A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens, the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. The lens is contained in a sealed bag or capsule. As old cells die they become trapped within the capsule. Over time, the cells accumulate causing the lens to cloud, making images look blurred or fuzzy. For most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging.  [ read more ]

Floaters & Flashes

The small specks or "bugs" that many people see moving in their field of vision are called floaters.  They are frequently visible when looking at a plain background, such as a blank wall or blue sky.  [ read more ]

The vitreous gel which fills the inside of the eye sometimes pulls or tugs on the retina.  This pulling causes the appearance of flashing lights or lightning streaks, though there is no flashing lights actually present. This same sensation sometimes occurs when one is hit in the eye and sees "stars".

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially blinding complication of diabetes that damages the eye's retina. It affects half of all Americans diagnosed with diabetes.  At first, you may notice no changes in your vision. But don't let diabetic retinopathy fool you. It could get worse over the years and threaten your good vision.  [ read more ]

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain.  The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers, like an electric cable containing numerous wires.  When pressure inside the eye increases, damage to the optic nerve fibers may occur, causing blind spots to develop.  [ read more ]

Amblyopia

Amblyopia is a term used to describe an uncorrectable loss of vision in an eye that appears to be normal.  It’s commonly referred to as “lazy eye” and can occur for a variety of reasons.  [ read more ]