Eyes Conditions & Diseases
Medical conditions affecting the eyes area or system
Conjunctivitis
MildInflammation of the conjunctiva, often caused by infection or allergens.
- Redness of the white eye
- Itching or burning sensation
- Discharge from the eye
Cataract
VariableClouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to decreased vision, most common with aging.
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Glare from lights
- Faded colors
Glaucoma
SevereGroup of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure.
- Peripheral vision loss
- Tunnel vision
- Eye pain
Age-related Macular Degeneration
VariableDegeneration of the central retina (macula) causing loss of central vision, common in older adults.
- Blurred central vision
- Difficulty reading
- Straight lines appear wavy
Diabetic Retinopathy
SevereDamage to retinal blood vessels caused by chronic high blood sugar levels.
- Floaters
- Blurred vision
- Dark or empty spots
Dry Eye Syndrome
MildInsufficient tear production or poor tear quality leading to ocular surface irritation.
- Burning sensation
- Feeling of grit
- Redness
Blepharitis
MildInflammation of the eyelid margins, often associated with bacterial overgrowth or skin conditions.
- Red, swollen eyelids
- Crusting at the lash line
- Itching
Stye (Hordeolum)
MildAcute infection of an eyelash follicle or meibomian gland, presenting as a painful lump.
- Red tender bump on eyelid
- Swelling
- Tearing
Chalazion
MildBlocked meibomian gland causing a painless lump on the eyelid.
- Firm, painless nodule
- Eyelid swelling
- Blurred vision if large
Keratitis
ModerateInflammation of the cornea, often due to infection, trauma, or contact lens wear.
- Eye pain
- Redness
- Blurred vision
Uveitis
SevereInflammation of the uveal tract (iris, ciliary body, choroid) that can threaten vision.
- Eye redness
- Pain
- Photophobia
Retinal Detachment
SevereSeparation of the retina from the underlying tissue, requiring emergency treatment.
- Sudden appearance of floaters
- Flashes of light
- Curtain-like shadow over vision
Myopia
MildRefractive error where distant objects appear blurry due to an elongated eyeball.
- Blurred distance vision
- Eye strain
- Headaches when focusing far
Hyperopia
MildRefractive error where near objects are blurry because the eyeball is too short.
- Blurred near vision
- Eye fatigue
- Headaches after reading
Astigmatism
MildIrregular curvature of the cornea or lens causing distorted vision at all distances.
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Eye strain
- Headaches
Presbyopia
MildAge-related loss of near focusing ability due to lens stiffening.
- Difficulty reading small print
- Needing to hold reading material farther away
- Eye fatigue
Strabismus
VariableMisalignment of the eyes, which can be constant or intermittent.
- Crossed or turned eye
- Double vision
- Head tilt
Amblyopia
VariableReduced vision in one eye caused by abnormal visual development during childhood.
- Poor depth perception
- Eye turning inward or outward
- Noticeable difference in vision between eyes
Ptosis
MildDrooping of the upper eyelid, which may be congenital or acquired.
- Drooping eyelid
- Obstructed vision
- Eye fatigue
Herpes Keratitis
ModerateCorneal infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, potentially leading to scarring.
- Eye pain
- Redness
- Blurred vision
Eye Floaters
MildSmall specks or threads that drift across the visual field, usually benign.
- Seeing moving spots
- Shadow-like shapes
- Increased visibility when looking at bright backgrounds
Vitreous Hemorrhage
SevereBleeding into the vitreous gel, often secondary to diabetic retinopathy or trauma.
- Sudden floaters
- Red or hazy vision
- Shadow over part of visual field
Optic Neuritis
ModerateInflammation of the optic nerve, frequently associated with multiple sclerosis.
- Pain with eye movement
- Vision loss in one eye
- Color vision deficits
Ocular Melanoma
SevereRare malignant tumor arising from melanocytes within the eye, most often in the uvea.
- Dark spot on iris or retina
- Vision changes
- Eye pain (rare)
Pterygium
MildBenign growth of conjunctival tissue onto the cornea, often linked to UV exposure.
- Redness
- A feeling of a foreign body
- Blurred vision if it encroaches the visual axis
Pinguecula
MildYellowish, benign conjunctival lesion near the cornea, also related to UV exposure.
- Small yellow bump
- Mild irritation
- Redness
Corneal Abrasion
ModerateScratch or injury to the corneal surface, usually from trauma or foreign bodies.
- Sharp eye pain
- Redness
- Tearing
Contact Lens‑Related Keratitis
ModerateCorneal infection or inflammation caused by improper contact lens hygiene.
- Eye redness
- Pain
- Blurred vision
Ocular Allergic Reaction
MildAllergic inflammation of the eye, commonly due to pollen, dust, or animal dander.
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling of eyelids
Retinitis Pigmentosa
VariableInherited group of retinal dystrophies causing progressive peripheral vision loss.
- Night blindness
- Tunnel vision
- Difficulty with peripheral vision
When to Seek Medical Help
For eyes conditions, consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
- Sudden onset of severe symptoms
- Symptoms that interfere with daily activities
- Signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness)
- Unexplained changes or new symptoms
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.