in the eye
• Eye discharge
• Milky or cloudy area on the cornea
• Vision loss

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In Brief

Crusty Eye Lid

Symptoms

• Itchy, sore and red eyelids that stick together
• Crusty or greasy eyelashes
• A burning, gritty sensation in your eyes
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Swollen eyelid margins
• Finding contact lenses uncomfortable to wear
• Abnormal eyelash growth or loss of eyelashes in severe cases

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In Brief

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of our eye. The middle of our eye is filled with a clear gel called vitreous that is attached to the retina. As we get older, the vitreous may shrink and pull on the retina. When this happens, you may notice what look like flashing lights, lightning streaks or the sensation of seeing “stars.” These are called flashes. Usually, the vitreous moves away from the retina without causing problems. But sometimes the vitreous pulls hard enough to tear the retina in one or more places. Fluid may pass through a retinal tear, lifting the retina off the back of the eye — much as wallpaper can peel off a wall. When the retina is pulled away from the back of the eye like this, it is called a retinal detachment.

Symptoms

• A sudden increase in size and number of floaters, indicating a retinal tear may be occurring.
• A sudden appearance of flashes, which could be the first stage of a retinal tear or detachment.
• Having a shadow appear in the periphery (side) of your field of vision.
• Seeing a gray curtain moving across your field of vision.
• A sudden decrease in your vision.

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In Brief

Distorted vision is when familiar objects look wavy or bent incorrectly.

Distorted vision may be associated with:

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Astigmatism
• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
• Kerataconus
• Macular Edema
• Macular Hole
• Macular Pucker

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In Brief

Distorted vision is when familiar objects look wavy or bent incorrectly.

Distorted vision may be associated with:

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Astigmatism
• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
• Kerataconus
• Macular Edema
• Macular Hole
• Macular Pucker

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In Brief

Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) is a cornea transplant technique that is the preferred way to restore vision when the inner cell layer of the cornea stops working properly from Fuchs’ dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome, or other endothelial disorders. EK selectively replaces only the diseased layer of the cornea, leaving healthy areas intact.

The most common type of EK procedure is known as DSEK. In this procedure the surgeon implants the back 20-30% of the donor cornea into the patient’s eye. Patients without other eye problems usually achieve average vision of 20/30 or better within a couple of months. The risk of rejection from DSEK is around 12 percent, whereas full thickness transplants have around a 20 percent rejection risk.

Steps:

• The surgeon removes the diseased inner cell layer of the cornea
• The surgeon implants healthy donor tissue through a small incision
• The surgeon then uses an air bubble to unfold and position the donor tissue against the patient’s cornea
• The small incision is either self-sealing or may be closed with a suture or two.

Compared with a traditional full thickness transplant, endothelial keratoplasty provides the following advantages:

• The eye remains much stronger and less prone to injury
• Visual recovery is much faster
• Minimal activity restrictions are required
• Minimal change is required in glasses prescription

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In Brief

Discharge

Discharge is mucus, pus or excessive tearing coming from the eye.

Discharge from eye may be associated with:

• Bacterial Keratitis
• Blocked Tear Duct
• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
• Corneal Ulcer
• Dry Eye
• Fungal Keratitis
• Herpes Keratitis

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In Brief

Depth perception problems

Depth perception is an important part of your vision, allowing you to sense the distance and speed of objects. Depth perception is especially important while driving, so a sudden or gradual loss of depth perception can be quite unsettling.

Causes of poor depth perception in children:

• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Amblyopia (“lazy eye”)
• Optic Nerve Hypoplasia

Causes of poor depth perception in adults:

• Anisometropia – eyes with differing refractive errors
• A cataract in only one eye
• Macular degeneration or cataracts that diminish color vision or visual contrasts

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Causes

DOUBLE VISION / DIPLOPIA

• Cornea problems - keratoconus
• Herpes zoster
• Corneal scars
• Lens problems-cataract
• Myasthenia gravis
• Graves disease

Symptoms

• Misalignment of one or both eyes (a "wandering eye" or "cross-eyed" appearance)
• Pain with eye movements in one or both eyes
• Pain around the eyes, such as in the temples or eyebrows
• Headache
• nausea
• Weakness in the eyes or anywhere else
• Droopy eyelids

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In Brief

Pathologic eyelid drooping, also called ptosis, may occur due to trauma, age, or various medical disorders. This condition can affect one (unilateral ptosis) or both (bilateral ptosis) eyes, it may come and go, or it might be permanent. It can be present at birth (known as congenital ptosis) or you can develop it later in life (known as acquired ptosis).

Depending on the severity of the condition, drooping eyelids can block or greatly reduce vision depending on how much it obstructs the pupil. In most cases, the condition will resolve, either naturally or through medical intervention.

Symptoms

• Visible drooping of upper eyelid
• Can block vision if eyelid covers the pupillary area through which light enters the eye.
• Can be present from birth (congenital ptosis) in which case lid crease may be absent
• Frequent eyebrow raising, head tilting may be present

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In Brief

Pathologic eyelid drooping, also called ptosis, may occur due to trauma, age, or various medical disorders. This condition can affect one (unilateral ptosis) or both (bilateral ptosis) eyes, it may come and go, or it might be permanent. It can be present at birth (known as congenital ptosis) or you can develop it later in life (known as acquired ptosis).

Depending on the severity of the condition, drooping eyelids can block or greatly reduce vision depending on how much it obstructs the pupil. In most cases, the condition will resolve, either naturally or through medical intervention.

Symptoms

• Visible drooping of upper eyelid
• Can block vision if eyelid covers the pupillary area through which light enters the eye.
• Can be present from birth (congenital ptosis) in which case lid crease may be absent
• Frequent eyebrow raising, head tilting may be present

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In Brief

Dry eyelids affect many people, especially those who already have issues with dry skin. Dry, flaky skin can sometimes be embarrassing, especially if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis.

Dry, scaly, or flaky skin on your eyelids may be the worst of these conditions, as it can be extremely uncomfortable, irritating, and unattractive.

Causes

• Eczema
• Blepharitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Allergic reaction
• Indoor allergens
• Dry eye syndrome
• Sjogren’s syndrome

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In Brief

When you blink, a film of tears spreads over the eye, making the surface of the eye smooth and clear. Without this tear film, good vision would not be possible. Sometimes people don't produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. This condition is known as dry eye.

Symptoms

• Stinging or burning eyes
• Scratchiness
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
• Excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind
• Excess tearing
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses

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In Brief

Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease, occurs when blood vessels in the retina change. Sometimes these vessels swell and leak fluid or even close off completely. In other cases, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes. People who have diabetic retinopathy often don't notice changes in their vision in the disease's early stages. But as it progresses, diabetic retinopathy usually causes vision loss that in many cases cannot be reversed.

Types:

• Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Symptoms

• Spots, dots or cobweb-like dark strings floating in your vision (called floaters)
• Blurred vision
• Vision that changes periodically from blurry to clear
• Blank or dark areas in your field of vision
• Poor night vision
• Colors appear washed out or different
• Vision loss

Diabetic retinopathy symptoms usually affect both eyes.

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In Brief

Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Drusen are made up of lipids, a fatty protein. While drusen likely do not cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD), their presence increases a person’s risk of developing AMD.

There are different kinds of drusen. “Hard” drusen are small, distinct and far away from one another. This type of drusen may not cause vision problems for a long time, if at all.

“Soft” drusen are large and cluster closer together. Their edges are not as clearly defined as hard drusen. This soft type of drusen increases the risk for AMD.

Drusen can also occur in the optic nerve. These drusen are made up of protein and calcium salts and generally appear in both eyes. Unlike the drusen associated with AMD, optic nerve drusen (also known as optic disc drusen) are not related to aging and often appear in children. Optic nerve drusen usually do not affect vision, but some patients with these drusen may lose peripheral (side) vision.

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In Brief

Madarosis is a condition that results in the loss of eyelashes, sometimes eyebrows. The term "madarosis" is Greek for the word "madao" which means "to fall off." It originally was a disease of only losing eyelashes but it currently is the loss of both eyelashes and eyebrows. Eyebrows and eyelashes are both important in the prevention of bacteria and other foreign objects from entering the eye.

Madarosis is not a critical or severe condition. The main symptom and sign of madarosis is the loss of hair from the eyelids, eyebrows, or eyelashes

Symptoms

• Swollen, itchy, red, burning eyelids
• Loss of hair from other parts of the body, mainly the scalp
• Weight gain or palpitation if there is a thyroid problem

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In Brief

Eyelash particles ,atypical

Blepharitis is a common and ongoing condition where the eyelids become inflamed (swollen), with oily particles and bacteria coating the eyelid margin near the base of the eyelashes. There are dry or sticky crusts on the eyelashes. This annoying condition causes irritation, itchiness, redness, and stinging or burning of the eyes.

Symptoms

• Itchy, sore and red eyelids that stick together
• Crusty or greasy eyelashes
• A burning, gritty sensation in your eyes
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Swollen eyelid margins
• Finding contact lenses uncomfortable to wear
• Abnormal eyelash growth or loss of eyelashes in severe cases

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In Brief

Eyelid cleft

An eyelid cleft is a defect in the eyelid, mostly present since birth. A coloboma describes conditions where normal tissue in or around the eye is missing from birth, hence this condition is also known as coloboma of eyelid. A piece of the upper or lower eyelid is missing.

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In Brief Eyelid turns in

Entropion is a condition in which your eyelid turns inward so that your eyelashes and skin rub against the eye surface. This causes irritation and discomfort.

When you have entropion, your eyelid may be turned in all the time or only when you blink hard or squeeze your eyelids shut. Entropion is more common in older adults, and it generally affects only the lower eyelid.

Artificial tears and lubricating ointments can help relieve symptoms of entropion. But usually surgery is needed to fully correct the condition. Left untreated, entropion can cause damage to the transparent covering in the front part of your eye (cornea), eye infections and vision loss.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of entropion result from the friction of your eyelashes and outer eyelid against the surface of your eye. You may experience:

• The feeling that something is in your eye
• Eye redness
• Eye irritation or pain
• Sensitivity to light and wind
• Watery eyes (excessive tearing)
• Mucous discharge and eyelid crusting
• Decreased vision

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In Brief Eyelid turns out

Ectropion is a condition in which your eyelid turns outward. This leaves the inner eyelid surface exposed and prone to irritation.

Ectropion is more common in older adults, and it generally affects only the lower eyelid. In severe ectropion, the entire length of the eyelid is turned out. In less severe ectropion, only one segment of the eyelid sags away from the eye.

Artificial tears and lubricating ointments can help relieve symptoms of ectropion. But usually surgery is needed to fully correct the condition.

Symptoms

If you have ectropion, your lower lid pulls away from your eye and tears don't drain properly into the puncta. The resulting signs and symptoms can include:

• Watery eyes (excessive tearing)- Without proper drainage, your tears may pool and constantly flow over your eyelids.
• Excessive dryness- Ectropion can cause your eyes to feel dry, gritty and sandy.
• Irritation- Stagnant tears or dryness can irritate your eyes, causing a burning sensation and redness in your eyelids and the whites of your eyes.
• Sensitivity to light- Stagnant tears or dry eyes can irritate the surface of the cornea, making you sensitive to light.

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In Brief - Eyes are different color

The terms to describe different colored eyes are heterochromia iridis and heterochromia iridum. "Iridis" and "iridum" refer to the iris of the eye. The iris is the thin, circular structure that surrounds the pupil and contains the pigment melanin, which gives our eyes their distinctive color.

The amount of melanin in the iris determines whether we have blue eyes, green eyes, hazel eyes or brown eyes. Blue eyes have the least amount of melanin in the iris; brown eyes have the most.

Heterochromia usually is benign. In other words, it is not an eye disease, and it does not affect visual acuity.

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In Brief - Eyes don’t point in same direction

Strabismus is a visual problem in which the eyes are not aligned properly and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. The eye turn may be consistent, or it may come and go. Which eye is straight (and which is misaligned) may switch or alternate.

Esotropia is used to denote the condition when eyes turns inward and exotropia is used to denote the condition when eyes turn outward.

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In Brief - Eyes don’t point in same direction

Strabismus is a visual problem in which the eyes are not aligned properly and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. The eye turn may be consistent, or it may come and go. Which eye is straight (and which is misaligned) may switch or alternate.

Esotropia is used to denote the condition when eyes turns inward and exotropia is used to denote the condition when eyes turn outward.

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