Glaucoma is a common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, glaucoma may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness. Read more: Glaucoma Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Recognize These Common Eye Problems
Eye diseases can cause damage and blindness if not treated soon enough. Learn the warning signs and symptoms of common eye...
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Health Screening Tests Every Woman Needs
What is a health screening? Why is it important to know your blood pressure? How long will your health screening take? Learn...
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Your Face: A Window Into Your Health
What medical problems appear on your face? Look into the mirror and find out. Jaundice, glaucoma, skin cancer, and cracked lips...
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Screening Tests Every Man Should Have
Getting the right screening test at the right time is one of the most important things a man can do for his health. Learn at what...
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Picture of Glaucoma
Glaucoma (the sneak thief of sight) refers to certain eye diseases that affect the optic nerve and cause vision loss. See a...
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Picture of Eye Anatomy Detail
The eye has a number of components which include but are not limited to the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic...
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Picture of Eye
The eye has a number of components which include but are not limited to the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic...
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Eye Health: Changes in Vision as You Age
Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, droopy eyelids, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye problems are more common...
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What Is Glaucoma? Symptoms, Treatment, Definition
Glaucoma refers to a variety of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and sometimes total blindness....
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Pictures of Eyeglasses and Frames: Glasses for Presbyopia, Sunglasses, Eye Problems
Learn about your eye care needs and fashion wishes -- with eye glasses, frames and eyewear for computer use, reading, driving,...
SLIDESHOW
Recognize These Common Eye Problems See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
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Headache
Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.
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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
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Blindness
Blindness is the state of being sightless. Causes of blindness include macular degeneration, stroke, cataract, glaucoma, infection and trauma. Symptoms and signs may include eye pain, eye discharge, or the cornea or pupil turning white. Treatment of blindness depends upon the cause of the blindness.
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Black Eye
The most common cause of a black eye is a trauma injury to the face or head. Most black eyes are minor and heal on their own; however, some may lead to significant injury. In addition to trauma to the face, cosmetic surgery can cause a black eye(s) as a side effect. Learn when to seek immediate medical care for a black eye.
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Scleritis
Scleritis is inflammation of the white part of the eye. It may be caused by a serious underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disease. Symptoms include redness, pain, tearing, sensitivity to light, and decreased visual acuity. Treatment may include eyedrops as well as treatment for any underlying disease process. Scleritis cannot be prevented.
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Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis, a disease resulting from chronic inflammation, causes small lumps (granulomas) to develop in a great range of body tissues and can appear in almost any body organ. However, sarcoidosis most often starts in the lungs or lymph nodes.
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Marfan Syndrome
Marfan syndrome is hereditary (genetic) condition affecting connective tissue. A person with Marfan syndrome may exhibit the following symptoms and characteristics: Dislocation of one or both lenses of the eye A protruding or indented breastbone Scoliosis Flat feet Aortic dilatation Dural ectasia (a problem with the sac surrounding the spinal cord) Stretch marks Hernia Collapsed lung Though there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, there are treatments that can minimize and sometimes prevent some complications.
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Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying eye tissue. Symptoms of retinal detachment include flashing lights and floaters. Highly nearsighted young adults and those who've had cataract surgery are at higher risk for retinal detachment.
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Medical Marijuana (Medical Cannabis)
Medical marijuana (medical cannabis) is a medicine that is plant based. There are two species of medical marijuana; 1) Cannabis sativa, and 2) Cannabis indica. Medical marijuana is used to treat pain, nausea, anxiety, MS, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Medical cannabis is legal in a variety of states in the US. A card or licence is required to purchase medical marijuana in states where it is legal; however, medical cannabis is against Federal law. Medical marijuana comes in a variety of products, for example, gummy bears and other candy, muffins, cookies, drinks, salves, ointments, creams, oils, and wax.
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What Are the Causes of a Headache Behind the Eyes?
A headache behind the eyes is an uncomfortable sensation that is felt around or on the back of the eye, which may or may not be a throbbing ache. Causes of headaches behind the eyes include tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, sinus headaches, occipital neuralgia, brain aneurysm, Grave's disease, scleritis, dry eyes, vision problems, eye strain and poor posture.
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Heterochromia Iridis
Heterochromia iridis is a rare condition that describes people with two different colored eyes. There are many potential underlying causes of heterochromia iridis including genetic and acquired conditions. Heterochromia iridis comes in three types: sectorial heterochromia, central heterochromia, and completely heterochromia. The condition is often recognized by a parent (in the case of an affected infant) or by the patient or a family member (acquired heterochromia iridis). Treatment includes addressing the underlying condition or wearing tinted contact lenses to make the eyes look more uniform. The majority of people with heterochromia iridis have an excellent prognosis.
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Cataracts
A cataract is an eye disease that causes the eye's lens to become cloudy and opaque with decreased vision. Causes of cataracts include diabetes, hypothyroidism, certain genetic illnesses, hyperparathyroidism, atopic dermatitis, and certain medications. Cataract symptoms and signs include a decrease in vision and a whitish color to the affected eye. Treatment for cataracts may involve cataract surgery.
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Down Syndrome
Get the facts on Down syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by an additional set of chromosomes in a developing fetus. Down syndrome signs and symptoms include distinctive facial features, growth retardation, and decreased mental function and IQ. Blood tests and ultrasound may be used to screen for Down syndrome but chromosome analysis of the fetus is needed to diagnose the condition. People with Down syndrome age more quickly and may develop Alzheimer's disease as young as age 40. Sometimes people are diagnosed with mosaic Down syndrome, in which case they have more than one type of chromosomal makeup.
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Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, the structure that connects the eye to the brain. The precise cause of optic neuritis is unknown, but it is thought to be a type of autoimmune disorder. Optic neuritis most commonly develops due to an autoimmune disorder that may be triggered by a viral infection.
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What Is Iritis?
Iritis is inflammation of the iris, the colored portion of the eye. Symptoms include a red, painful eye, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. Treatment usually involves cortisone eyedrops.
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What Happens When You Get Shingles When Pregnant?
Becoming infected with chickenpox during pregnancy could cause birth defects in your unborn child. Likewise, shingles could also cause problems for your unborn child. If you are pregnant and haven't had chickenpox, avoid exposure to infected people. Zostavax, the shingles vaccine, can reduce the incidence of shingles by half. Women should wait at least three months after receiving the vaccine before trying to get pregnant.
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Eye Problems and Diabetes
Diabetes and eye problems are generally caused by high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Types of eye problems in a person with diabetes include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. Examples of symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, eye aches, pain, halos around lights, loss of vision, watering eyes. Treatment for eye problems in people with diabetes depend on the type of eye problem. Prevention of eye problems include reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and maintaining proper blood glucose levels.
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Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, eye redness, photophobia, and floaters. Treatment may involve prescription eyedrops, antibiotics, and wearing dark glasses.
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Corneal Disease
The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye. If it is damaged by disease, infection, or injury, vision problems may occur. Corneal problems can be detected by having an eye exam. Corneal problems can be prevented by protecting the eyes from injury and avoiding contact with people who have eye infections.
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Birthmark
A birthmark is any abnormal mark, spot, or bump that is present in or around the time of birth on the skin of an infant. Types of birthmarks include cafe au lait marks, Mongolian spots, strawberry marks, and others. Depending on the birthmark type, birthmarks can be removed by scalpel surgery, lasers, and rarely radiation.
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What Are the Types of Eye Care?
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an OTC eye care product.
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Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome
Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome is a condition characterized by: port-wine stains or birthmark malformations in the skin, soft tissue and bony growths (generally involving a limb), and vascular anomalies (varicose veins). Although these three symptoms are consistently found in patients with Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome, there are other symptoms, which include atrophy (a limb that is underdeveloped), fingers and toes that are disproportionately large or small, digits that are webbed (syndactyly), too many digits (polydactyly), or too few digits (oligodactyly). The cause of Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome is not known. However, recently there have been some cases that run in families. There is no significant treatment for Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome.
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Coats Disease
Coats disease is a rare eye condition that typically progresses to vision loss or blindness in one eye. Gradual vision loss is usually the first symptom, followed by a cloudy white or yellow pupil due to the presence of a cataract. Treatment focuses on limiting the blood vessel progression and may involve cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation. Read about symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes it difficult to focus on objects that are far away. The condition runs in families and occurs because light focuses in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue are symptoms of myopia. The condition is diagnosed by having an eye exam and can be treated by wearing glasses or contact lenses or by having refractive surgery.
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Farsightedness
Farsightedness makes it difficult to focus on objects that are close up. The condition runs in families and occurs because light focuses behind the retina, instead of directly on it. Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue are symptoms of farsightedness. The condition is diagnosed by having an eye exam and can be treated by wearing glasses or contact lenses or by having refractive surgery.
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What Is the Best Treatment for Macular Edema?
Macular edema is a type of swelling inside the retina of the eye. The best approach to treatment requires addressing the underlying cause of macular edema, and it may include injections, steroids, eye drops, laser treatment and vitrectomy surgery.
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Disease Prevention in Men
Disease prevention in men includes routine screening tests that are part of basic prevention medicine. Take an active role in your own health care and discuss screening tests with your doctor early in life. Age of screening and timing of screening depends upon the condition being assessed.
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Disease Prevention in Women
Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- Beta Blockers (Drug Class, List of Brand and Generic Names)
- Beta Blocker Side Effects (Adverse Effects)
- betaxolol suspension - ophthalmic, Betoptic S
- timolol solution-gel - ophthalmic, Timoptic-XE
- latanoprost - ophthalmic solution, Xalatan
- pilocarpine solution - ophthalmic, Isopto Carpine, Pilocar
- pilocarpine gel - ophthalmic, Pilopine HS
- brimonidine solution - ophthalmic, Alphagan P
- dorzolamide solution - ophthalmic, Trusopt
- Diamox (acetazolamide)
- PILOCARPINE-OPHTHALMIC OCULAR SYSTEM, Ocusert Pilo
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors (Side Effects, Uses, Interactions)
- mannitol (Osmitrol)
- pilocarpine, Salagen
- bimatoprost (Latisse, Lumigan)
- timolol ophthalmic solution (Timoptic)
- Cosopt (dorzolamide hydrochloride-timolol maleate) Ophthalmic
- atropine sulfate - ophthalmic, Isopto Atropine
- latanoprost (Xalatan)
- Side Effects of Xalatan (latanoprost)
- brimonidine (Alphagan)
- travoprost - ophthalmic solution, Travatan
- Side Effects of Alphagan P (brimonidine)
- brinzolamide suspension - ophthalmic, Azopt
- dorzolamide (Trusopt)
- Side Effects of Timoptic (timolol)
- Latisse (bimatoprost) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- apraclonidine solution 0.5% - ophthalmic, Iopidine
- methazolamide - oral, Neptazane
- beta-blockers-ophthalmic
- Side Effects of Salagen (pilocarpine)
- betaxolol ophthalmic (Betoptic S, Betoptic)
- Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) Ophthalmic Solution
- Side Effects of Osmitrol (mannitol)
- Side Effects of Betimol (timolol ophthalmic solution)
- Side Effects of Trusopt (dorzolamide)
- bimatoprost solution - ophthalmic, Lumigan
- carbachol solution - ophthalmic, Isopto Carbachol
- carteolol solution - ophthalmic, Ocupress
- apraclonidine solution 1% - ophthalmic, Iopidine
- Xelpros (latanoprost) Ophthalmic
- propylene glycol/polyethylene glycol spray - nasal, Rhinaris
- echothiophate solution - ophthalmic, Phospholine Iodide
- metipranolol - ophthalmic, Optipranolol
- unoprostone - ophthalmic, Rescula
- Isopto Carpine (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution)
- propylene glycol/polyethylene glycol gel - nasal, Rhinaris
- Mitosol (mitomycin)
- Betoptic S (betaxolol hydrochloride ophthalmic) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- Azopt
- Travatan
- Mitosol
- Salagen
- Trusopt
- Xalatan
- Timoptic
- Zioptan
- Betaxon
- Cosopt
- Xelpros
- Lumigan
- Combigan
- Alphagan-P
- Qoliana
- Mannitol IV
- Acetazolamide
- Timoptic-XE
- Methazolamide
- Diamox Sequels
- Rescula
- Iopidine Eye
- Acetazolamide Injection
- Izba
- Betoptic S
- Osmitrol in Viaflex
- Osmitrol in Aviva
- Phospholine
- Carteolol Hydrochloride
- Betaxolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic
- Humorsol
Prevention & Wellness
- A Better Test to Help Spot Glaucoma?
- Too Much Caffeine Might Raise Your Odds for Glaucoma
- Insight Into the Genetics of Glaucoma
- Vision Problems? Here's a Guide to Which Specialist Is Right for You
- Cataract Surgery in Infancy May Raise Glaucoma Risk in Childhood
- Want to Protect Your Eyes as You Age?
- Glaucoma Checkups Fall by the Wayside During Pandemic
- Many Americans in the Dark About Eye Health
- 'Smart' Contact Lenses Might Also Monitor Eye Health
- Air Pollution May Up Glaucoma Risk
- Vision Problems Strike More Than 2 Billion Globally
- Health Tip: Preventing Glaucoma
- New Research Suggests Glaucoma May Be an Autoimmune Disease
- Have Glaucoma and Need to Switch Eye Docs? Here's What You Need to Do
- Health Tip: Using Glaucoma Eye Drops
- 'Boomers' Doing Better at Avoiding Eye Disease of Aging
- Staying Active May Lower Odds for Glaucoma
- Coming Soon: Glaucoma Self-Care, From Home?
- Generic Eye Drops for Seniors Could Save Millions of Dollars a Year
- Zika Can Harm Babies' Vision, Too
- For Seniors, Treatment for One Eye Disease May Cause Another
- U.S. Report Cites the Good and Bad on Marijuana
- U.S. Glaucoma Cases Expected to Surge by 2030
- Could Regular Pot Smoking Harm Vision?
- First Case of Zika-Linked Glaucoma Diagnosed in Infant
- Contacts May One Day Be Used to Deliver Glaucoma Medication
- Blindness Biggest Fear for Many Americans
- Routine Eye Exams See Vision Problems You Miss
- Mouse Study Hints at Hope Against Blindness
- Does Medical Marijuana Reduce Need for Other Meds?
- 25 Million Americans Will Struggle With Vision Problems by 2050
- Mini-Camera Mounted on Glasses Helps Blind 'Read'
- Health Tip: Wishing for Better Balance?
- Green, Leafy Vegetables Each Day May Help Keep Glaucoma at Bay
- Scientists Spot Three More Genes Linked to Glaucoma Risk
- Glaucoma Patients Have False Notions of Pot's Ability to Treat Their Disease: Survey
- Diabetes Drug Metformin May Lower Glaucoma Risk
- KAMRA Implant for Near Vision Gets OK'd
- Generic Eye Drops for Glaucoma Encourage Greater Use
- High Blood Pressure May Boost Glaucoma Risk
- Study Supports Benefit of Widely Used Glaucoma Drug
- Scientists Set Their Sights on First Whole-Eye Transplant
- Researchers Probe Molecular Cause for Glaucoma
- Could Time Spent Outdoors Raise Cataract, Glaucoma Risk?
- Glaucoma Can Affect Babies, Too
- Study Links Pot Use With Poor Sleep
- Illegal Online Meds Targeted in Worldwide Crackdown, FDA Says
- Glaucoma Drug May Help Reverse Obesity-Related Vision Loss
- Eye 'Training' May Help Restore Some Vision Lost to Glaucoma
- Postmenopausal Estrogen Therapy Tied to Lower Glaucoma Risk
- Risk of Glaucoma Blindness Drops by Half: Study
- What Yoga Can and Can't Do for You
- Anoro Ellipta Approved for COPD
- Your Contact Lens Might Someday Dispense Eye Drugs
- You Might See Better in Your Eye Doctor's Office
- 'The Pill' Tied to Raised Risk of Glaucoma
- Sleep Apnea May Be Linked to Glaucoma, Study Says
- Disparities in Eye Care Could Cost Some Their Sight
- Glaucoma Screening Not for Everyone: Experts
- Glucosamine Supplements Tied to Risk of Eye Condition
- Best Glaucoma Treatments Still a Puzzle, Task Force Reports
- New Eye Test May Help Predict Risk of Glaucoma
- U.S. Glaucoma Cases Jump 22 Percent Over Decade: Report
- Vision Problems Rising Rapidly in the U.S.
- 'Micro-Stents' May Hold Potential to Treat Glaucoma
- Drivers' Glaucoma May Boost Accident Risk
- Coffee Might Raise Glaucoma Risk: Study
- Statins May Protect Against Glaucoma
- Statins Tied to Reduced Glaucoma Risk
- Can a Parent's Job Raise Odds for Birth Defects in Baby?
- Glaucoma Stent Approved
- Eye Diseases Rising at Rapid Rates in U.S.
- Health Tip: Eat Right to Help Protect Your Vision
- Research Gets Closer to Genetic Roots of Glaucoma
- Glaucoma Need Not Steal Sight, Experts Say
- National Screening Urged to Detect Eye Disease in Blacks
- Health Tip: Help Prevent Eye Problems
- Zioptan Eyedrops Approved for Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension
- Opioid Painkillers Linked to Birth Defects
- Relieving Eye Pressure May Slow Glaucoma
- Excess Weight May Protect Women From Type of Glaucoma
- Glaucoma Cases on the Rise in U.S.
- Confronting Glaucoma, Before It's Too Late
- New Contact Lenses Could Improve Glaucoma Treatment
- Health Tip: Recognizing Signs of Glaucoma
- Waiting Safe for Some at Risk of Glaucoma
- Glaucoma Begins in Mid-Brain, Not in Eye, Research Shows
- Glaucoma Drugs May Play Role in Longer Life
- Thyroid Problems Boost Glaucoma Risk
- Glaucoma Treatment Can Prevent Blindness
- Glaucoma May Boost Cardiovascular Death Risk in Blacks
- Combigan Drops Approved for Glaucoma
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