by Russel Killpack


I think each one of us in some time of our life have suffered a kind of pain in the eyes. Learn what are the usual diseases that affect the eyes - common are tired, bloodshot, burning, dry, infected, irritated, itchy, sensitive to light, ulcerated and watery - and how to care for them.

The human eyeball's dimension is just about one inch in diameter and is round. The outer portion of the eye with white color is controlled by six muscles. The eyelid is also controlled by another type of muscle. Extending from the white portion to the front of the eyes is the cornea, which is clear and transparent in nature. Sclera is what you call the white portion of the eyes. The membrane underneath the cornea is called the iris. It is dark brown in color that contains the pigment called melanin. The circular part of the eye, the iris, is responsible for controlling the diameter and size of the hole and the amount of light reaching the inner layer of the eye. This opening is called the pupil, and directly behind it is the lens. The innermost membrane of the eye is the retina.

The act of seeing is actually a complex, multi-step process that goes on continuously and at breathtaking speed. In order to recognize anything with our eyes, light is needed. The rays of light enter through the cornea and body of watery fluid, after that through the iris arriving at the lens. The lens inverts the image on the retina, turning it upside down. The representation of the perceived object is then construed by the brain as upright. There is a concentration of the light on the retina as muscles change the figure of the lens. Two images taken from both eyes are combined into one as the brain interprets it.

Usually, injuries, eyestrain, allergies and continuous wear of contact lens for very long are a common cause of eye disorders. In some, permanent eye damage may occur because it is triggered by another kind of sickness. An example is diabetes. Diabetes can trigger the retina and the vitreous to bleed profusely, resulting to sight loss. Diabetes can also trigger the inception of cataract. High blood pressure produces a gradual thickening of the blood vessels inside the eyes that can result in visual impairment and even blindness. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of vitamins and viruses can harm the eyes as well.

Conjunctivitis or pinkeye is an eye ailment that causes the swelling of the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and conceals the white part of the eye. its symptoms are soggy eyes, that are red, swollen, itchy and has a pus discharge. Causes may be by allergy, bacteria, virus, smoke, dust, or chemical irritants. When a person is suffering from an eye disorder caused by a bacteria or a virus, he/she can easily transmit it to other people who he/she comes into contact with. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye caused by increased pressure inside the eyeball and hardening of the eyeball surface. The indication that glaucoma is setting in is eye pains which commonly happens in the morning. Vision of the peripherals are lessened, lights seem to have a rainbow halo covering it and not able to adjust in a poorly lit room. More of the eye conditions comprise of swelling of the iris, Bitot's Spots or triangular spots on the cornea, amblyopia or vagueness of sight, far-sightedness, near-sightedness, damage to the center of the retina which is the macula, deposits on the eye's vitreous humour, diabetic retinopathy, colorblindness, cataracts, blurred vision, swelling of the eyelids, and astigmatism.

Your eyes can be kept in good condition as long as you constantly have your eye checked up by your ophthalmologist, optometrist, or an optician. The market today also offers a variety of home care instruments that will assist in monitoring the health of your eyes in your home such as opthalmoscopes, and instruments that will measure eye pressure. Research and development is always coming up with modernized eye care products in advocating a better eyesight.




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