Uveitis is a broad term that refers to a group of ocular disorders characterised by inflammation of the eye’s structures responsible for its blood supply. These structures are collectively known as the uveal tract, and include the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. The word “uveitis” is used because the swelling most often affects that part...
Appearing as a bright red or dark red patch on the sclera, the white portion of the eye, a subconjunctival haemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel under the conjunctiva breaks and bleeds. The conjunctiva contains nerves and many small blood vessels which are usually barely visible but become larger and more visible if the...
Strabismus or squint is a misalignment of the two eyes caused by one or more improperly functioning eye muscles. That means they don’t work together to look at an object – one may look in or out, or turn up or down. It can happen all the time or only when stressed out or sick....
A serious eye disease that’s often associated with underlying autoimmune disorders, scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera, the white portion of the eye, and presents with pain and redness. If severe, it can result in a decrease in visual acuity, so prompt diagnosis and treatment of scleritis is essential to prevent permanent vision loss.
Caused by inherent defects in the body’s immune system and vasoregulatory processes, ocular rosacea is associated with a chronic skin condition known as acne rosacea. The problem usually affects those with light skin, and is characterised by redness and bumps concentrated on the forehead, nose and cheeks. Often experienced during puberty, one of the earliest...
Tears normally drain through small openings in the corners of the upper and lower eyelids called puncta and enter the nose through the nasolacrimal duct. Tear duct obstruction prevents tears from draining through this system normally. If the tear duct is blocked, there will be a backflow of tears and discharge from the eye. The...
Iritis is an inflammatory condition of the iris, the coloured part of the eye. It often occurs for unknown reasons, but it may be linked to certain diseases affecting the body such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis and other collagen vascular disorders. It can also follow an injury or surgery to the eye, or...
A foreign body is an unwanted object in your eye, such as a speck of dust, a wood chip, a metal shaving, an insect or a piece of glass. The common places to find a foreign body are under the eyelid or on the surface of your eye. Foreign bodies might be superficial, or in...
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common problems treated by eye specialists. Dry eyes occur increasingly with advancing age and is caused by the deteriorating quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes. Severe dry eye can be associated with underlying medical conditions and certain medications. Symptoms A gritty feeling Feeling like...
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is caused by the same virus responsible for chicken pox. After the initial exposure, herpes zoster lies dormant in certain nerve fibres. It may become active as a result of many factors such as: aging, stress, suppression of the immune system, and certain medications. It usually presents as a...
