Maintaining Healthy Eyes
People with healthy eyes don’t tend to think about them that often. They rely on them for sure, because eyes are windows to the world and to most experiences. But seriously considering what eyes are capable of (or not capable of) is something that most of use just don’t have to entertain. For those with rare and unusual eye disorders, however, life can be much different.
While most of us don’t have to give considerable thought to our eyes, beyond an annual eye exam to make sure our eyes are healthy and disease free, people with rare diseases of the eye don’t always experience life so easily. Unusual eye diseases make it difficult for some people to function in ways that most of enjoy as normal.
The following are a few rare and usual diseases of the eye that challenge some people, but they may be helped with a visit to an optometrist.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is sometimes called Retro Lental Fibroplasia (RLF). It’s an eye disorder that manifests in infants who are born prematurely, and the condition is brought about by abnormal growth of retinal blood vessels, which causes retina detachment and also permanent blindness. The underlying cause of ROP is a severe lack of oxygen in infants.
ROP treatment can include cryotherapy or laser therapy, procedures that destroy the peripheral area of the retina, which reverses abnormal blood vessel growth.
Nystagmus Eye Disorder
People who have a Nystagmus Eye Disorder experience repeated, involuntary eye movements, which can result in reduced vision. Eye movements occur from side to side, or up and down, and they make even go in a circular pattern. With Nystagmus Eye Disorder, both eyes are incapable of holding a steady view on an object.
Head nodding or unusual head movements may accompany this rare eye disorder, as a person tries to compensate for the condition. There is no cure for Nystagmus Eye Disorder, but sometimes glasses and contact lenses can help correct associated vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Aniridia
Aniridia is a rare eye condition that is characterized by absent irises, typically in both eyes. This disease is usually congenital, but in some cases, it comes about from serious eye injury. Studies on people with Aniridia have shown that the PAX6 gene causes growth of a transparent cornea, which leads to loss of sight.
People with Aniridia should consult with a doctor to explore some of the adaptive devices that are available for individuals with limited vision or blindness.
Pars Planitis
This rare disease causes eye inflammation, and it’s almost always fully treatable. Pars Planitis can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated, however, and the condition can affect both children and adults. It’s an immunological disorder in which part of the uvea, the layer of tissue between the retina and the sclera that protects the eyeball, becomes inflamed. A typical treatment for Pars Planitis is a corticosteroid drug to control inflammation.
These are just a few of the rare and unusual disease of the eye. If you have any signs of eye distress or have already been diagnosed with an eye condition that limits your sight and enjoyment of life, make an appointment with an optometrist to explore possible treatments.
[Photo Via: I Could Cry]