What are some rare and unusual eye conditions. How do these conditions affect vision and overall eye health. What treatments are available for various eye disorders. How can early detection improve outcomes for eye-related issues.

Hematohidrosis: When Tears Turn Bloody

Hematohidrosis, commonly known as “bloody tears,” is a rare and striking condition that can alarm both patients and observers. This phenomenon occurs when blood seeps through intact skin or mucous membranes, including the eyes.

What causes bloody tears? Several factors can contribute to this unusual condition:

• Abnormal blood vessel growth
• Tumors in or around the eye
• Inflammation of ocular tissues
• Bacterial or viral infections

Interestingly, hematohidrosis is more prevalent in children and adolescents. The treatment approach depends on the underlying cause, which necessitates a thorough medical evaluation to determine the appropriate course of action.

Polycoria: The Mystery of Multiple Pupils

The human eye typically has one pupil, a round opening that adjusts to light levels. However, in rare cases, some individuals have more than one functioning pupil in a single eye, a condition known as polycoria.

What causes polycoria? The exact etiology remains unclear, but researchers have observed potential links to other ocular conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. Not all cases of polycoria require intervention, but surgical procedures can help restore vision in cases where it has been significantly impaired.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Polycoria

Identifying polycoria can be challenging, as it may not always be immediately apparent. Some common signs include:

• Unusual pupil shape or appearance
• Dimmed or altered vision
• Light sensitivity
• Difficulty focusing

Ophthalmologists use specialized equipment and techniques to diagnose polycoria accurately. These may include slit-lamp examinations, pupillary response tests, and advanced imaging technologies.

Heterochromia: The Captivating World of Mismatched Eye Colors

Heterochromia iridis, often simply called heterochromia, is a fascinating condition where an individual’s irises differ in color. This can manifest in several ways:

1. Complete heterochromia: Each eye has a distinctly different color
2. Sectoral heterochromia: Part of one iris is a different color from the rest
3. Central heterochromia: The inner ring of the iris differs in color from the outer ring

Is heterochromia a cause for concern? In most cases, congenital heterochromia (present from birth) is benign and doesn’t require treatment. However, acquired heterochromia later in life may indicate an underlying condition or injury that warrants medical attention.

Causes and Implications of Heterochromia

While many cases of heterochromia are harmless genetic variations, some instances can be linked to other conditions:

• Waardenburg syndrome
• Horner’s syndrome
• Eye injuries or trauma
• Certain medications or chemical exposures

If you notice a sudden change in eye color, it’s crucial to consult an ophthalmologist promptly to rule out any serious underlying issues.

Coloboma: The Unique “Cat Eye” Condition

Coloboma is a congenital condition characterized by a gap or notch in various parts of the eye. When it affects the iris or pupil, it can give the eye a distinctive cat-like appearance, hence its colloquial name “cat eye syndrome.”

How does coloboma affect vision? The impact on vision varies depending on the location and extent of the coloboma. Some individuals may experience minimal visual disturbances, while others might have significant vision impairment.

Types and Management of Coloboma

Colobomas can occur in different parts of the eye, including:

• Iris coloboma
• Retinal coloboma
• Optic nerve coloboma
• Choroidal coloboma

Management of coloboma often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving ophthalmologists, geneticists, and other specialists. Treatment may include corrective lenses, surgery in some cases, and regular monitoring to address any associated complications.

Optic Neuritis: When Inflammation Impacts Vision

Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This condition typically affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 and is often associated with multiple sclerosis.

What are the symptoms of optic neuritis? Common signs include:

• Sudden vision loss (partial or complete)
• Pain with eye movement
• Blurred vision
• Flashing lights or phosphenes
• Reduced color perception, especially for red hues

How is optic neuritis treated? While many cases resolve spontaneously, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Most patients experience a full recovery within a year, although recurrence is possible.

The Link Between Optic Neuritis and Multiple Sclerosis

Approximately 50% of individuals who experience optic neuritis will eventually develop multiple sclerosis (MS). This connection highlights the importance of thorough neurological evaluation and long-term monitoring for patients diagnosed with optic neuritis.

Charles Bonnet Syndrome: Visual Hallucinations Without Mental Illness

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a fascinating condition where individuals experience complex visual hallucinations despite not having any psychiatric disorders. These hallucinations can range from simple patterns to elaborate scenes, often lasting from minutes to hours.

What causes Charles Bonnet Syndrome? While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, CBS is believed to be the brain’s response to vision loss, particularly when it occurs suddenly. It’s important to note that CBS is not indicative of mental illness or cognitive decline.

Managing Charles Bonnet Syndrome

Although there is no cure for CBS, several strategies can help individuals cope with the condition:

• Optimizing lighting conditions
• Ensuring adequate rest and reducing stress
• Engaging in social activities and mental stimulation
• In severe cases, medication may be considered, but this approach is used cautiously due to potential side effects

Educating patients and their families about the benign nature of CBS can significantly reduce anxiety and improve quality of life for those experiencing these unusual visual phenomena.

Albinism: When Pigmentation Affects Vision

Albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. This deficiency can have significant impacts on ocular health and visual function.

How does albinism affect vision? The reduced pigmentation in the eyes can lead to several visual challenges:

• Photophobia (light sensitivity)
• Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements)
• Strabismus (misaligned eyes)
• Reduced visual acuity
• Impaired depth perception

Managing Vision in Albinism

While there is no cure for albinism, various strategies can help individuals manage their vision:

1. Prescription eyewear (glasses or contact lenses)
2. Low vision aids and assistive technologies
3. UV-protective sunglasses and hats
4. Regular ophthalmological check-ups
5. Vision therapy to improve eye coordination

With proper management and support, many individuals with albinism can lead fulfilling lives and pursue their goals despite visual challenges.

Traumatic Cataract: When Injury Clouds Vision

While most cataracts develop gradually with age, traumatic cataracts can form rapidly following an eye injury. These cataracts often have a distinctive star-shaped appearance and can significantly impact vision.

What causes traumatic cataracts? Various types of eye trauma can lead to cataract formation:

• Blunt force impacts
• Penetrating injuries
• Intense heat or chemical exposure
• Ionizing radiation

Treatment and Management of Traumatic Cataracts

The approach to treating traumatic cataracts depends on the severity of the injury and the extent of vision impairment. Options may include:

1. Observation and monitoring for mild cases
2. Corticosteroids to manage inflammation (with caution, as they may exacerbate cataract progression)
3. Surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an intraocular lens
4. Comprehensive follow-up care to address any associated ocular damage

Early intervention and proper management can often restore vision and prevent long-term complications in cases of traumatic cataracts.

Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: When Eye Muscles Weaken

Ocular myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that affects the muscles controlling eye movement and eyelid function. This condition typically manifests between ages 18 and 40 and can impact one or both eyes.

What are the symptoms of ocular myasthenia gravis? Common signs include:

• Ptosis (drooping eyelids)
• Diplopia (double vision)
• Difficulty maintaining upward gaze
• Fatigue-induced worsening of symptoms

Diagnosis and Treatment of Ocular Myasthenia Gravis

Diagnosing ocular myasthenia gravis often involves a combination of clinical examination, specialized tests, and sometimes blood work. Treatment options may include:

1. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to improve muscle function
2. Immunosuppressive medications in some cases
3. Thymectomy (surgical removal of the thymus gland) for certain patients
4. Ptosis surgery to correct drooping eyelids
5. Prism glasses to manage double vision

While there is no cure for ocular myasthenia gravis, proper management can significantly improve quality of life and visual function for affected individuals.

Anisocoria: The Mystery of Unequal Pupils

Anisocoria is a condition characterized by unequal pupil sizes. While this can be a normal variation in some individuals, it can also signal underlying neurological or ocular issues in others.

What causes anisocoria? The etiology can range from benign to serious:

• Physiological anisocoria (a harmless variation)
• Horner’s syndrome
• Adie’s tonic pupil
• Third nerve palsy
• Medication effects (e.g., scopolamine patches)
• Ocular trauma or inflammation

When to Seek Medical Attention for Anisocoria

While some cases of anisocoria are harmless, sudden onset or accompanying symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Red flags include:

1. Sudden change in pupil size
2. Associated headache or neck pain
3. Vision changes or double vision
4. Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
5. Facial asymmetry or sweating abnormalities

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of underlying causes can prevent potential complications and ensure optimal ocular health.

Retinoblastoma: The Silent Threat to Children’s Vision

Retinoblastoma is a rare but serious form of eye cancer that primarily affects young children. It originates in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, and can have devastating consequences if left untreated.

What are the signs of retinoblastoma? Key indicators include:

• Leukocoria (white pupillary reflex)
• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Red, swollen eyes
• Poor vision or vision loss
• Iris color changes

Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinoblastoma

Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of retinoblastoma. Diagnostic procedures may include:

1. Comprehensive eye examination
2. Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, or MRI)
3. Genetic testing

Treatment options vary depending on the size, location, and spread of the tumor:

• Chemotherapy (systemic or intra-arterial)
• Cryotherapy
• Laser therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Enucleation (eye removal) in advanced cases

With early detection and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for retinoblastoma has improved significantly in recent years, with many children retaining useful vision and leading healthy lives.

Retinitis Pigmentosa: The Gradual Dimming of Sight

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited genetic disorders that progressively damage the retina’s photoreceptor cells. This condition leads to a gradual loss of vision, typically beginning with night blindness and peripheral vision loss.

What are the hallmark symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa? Common signs include:

• Difficulty seeing in low light (night blindness)
• Loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision)
• Decreased visual acuity
• Impaired color perception
• Photophobia (light sensitivity)

Managing Retinitis Pigmentosa

While there is currently no cure for RP, several strategies can help individuals manage the condition and maintain quality of life:

1. Regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist specializing in retinal disorders
2. Low vision aids and assistive technologies
3. Orientation and mobility training
4. Genetic counseling for family planning
5. Participation in clinical trials for emerging therapies

Ongoing research into gene therapy, stem cell treatments, and retinal implants offers hope for future interventions that may slow or potentially reverse vision loss in individuals with retinitis pigmentosa.

Understanding these unusual eye conditions not only broadens our knowledge of ocular health but also emphasizes the importance of regular eye examinations and prompt medical attention for any vision changes. As research continues to advance, new diagnostic tools and treatment options offer hope for improved outcomes across a wide spectrum of eye disorders.

Pictures of Unusual Eye Conditions

Medically Reviewed by Whitney Seltman, OD on January 21, 2022

Yes, you really can cry tears of blood. But it isn’t so much a disease as a symptom. Causes include:

• Blood vessels that don’t grow the right way
• Tumors
• Inflamed tissues
• Bacterial or viral infections

It’s more common in children and teens. Treatment depends on the cause. 

Your pupil is a round hole that gets bigger as light fades and smaller as light brightens. It’s rare, but some people have more than one working pupil in a single eye. It isn’t clear what causes polycoria, but there may be a link to conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. Not everyone needs treatment, but surgery can restore dimmed vision.

Your irises are the colored part of each eye. Sometimes they’re a different color from one another. Or one iris might contain different colors.  If you’re born with it, you probably won’t have other symptoms or need treatment. Sometimes it’s a sign of a rare condition you get from your parents at birth. An injury or disease can cause it later in life.

This disease can cause a notch or gap in parts of your eyes. Your doctor will call it a coloboma. When it affects your iris or pupil, your eye might look like a cat’s. You can also get colobomas in other organs and body parts. Most of the time they come from a problem in your genes that resut in changes during development and show up when you’re born. You may need a team of doctors to manage the different symptoms.

It can strike anywhere between ages 20 and 40. About half the people who have it will get multiple sclerosis, a disease that attacks brain cells. It usually affects one eye. You could lose vision for a few hours or days or even months or lose a portion of yoir peripheral vision. You may have pain, blurry vision, and see flashing lights. Colors, especially red, might be less bright. Though it usually goes away on its own, the doctor can give you steroids to ease the inflammation and pain. Your eyesight should be back to normal within a year, but the condition can return.   

People with this condition see (but don’t hear) patterns or images that others can’t. These hallucinations can last from minutes to hours. They might be still or move. The cause isn’t clear, but it’s likely your brain’s response to a loss of vision, especially if it’s sudden. It isn’t a sign of mental breakdown or a brain disease like dementia. There’s no cure, but it can help to change lighting and get plenty of rest. There are medications, but they have serious side effects and are reserved for severe cases.

Your iris absorbs light. Your retina, at the back of your eye, processes it. If you don’t have enough of the pigment that gives them their color, the nerves that help you see could get damaged. That can lead to: 

• Blurry vision
• Eyes that look in different directions
• Light sensitivity
• Trouble judging distance  

There’s no cure, but your doctor can help you manage your symptoms.

Your lens helps focus light and images onto your retina. It may take a while, but if it gets hit or pierced, or jostled around, a cataract can form. It will look cloudy and may be star-shaped. The doctor may give you corticosteroids, which help with swelling and pain from the injury but can sometimes make the cataract worse over time  

You can inherit genes that cause the muscles in and around your eye to get weak or stop working. It could start anywhere from age 18 to 40. It can affect one or both eyes. You may find it hard to swallow or you might feel that muscles all over your body are weak, especially after you exercise. There’s no cure, but surgery can correct droopy eyelids and other symptoms. 

Your pupils could be different sizes. About 1 in 5 people who have this don’t have any other health conditions along with it. Sometimes it signals a rare nerve problem. Horner’s syndrome is marked by one much smaller pupil, a droopy upper lid, an eyeball sunken into its socket, and a lack of facial sweat on just one side of the face. If a change in your pupil size happens suddenly, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. In Adie syndrome, which usually doesn’t require treatment, one pupil is always open and barely responds to light. Some drugs like scopolamine patches for sea sickness can also cause one pupil to dilate if the medicine gets in the eye. 

This cancer affects your retina. It’s the most common form of eye cancer in children, but rare for adults. You might notice a white color in the pupil of your child’s eye when light shines on it. Their eyes may be red, swollen, and seem to look in different directions. Treatments include radiation and surgery.

This group of rare genetic diseases damages special light-sensitive cells in your retina, the tissue that lines the back of your eye. It narrows your field of vision and makes it harder to see at night. There’s no cure, and it will get worse over time. But doctors and therapists can show you how to use special devices and tactics to make the most of the vision you have.

Your child’s eyes could be abnormally small or completely missing (anophthalmia) at birth. Scientists think genes cause this disorder. Exposure to certain chemicals or viruses may raise the risk, but more research is needed to be sure. There isn’t much help for vision loss from this disease, but doctors can place a full or partial artificial eye in your baby’s eye socket. As they grow, it’ll look more normal.

This inherited disease causes yellow or white crystals to form in your retina. Over time your vision will get less sharp and you’ll have trouble seeing at night. You might lose your side vision or have trouble seeing colors. Your eyes could worsen at different rates. The trouble starts in your teens or 20s. By your 40s or 50s you may have to turn your head to see to the side. That makes you legally blind. It doesn’t mean you can’t see, just that you have low vision that can’t be corrected with glasses or contacts.

This inherited condition causes a fatty buildup on your retina. It can damage your central vision. It happens slowly and doesn’t lead to total blindness. It mostly affects children and teens, but you may not notice it until you’re an adult. There’s no treatment.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) Thinkstock

2) Medical Images

3) Science Source

4) Science Source

5) Thinkstock

6) Thinkstock

7) Science Source

8) Science Source

9) Science Source

10) Thinkstock

11) Science Source

12) Thinkstock

13) CDC

14) Retina Image Bank® / Robert T. Wendel, MD / American Society of Retina Specialists

15) Thinkstock

SOURCES:

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science: “Haemolacria: A Unique Diagnostic And Treatment Approach.”

National Eye Institute: “Facts About Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia,” Facts About Retinitis Pigmentosa,” “Facts About Stargardt Disease,” Healthy Eyes Facts.”

Acta Ophthalmologica: “True polycoria or pseudo-polycoria?”

Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia: “Pupilloplasty in a patient with true polycoria: a case report. ”

American Academy of Ophthalmology: “Anisocoria,” “Heterochromia,” “Management of Traumatic Cataract,” “Ocular Trauma: Acute Evaluation, Cataract, Glaucoma.”

NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center: “Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia,” “Heterochromia Iridis.”

National Organization for Rare Disorders: “Adie Syndrome,”
“Cat Eye Syndrome,” “Horner’s Syndrome.”

Mayo Clinic: “Optic Neuritis: Diagnosis & Treatment,” “Optic Neuritis: Symptoms & Causes,” “Retinoblastoma: Diagnosis & treatment,” “Retinoblastoma: Symptoms & causes.”

NHS Choices: “Charles Bonnet syndrome.”

U.S. National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: “Ocular albinism.”

National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation: “Information Bulletin – What is Albinism?”

VisionAware: “Eye Health: Anatomy of the Eye.”

Genetics Home Reference: “Bietti Crystalline Dystrophy,” “Stargardt macular degeneration.”

American Foundation for the Blind: “Low Vision and Legal Blindness Terms and Descriptions. ”

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What Eye Problems Look Like

Blurry vision, spots, glare at night, flashing lights — these are common eye complaints. Each could be a harmless annoyance or an early sign of disease. It isn’t always easy to tell the difference. Visit your eye doctor promptly if you notice any changes in your vision.

Which number do you see on the far left? If it’s “3,” you probably have normal color vision. If it’s a “5,” you may be color blind. The center panel shows a mild lack of color vision. Complete color blindness, which is rare, appears at right. No number is visible. Tinted glasses may help you see better.

When you’re nearsighted, things in the distance look blurry. Doctors call it myopia. You’re more likely to have it if: 

• One or both of your parents have it
• You do lots of close-up reading

Nearsightedness can make it harder to drive, play sports, or see a blackboard or TV. Symptoms include blurred vision, squinting, and fatigue. To correct it, you can wear glasses, contacts, or get surgery in some cases.

Most people are born with mild farsightedness and outgrow it in childhood. When it persists, you may see distant objects well, but books, knitting, and other close objects are a blur. This problem runs in families. Symptoms include trouble with reading, blurry vision at night, eyestrain, and headaches. To treat it, you may wear glasses or contacts. Some people get surgery for it.

Trouble reading fine print is a sign of aging. It’s called presbyopia, which means “old eye” in Greek. Most people start to notice it in their 40s. The eyes’ lenses become less flexible and can’t change shape to focus on objects at reading distance. The solution: Wear reading glasses or bifocals, which correct both near and distance vision. If you wear contacts, ask your eye doctor about contacts made for people with presbyopia.

The cause is usually an eyeball that is too long. Or it can result from an oddly-shaped cornea or lens. Light rays focus just in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. This sensitive membrane lines the back of the eye (seen in yellow) and sends signals to the brain through the optic nerve. Nearsightedness often develops in school-age children and teens, so they may need to change glasses or contacts frequently as they grow. Multifocal contact lens or glasses and eye drops such as atropine can help slow the progression. The prevalence of myopia has been rising at an alarming rate, much of it being attributed to increased use of handheld devices and computers.

This problem results from an eyeball that is too short or an oddly-shaped lens or cornea. Light rays focus behind your retina and close objects look blurry. Your distance vision might be fuzzy, too. Severely farsighted children often have crossed eyes (strabismus) or lazy eye (amblyopia) and may have trouble reading. That’s one reason eye doctors recommend vision exams for young children.

If you have astigmatism in one or both eyes, your vision may be out of focus at any distance. It happens when the cornea, the clear “window” that covers the front of the eye, isn’t shaped right. Light rays can’t focus on a single point on your retina. Instead they scatter to many places. Glasses or contact lenses correct it. Surgery may be an option. Symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, fatigue, and eye strain.

Do you dream of seeing clearly without glasses? Surgery to reshape your cornea can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism with a success rate of better than 90%. Surgery may not be right for you if you have severe dry eye, thin or oddly shaped corneas, or severe vision problems. Side effects include glare or sensitivity to light.

You can’t feel it, but this disease damages your optic nerve. You may not have any symptoms until you lose your central vision. Your side vision will go first. That’s why you need regular eye exams every 1 to 2 years, especially after you turn 40. Doctors can treat glaucoma with medications or surgery.

Your eye is filled with fluid. Sometimes too much of it builds up and raises pressure inside your eye. This can damage your optic nerve, a bundle of nerve fibers that carries information to your brain. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause total blindness.

The bright yellow circle shows an optic nerve head damaged by glaucoma. The dark central area is the macula, which controls your finely-detailed central vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) damages and then destroys your central vision, making it hard to read or drive. Symptoms can include a central blurry spot or straight lines that appear wavy. You’re more likely to have it if you are older than 60, smoke, have high blood pressure, are obese, are female, or have a family history of the condition. See your eye doctor regularly to check for AMD. Prompt treatment can help slow vision loss. 

AMD affects the central part of your retina, called the macula. There are two types:

• Dry: Doctors often see yellow deposits called drusen in the macula. As it worsens, the macular tissue breaks down. That causes changes or loss of your central vision over time.
• Wet: Abnormal blood vessels grow in your eye. They leak blood and fluid (shown here), which causes scars and further damages the macula.

Both types leave you with a central blind spot.

Cover one eye and stare at the center dot in this Amsler grid from a distance of 12 to 15 inches. (You can wear your reading glasses.) Do you see wavy, broken, or blurry lines? Are any areas warped or just plain gone? Repeat for your other eye. Although no self-test can take the place of an eye exam, this grid is used to help spot early symptoms of AMD.

Next:  See how this grid looks with AMD.

As seen here, the Amsler grid can look quite distorted to if you have severe macular degeneration. It may include a central dark spot. Straight lines that appear wavy are also cause for concern, as they can be an early symptom of wet AMD, the more serious, fast-moving type. See your eye doctor right away for a thorough exam.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause partial vision loss (an example is shown here) and lead to blindness. The damage involves tiny blood vessels in your retina. It can often be treated, but don’t wait for symptoms. By the time you have them — blurry vision, spots, shadows, or pain — the disease may be severe. If you have diabetes, get an annual eye exam. The best prevention is to keep your blood sugar in check.

High blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels that support your retina. They can swell, break, and leak fluid. Sometimes dozens of new, abnormal blood vessels grow. This is called proliferative retinopathy. They’re fragile and break open easily. Over time all this can damage the retina and cause blurred vision, blind spots, or blindness. 

By age 80, more than half of us will have had a cataract, or cloudy lens. Your vision slowly gets foggy and it gets hard to read, drive, and see at night. Diabetes, smoking, or too much time in the sun raise your chances. Surgery that replaces the clouded lens with a man-made one works well.

A healthy lens focuses light into a single spot on your retina. It captures the image like film in a camera. As you age, protein builds up in the lens. It gets cloudy and sends scattered rays of light to your retina. Instead of one sharp clear image you get blurred vision, changes in color vision, and glare, especially at night. Advanced cataracts are easy to see. It’s the muddy-colored circle at the center of this picture.

You can inherit this disorder from your parents. It often begins with night vision problems. Next comes a slow loss of side vision. That becomes tunnel vision and finally, in some cases, blindness. It’s uncertain whether vitamin A and/or fish oil supplements help improve this condition. More research is needed. 

The light-sensitive tissue of the retina slowly breaks down over many years. As that happens, it no longer sends signals to your brain, and you lose some vision. Eye exams show abnormal dark spots (pigments) sprinkled around the retina. Early cataracts can also happen, along with a swelling of the retina called macular edema (the central orange mass shown here).

Do you see blurry spots or specks that move? They’re probably floaters — debris in your eye’s vitreous gel. They don’t block vision and are easier to see in bright light. Floaters are common and usually harmless. See a doctor right away if:

• They show up or multiply suddenly.
• You also see flashes of light.
• You see white or black spots all the time. 
• You notice a sudden shadow or loss of side vision.

When you’re a child, if one eye doesn’t see well, your brain may favor the other. This condition, called amblyopia, can happen if your eyes aren’t aligned right (strabismus or crossed eyes) or one eye just doesn’t work as well. The doctor will prescribe a patch or drops that blur vision in the “good” eye. This prompts your brain to use the other eye. If amblyopia isn’t treated during childhood, it can cause permanent vision loss.

Because so many nerve endings lie just beneath the surface or your cornea, even a tiny speck can be painful. Don’t rub your eye, or you could cause serious damage. Wash it with non preserved sterile saline solution — do not use regular tap water. If the object doesn’t move, call a doctor. They can remove it and give you antibiotic drops to prevent an infection.

Tears keep your eyes moist. Sometimes you don’t have enough, either from dry air, aging, or other health conditions. Your eyes can get painful and irritated. Eye drops labeled artificial tears may do the trick for a mild case. If it’s a bigger problem, you may benefit from other treatments, medications or nutritional supplements

This inflammation results from a virus, bacteria, irritant, or an allergic reaction. Your eye will get red and itch or burn. You’ll also notice a gunky discharge. If your eye itches an allergy is probably to blame. The type you catch from other people is usually viral,  so you won’t need antibiotics. If your pinkeye is caused by bacteria, the doctor will give you antibiotic eye drops. Pinkeye can be very contagious, so wash your hands often while you wait for it to clear up.

This painful red bump looks like a pimple on or near the edge of your eyelid. It’s a type of infection of the eyelids (the doctor will call it blepharitis). Styes usually heal in a week. You can speed things up by putting a warm, wet compress on it 3 to 6 times a day. Don’t wear contacts or eye makeup until it heals.

They can cause itchy, watery eyes. Pollen, grass, dust, weeds, and pet dander are common triggers. An allergy doctor can tell you what’s to blame for yours. Keep your windows shut at home and in your car. You can get special pillow and mattress covers to keep allergens out. Clean your house thoroughly and use allergen filters in your furnace and air conditioner. Allergy eye drops, artificial tears, and antihistamines may help.

You need regular checkups all through your life, especially if eye problems run in your family or if you have other risk factors. An eye exam can also find other problems, like diabetes and high blood pressure, or even a stroke or brain tumor. Bulging eyes can signal thyroid disease. A yellow tint in the whites of your eyes might be a sign of liver problems.

UV rays can harm your eyes. Exposure can cause you to get cataracts 8-10 years earlier than normal. Just one long session in the sun can cause very painful irritation of your corneas. So wear a hat and sunglasses that block UV rays. You can add a clear, protective UV-blocking film to your car’s side windows, too. If you have light-colored eyes you may be more sensitive to light. If it suddenly starts to bother you more than usual, call your eye doctor.

Grease splatters from a pan, yard debris flies up from the lawn mower, cleaning solution splashes in a bucket. Some of the greatest eye hazards are in the home. Eye doctors suggest  everyone keep a pair of protective eyewear at home. Look for one approved by the American National Standards Institute. Even if an eye injury seems minor, go to the emergency room or your eye doctor right away to get it checked out.

Carrots really are good for your eyes. So are spinach, nuts, oranges, beef, fish, whole grains, many other things that make up a healthy diet. Look for foods with antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids; vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene; as well as zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

How flash photography can indicate vision problems: a reminder for parents

From May 10 to 16, Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, the most common eye tumor in children under 5, was held around the world. What parents need to know about this disease and how a flash photo can save a child’s life, says ophthalmologist Oksana Ageenkova, head of the ophthalmology department at the GMS clinic.

“Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor of the retina of the eye that mainly occurs in childhood. As a rule, this is a congenital disease. Most often, it is diagnosed in children aged 12–18 months, but it can be detected both in the first year of life and up to the age of 5 years. It happens that retinoblastoma is found in adults. For example, in my practice there was a case of retinoblastoma in a 32-year-old man, and a year later the disease was detected in his 4-year-old son,” says Oksana Ageenkova.

Why the disease occurs

The cause of the tumor is a genetic mutation, which can be either hereditary or spontaneous. Therefore, there is no prevention of this disease, except for knowledge of the family history. Retinoblastoma is a hereditary, genetically determined disease. If there were cases in the family, that is, grandparents, uncles and other relatives, then parents should be alert about the occurrence of a malignant process in their children, ”explains our expert.

Retinoblastoma. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

What is important to know about the diagnosis

According to Dr. Ageenkova, regular visits to the ophthalmologist according to the recommendations play an important role. “To begin with, the recommendations of the Russian Ministry of Health require an examination of a child by an ophthalmologist at the age of one and twelve months. Eleven months between examinations, the child is under the control of parents, environment, pediatricians and other specialists whom he visits. It is important for parents to know that at the age of one month, an eye examination should take place at an ophthalmologist’s appointment. At the same time, the ophthalmologist must necessarily drip drops to expand the pupil, as well as in each subsequent appointment (at least once a year). So the doctor can examine not only the central part of the fundus, that is, the retina, but also its peripheral parts,” says Oksana.

At the same time, examination of the fundus is important not only for the diagnosis of retinoblastoma: such an examination can help to identify other equally serious diseases. “I always urge all the parents of my patients to contact an ophthalmologist at 1 month of age of the child, so that the doctor evaluates the structural features of the fundus and the organ of vision of the child. Of course, mom and dad, as well as a competent pediatrician, after looking at the child and assessing the condition of his outer eye in the absence of strabismus, incorrect position of the eyeball, any additional changes in the eyelids, conclude that everything is fine. But one small detail remains – this is an examination of the fundus. It can only be performed by an ophthalmologist.

Very often, during such an examination, we detect not only hereditary diseases (such as a malignant tumor of the retina), but also other types of hereditary problems, when the child does not yet have manifestations, but there are features that are quite characteristic of various processes.

It is equally important to show the child to an ophthalmologist at the age of one year. I always advise my patients not to skimp on this technique, but still try to see a doctor, even when you think that everything is fine and the child has no problems, ”Oksana emphasizes.

What parents should pay attention to

The peculiarity of retinoblastoma is that the tumor is located in the back of the inner part of the eye (retina), behind the pupil. Although, of course, only a qualified ophthalmologist can conduct an examination of the fundus and see the tumor, parents and relatives of children may notice alarming symptoms.

“In the everyday sense, parents should pay attention to such an alarming symptom as leukocoria. Leukocoria, translated into non-medical language, is a white pupil.

When we try to take a photo of someone with the flash with “no red-eye” turned off, there is always a fundus reflex. The pupil at the same time should look red, crimson or purple – but never white or yellow. If, while filming your child, you see that one pupil is red, and the second one glows with a different shade (yellow or whitish), this is a reason to be wary,” says Oksana. – Such a symptom is alarming, and ideally, in such a situation, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist.

Leukocoria. Photo: EyeRounds.org / The University of Iowa / CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

If this is not possible or if a relative who viewed these photos noticed a feature, you need to take another shot and compare. The symptom of leukocoria, when there is a noticeable difference in the color of the pupils, is best seen in a photograph with a flash (I emphasize when the “no red-eye” mode is turned off), and ideally the photo should be in portrait mode, when the child’s face is seen close enough.

Important to know about family history

“A word of advice to parents about retinoblastoma: try asking your grandparents, aunts, uncles about your family history of the disease. In my practice, very often parents, when asked about heredity, have little knowledge of family history, says Oksana. “Even in our age of modern technology, patients do not talk much about diseases with relatives: perhaps because of modesty or tact. However, this way you can learn a lot of useful things for yourself and the health of children in the future.

All vision problems can be important: visually impaired, blind, blind relatives, all cases of hereditary diseases that ophthalmologists work with – retinal dystrophies, retinoblastoma, various genetic diseases, glaucoma, astigmatism. Preventing such diseases in a child involves knowing about them and about their existence in your family and your environment, as well as in the family of the other parent of your child.

Today, retinoblastoma is treated quite successfully. “Early detection of retinoblastoma leads to a very positive prognosis: 95% of patients undergo treatment successfully and save their eyes, eyesight, life, Oksana emphasizes. “One small procedure — a visit to an ophthalmologist — can save your health and your family.”

Cover photo: Shutterstock / Gabriela Insuratelu

Remove red-eye from photos

By Aimee Rodrigues; reviewed by Gary Heiting, OD

Are you tired of seeing ruined photos that make your eyes look bright red?

This article provides answers to frequently asked questions about red-eye and how to avoid it.

Why are there red eyes in the photos?

Eyes appear red in photographs when the camera detects light reflecting off the subject’s retina when the flash is used at night or in dim light.

Light rays pass through the cornea and pupil of the eye to focus on the retina, the layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye.

When the camera’s flash fires, the subject’s eyes do not have time to contract to reduce the amount of light entering the eyes. Thus, a large burst of light reaches the retina and is reflected on the film.

The eyes have a red sheen due to an abundant blood supply to the choroid, the layer of connective tissue at the back of the eye that nourishes the retina and gives it its normal red color.

The greater the distance between the lens and the flash, the less likely red-eye is to appear in photographs.

Does turning off the flash correct red-eye?

Yes, as long as there is enough light to take pictures without using a flash, red-eye will not appear in the pictures.

Are there other ways to prevent red-eye in photos?

In addition to turning off the flash, red-eye can be prevented in photographs by the following methods:

Do not look directly at the camera. Ask the people you are shooting to look slightly away from the lens so that their eyes do not catch the flash at a right angle. This will reduce the chance of red-eye appearing in photos.

Light up the room. The darker the environment, the wider the pupils of the person being photographed become, which increases the likelihood of red-eye in photographs. Increasing the light level will help eliminate red eyes.

Turn on the red-eye protection on the camera. Most modern cameras have this feature: before taking a picture, the camera makes short flashes of light in quick succession. In response to these flashes of light, the pupils of the person being photographed constrict, reducing the amount of light reflected from the retina.

Use an external flash. This method is not suitable for cameras with built-in flashes, but if you have a camera that supports the use of an external flash, moving the flash away from the lens will prevent light reflections into the lens and red-eye.

Do not film drunk people! Too much alcohol slows down a person’s reaction time. Did you know that it also affects pupil reaction time? Red eyes are more common in photos of drunk people because their pupils don’t constrict fast enough to reduce the amount of light reflected off the retina.

Removing red eyes from photos

If you have photos in which someone has red eyes, there are several ways to remove red eyes:

Digital photos. If you are using a digital camera, you can download the photos to your computer and then correct the annoying red eyes with the “Red Eye Removal Tool” in the image editing program. Some apps have a “drag and drop” feature whereby you can “take” a color from the iris and place it over the parts of the eyes that look red; other programs automatically correct red eyes.

Photos from smartphones. Apps are available for all kinds of smartphones to fix red eyes in photos. The general principle is this: if a red eye is detected in a photo, then you can use the automatic correction tool to eliminate the red color and give the eyes a more natural color. In addition, most image editing applications have a tool that allows you to manually fix red eyes in photos.

Printed photographs. If you have developed the film and notice red eyes, this effect can be removed using a special marker to remove red eyes. You can also scan a photo to a computer and use a photo editing program to remove red-eye.

Why does only some people show red-eye in a group photo?

This is due to a number of factors. The most likely cause is that people without red-eye were not looking directly into the lens or were not in line with the camera’s built-in flash.

What does it mean when only one eye is red in a photo?

When only one eye is red in a photograph, it usually means that only one eye of the person being photographed (the red eye) was looking directly at the camera lens, and the other eye was located at a slightly different angle.

In rare cases, a red eye effect in only one eye may indicate an eye disease such as a tumor or cataract. This is also possible with strabismus, that is, inconsistency of the eyes.

If you or someone close to you has only one eye consistently red in photographs, consult an ophthalmologist.

A family photo revealed this little boy’s eye disease. (Image: Megan Webber)

I always have red eyes in photos! Is there something wrong with me?

The most likely reason you always have red eyes in photographs is that when you are posing for photographs, you usually look directly into the lens, and therefore light is reflected from the retina directly back to the camera.

When taking a photo in the future, slightly change the direction of your gaze to the left or right of the camera to prevent red-eye.

Your pupils may be large. If you have large pupils, then your eyes are more likely to be red in photographs. But in this case, try not to look directly into the lens to reduce the chance that your eyes will be red in the photos.

What if one eye is red and the other looks bright yellow or white?

A white or yellowish glow (leukocoria) in one eye may be indicative of serious eye disease or disease, including cataracts, Coats’ disease, eye infection, and retinal detachment.