Retina, a continuation of the central nervous system (CNS), is the only part that is visible from outside. The retina is the organ of sight and is provided with special photosensitive cells called cones and rods. Cones can discern color and produce well-defined sharp color images. They work only in bright light. The rods are very sensitive to light but cannot distinguish between colors and produce only ill-defined images. The light falling on these cells are converted into electric impulses through a cascade of chemical-electric reactions and is taken to the brain by the optic nerve for processing and image formation. This delicate and sensitive organ suffers many disorders, some degenerative and most inherent to itself. Retinal tear, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy are the common ailments. Retinal tear happens when the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance, filling the rear chamber of eyeball, contracts and pulls the retina with enough force that it tears. It is painless and a sudden increase in size and number of floaters is all there to indicate a retinal tear may be happening. The other symptoms are reduction in peripheral vision manifesting as shadow in the corner of the field of vision, blurred vision etc.

Retina is the screen on the inner layer of eye on which the images are formed by the lens and what is projected on them. The eye is very similar in structure and function to a modern digital camera. Retina, a thin membrane in the eye, is full of nerve supply resting on a highly vascular layer. It corresponds to the sensor of the camera. The nerves convert the light falling on it into electric signals through a series of chemical-electrical reactions and is transmitted via the optic nerve to the brain for interpretation. In front of the eye is a self-adjusting lens over which is a diaphragm called iris which regulates the light entering the eye, while the lens automatically adjusts its focal length to some extent. The focusing is done by the muscular wall of the eyeball. There is a transparent cover to the lens called the cornea.It is clear that the most important part of the eye is the retina. The retina covers about 65% of the inner area of the eyeball. It consists of 3 layers of neural cells: starting from the inside are the ganglion cells, a middle layer of bipolar cells and an outer layer of photosensitive cone and rod cells and the retinal pigment epithelium layer.

A cataract is not an unfamiliar term for us. It is a common sign of aging, can lead to loss of vision and affects daily life at later stages of it. It is one of the most common causes of loss of vision amongst Americans. Here is everything you need to know about cataract and how you can get relief from it. Understanding cataract We are gifted with a natural lens in our eyes, which helps us in our vision. The natural lens is called as the crystalline lens. It is situated behind the iris and the pupil. Cataract refers to the dense and cloudy area that forms over the eye’s lens, and lead to vision problems. Causes of cataract There are multiple factors that can result in the formation of cataract, some of which are listed below: Natural aging process Certain health conditions Hereditary deformities Constant use of medicines with steroid content Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, high blood pressure, ultra violet radiation, etc. Types of cataract Cataracts are classified into different types depending upon on where and how they develop in the lens of the eyes. They are: Nuclear cataract: It occurs in the middle of the lens or the nucleus.

Chronic dry eye syndrome is caused due to the deficiency of moisture and lubrication on the outer surface of the eyes. It can also occur when the eyes cannot generate tears or when they produce inconsistent tears that evaporate quickly. Skin inflammation occurs on the surface of the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to ulcers, development of scars on the cornea, blurred or loss vision. Dry eyes can make reading difficult since it can easily strain the eye. Other terms that are used to describe dry eye are as follows. Dysfunctional tear syndrome- Inadequate quantity of tears generated by the glands. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca- Affects both the conjunctiva and cornea. Symptoms of dry eyes An uncomfortable and irritating sensation in the eye A string-like discharge from the eye Blurred vision Redness and burning sensation in the eye Tiredness of the eye Inability to generate tears even when emotional Heavy eyelids Inability to perform vision related tasks, like reading or working on the computer Causal factors of dry eyes Skin disease around the eyelids can cause dryness. It can be a last for a short while or long enough to become a chronic condition. It can also be side effects of certain medications, like birth control pills, tranquilizers, antidepressants, Parkinson’s disease medications, antihistamines etc.

The eye, like any other organ of the body, is prone to may diseases: some degenerative and some as a consequence of another disease. The eye has a two-part lid with long lashes. The frequent closing and opening of the eyes in conjunction with tears keeps the eye clear and lubricated. They close as a reflex action to prevent entry of foreign articles. Some of the common conditions affecting the eye have symptoms of more serious conditions, which can cause a total loss of vision if neglected. It would be prudent to take any symptom which persists unabated for more than three days seriously and consult an eye specialist or ophthalmologist. Quite complex surgical procedures are often undertaken in the eye. Eye Strain Like any other organ, the eyes also get strained with continuous use. Anyone who works continuously on a computer, reads for hours together without a break, or long-distance drivers have all experienced this. As a rule, overnight sleep should set it right. The soreness persisting beyond a few days certainly warrants consulting an ophthalmologist. Red Eye The external wall of the eye, sclera, is highly vascular. Any irritation leads to the engorgement of the vessels on the sclera, the white of eye.

Causes of double vision and type of diplopia are two important factors that affect the treatment for double vision. While for people with monocular diplopia, wearing an eye patch may serve as the best treatment for double vision, people with a severe condition may have to resort to eye surgeries. The first step in the treatment for double vision includes identifying the exact causes of double vision and targeting the underlying causes first. If double vision is caused by a squint, doctors may recommend eyelid surgeries or Botox injections. People whose causes of double vision includes cataract may be required to undergo a cataract surgery to manage the condition. Similarly, people with the tendency of dry eyes may have to seek dry eye treatment for double vision. Often diseases like diabetes, weak muscles, and other issues may be the main causes of double vision. In each of these cases, the condition can be corrected with medications. Often, people with incurable diplopia may seek treatment for double vision to manage and live with the condition. People with monocular diplopia often are prescribed prism glasses, and eye patches to align two images into one. Other possible treatments for double vision have been listed below.

Cataract is a common vision problem that many people suffer as they cross their 40s. In cataracts, your otherwise clear eye lenses develop a foggy layer on them, and everything appears to be blurry. Although cataract is not a major eye condition, it cannot be ignored for long as it starts affecting your daily routine and makes it difficult for you to perform simple tasks like reading and driving. So, how can you prevent developing a case of cataract? There is no proof about the prevention of cataract, but there are some preventive measures that doctors believe help in reducing your chances of developing a cataract. Here are 5 tactical ways in which you can bring down your chances of developing a cataract: Go for regular eye checkups Once you have crossed the age of 40, it is best to have a routine eye checkup done. In fact, there is no harm in getting a routine eye checkup done in your early years as that will help in early detection of cataract or any other eyesight related problems. It is advisable to ask your doctor about how often you should get an eye examination done. Avoid smoking Smoking is said to be a common risk factor that might lead to the development of cataract at an early age.

Watery eyes are most common in infants and small children. While one of the most common causes of watery eyes in children could be blocked tear ducts, in adults this could be caused due to the eyelids getting sagged from the eyeballs and causing the tears to accumulate and release. Sometimes watery eyes may also be a result of excess tear production. Watery eyes can also be caused due to a whole lot of factors including cold, allergies, chemotherapy drugs, eyelid inflammation, trachoma, dry eyes, ingrown eyelash, foreign objects, and more. While the treatment to stop watery eyes depends on each individual’s case and symptoms, here’s how to stop watery eyes naturally. Try cold milk This is the simplest and most traditional remedies that you can find on how to stop watery eyes. Find a clean, neatly knit fine cloth and dip it in cold raw milk and place this cloth over the affected/ infected eye. After a few minutes, you will experience the discomfort reducing. Cucumber slices work wonders Cucumber is the coolest and most common home remedies to soothe eyes. Slices of cucumber, when applied over affected eyes, can successfully stop watery eyes. Many experts recommend leaving the cucumber slices for 5-10 minutes for best results.