Some of the more common eye disease terms you may have heard about are included here.
Adie's Pupil - a pupil that does not react normally to bright light due to impaired nerve function; usually does not interfere substantially with vision
Amaurosis Fugax - temporary loss of vision in one eye; may be a sign of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or an impending stroke
Amblyopia - the inability of an eye to see normally due to lack of input from the eye to the brain during childhood; also termed "lazy eye"
Aphakia - the absence of the eye's natural lens, usually after cataract surgery
Arcus Senilis - a hazy ring at the edge of the cornea where the iris meets the white of the eye; does not impair vision
Bell's Palsy - paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face due to nerve damage; usually temporary, but can interfere with blinking and protection of the eye
Blepharitis - inflammation of the eyelid; can cause irritation, discharge and even blurred vision
Chalazion - a bump in the eyelid caused by a clogged oil gland;may require surgical removal
Conjunctivitis - inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane covering the white of the eye
Corneal Edema - swelling of the cornea, often causing blurred vision
Corneal Erosion - spontaneous loss of a part of the surface "skin" of the eye-causes pain, light sensitivity and occasionally blurriness, and often occurs on awakening
Corneal Ulcer - a localized inflammation or infection of the cornea extending beneath the surface layer-must be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion - blockage of the main blood supply to the eye often; causes blindness
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion - blockage of the main vein transporting blood away from the retina; causes hemorrhage in the retina and usually results in permanent vision impairment
Central Serous Retinopathy - spontaneous leakage of fluid into the retina, often in young, healthy people - cause is unknown
Dacryocystitis - infection in the tear sac adjacent to the nose-causes pain, swelling, tenderness and tearing
Dermatochalasis - excess or baggy skin on the eyelids, usually from loss of elastic tissue in the skin
Diplopia - double vision; usually caused by misaligned eyes
Drusen - discolored spots in the retina - can be an early sign of macular degeneration
Ectropion - loosening of the eyelid causing it to turn outward, away from the eye
Entropion - "collapsing" of the eyelid, causing the edge of the lid to turn inward, toward the eye-often results in discomfort due to eyelashes rubbing against the eye
Epiretinal Membrane - wrinkling of the surface of the retina; can cause blurriness or distortion in vision - severe cases can be treated with surgical removal
Esotropia - having an eye that turns inward
Exophthalmos - bulging forward of the eyes, sometimes caused by thyroid problems
Exotropia - having an eye that turns outward
Fuchs' Dystrophy - a deterioration of the cells in the cornea that maintain the cornea's clarity;often has no visual effect but may require a corneal transplant if severe
Hemianopia - the loss of one half of the visual field (left or right); usually affects both eyes and is often caused by brain injury, especially stroke
Hyphema - bleeding inside the eye, often due to an injury
Herpes Simplex - a cause of serious corneal infection - the same virus that causes cold sores
Herpes Zoster - "shingles" - the same virus that causes chicken pox, which can return and affect many areas of the body, including the eye
Iritis - inflammation inside the eye, primarily in the front of the eye - causes redness, pain, blurred vision and sensitivity to light in most cases
Keratitis - inflammation in the cornea-may cause scratchiness, pain, blurred vision and light sensitivity
Keratoconus - a progressive change in the shape of the cornea, creating a "cone" - like configuration and causing blurred vision - severe cases may require a corneal transplant
Macular Edema - swelling in the center of the retina caused by fluid leakage; results in blurred vision and visual distortion
Neovascularization - growth of new abnormal blood vessels - can occur at several locations in the eye
Nystagmus - oscillating movements of the eye
Ocular Migraine - a visual disturbance usually including an arc of zigzag light and blurry vision - disappears spontaneously and does not usually include a headache
Optic Neuritis - inflammation of the optic nerve, resulting in blurred vision or other visual disturbances - can be caused by multiple sclerosis
Papilledema - swelling of the optic nerve where it enters the eye - can be caused by increased fluid pressure around the brain
Pinguecula - a thickening of the white of the eye;often caused by chronic irritation
Pterygium - growth of tissue from the white of the eye over the cornea - may interfere with vision if it nears the center of the cornea
Ptosis - droopiness of the eyelid - may result from nerve or muscle damage, and sometimes requires surgical correction
Retinal Detachment - separation of the retina from its normal location covering the inner surface of the back portion of the eye
Rubeosis - growth of abnormal blood vessels on the iris
Scotoma - a blind spot
Strabismus - any misalignment of the eye
Stye - an acute inflammation of a gland at the base of an eyelash, caused by bacterial infection.
Trichiasis - abnormal eyelash growth, usually pointing toward the eye
Uveitis - inflammation of the interior of the eye
Vitreous Detachment - separation of the vitreous gel from the back of the eye - a common occurrence which can result in sudden floaters and occasionally causes a tear in the retina
Visual Simulation
On this page we will look at the same scene through the eyes of four different people, one with normal vision, and the others with different vision problems. This should give you a feel for how these people see the world.
Normal
Normal
This is the scene as viewed through normal eyes. Things near and far appear in focus.
Nearsightedness
This is the scene through nearsighted eyes. Close up objects like the chairs are in focus, while objects far away like the islands are blurry.
Farsightedness
This is the scene through farsighted eyes. Objects far away like the islands are in focus, but close up objects, like the chairs are blurry.
Astigmatism
This is the scene through astigmatic eyes. This is like a combination of both near and farsightedness, making all objects blurry.
Eye Cancer.
What Is Eye Cancer?
An eye cancer is a cancer that starts in the eye. There are different types of eye cancers. To understand eye cancers, it helps to know something about the normal structure and function of the eye.
Parts of the eye
The eye has 3 major parts: the eyeball (globe), the orbit, and the adnexal structures.
Eyeball
The main part of the eye is the eyeball (also known as the globe), which is filled with a jelly-like material called vitreous humor. The eyeball has 3 main layers -- the sclera, the uvea, and the retina.
Sclera: The sclera is the tough, white, outer covering over most of the eyeball. In the front of the eye it is continuous with the cornea, which is clear to let light through.
Uvea: The uvea is the middle layer of the eyeball. It is where most melanomas of the eye develop. The uvea has 3 main parts:
The iris is the colored or pigmented part of the eye. It surrounds the pupil, the small opening that allows light to enter the eyeball.
The choroid is a thin, pigmented layer lining the eyeball that nourishes the retina and the front of the eye with blood.
The ciliary body contains the muscles inside the eye that change the shape of the lens so that the eye can focus on near or distant objects. It also contains cells that make aqueous humor, the clear fluid in the front of the eye between the cornea and the lens.
Retina: The retina is the inner layer of cells in the back of the eye. It is made up of specialized nerve cells that are sensitive to light. These light-sensing cells are connected to the brain by the optic nerve. Light enters the eye and passes through the lens, which focuses it on the retina. The pattern of light (image) appearing on the retina is sent through the optic nerve to an area of the brain called the visual cortex, allowing us to see.
Cancers that affect the eyeball are called intraocular (within the eye) cancers.
Orbit
The second part of the eye, called the orbit, consists of the tissues surrounding the eyeball. These tissues include muscles that make the globe move in different directions and the nerves attached to the eye.
Cancers of these tissues are called orbital cancers.
Adnexal structures
Finally, there are adnexal (accessory) structures such as the eyelids and tear glands.
Cancers that develop in these tissues are called adnexal cancers.
Cancers in the eye (intraocular cancers)
Two types of cancers can be found in the eye.
Primary intraocular cancers are cancers that start inside the eyeball. In adults, melanoma is the most common primary intraocular cancer, followed by primary intraocular lymphoma.
In children, retinoblastoma (a cancer arising from cells in the retina) is the most common primary intraocular cancer, and medulloepithelioma is the next most common (but it is extremely rare). These cancers are discussed in our separate document, Retinoblastoma.
Secondary intraocular cancers are cancers that have spread to the eye from another part of the body. These are not truly "eye cancers," but they are actually more common than primary intraocular cancers. The most common cancers that spread to the eye are breast and lung cancers. Usually these cancers spread to the part of the eyeball called the uvea. For more information on these types of cancers, refer to the specific American Cancer Society documents on these cancers.
Intraocular melanoma (melanoma of the eye)
Intraocular melanoma is the most common type of cancer that develops within the eyeball in adults, but it is still fairly rare. Melanomas of the skin are much more common than intraocular melanomas.
Melanomas develop from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. When melanoma develops in the eyeball, it is usually in the uvea, which is why these cancers are also called uveal melanomas. About 9 out of 10 intraocular melanomas develop in the choroid. Choroid cells have the same kind of pigment as melanocytes in the skin, so it is not surprising that these cells sometimes form melanomas.
Nearly all of the remaining intraocular melanomas start in the iris. These are the easiest for the patient and doctor to see because they often arise in a pigmented spot on the iris that has been present for many years and then begins to grow. These melanomas usually are fairly slow growing, and they rarely spread to other parts of the body. For these reasons, people with iris melanomas generally have a good prognosis (outlook).
Intraocular melanomas are generally made up of 2 different kinds of cells.
spindle cells: These are long, thin cells.
epithelioid cells: These cells are almost round but with some straight edges.
Most tumors are composed of both kinds of cells. The outlook is better if the tumors are mostly spindle cells as opposed to mostly epithelioid cells. Epithelioid tumors are more likely to metastasize (spread) to distant sites. If you have intraocular melanoma, your doctor can tell you which type of cells were found.
Primary intraocular lymphoma (lymphoma of the eye)
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in immune system cells called lymphocytes. It usually starts in lymph nodes, which are bean-sized collections of immune system cells. But lymphomas can also start in internal organs such as the stomach, lungs, and rarely in the eyes.
There are 2 main types of lymphoma -- Hodgkin disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Primary intraocular lymphoma is always a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Most people with primary intraocular lymphoma are elderly or have immune system problems such as the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Orbital and adnexal cancers
Cancers of the orbit and adnexa develop from tissues such as muscle, nerve, and skin around the eyeball and are just like their counterparts in other parts of the body. These are described in other American Cancer Society documents on cancers of muscle, nerve, skin, etc. For example, cancers of the eyelid are usually skin cancers, which are described in our documents on skin cancers (Melanoma Skin Cancer and Skin Cancer: Basal and Squamous Cell)
An eye cancer is a cancer that starts in the eye. There are different types of eye cancers. To understand eye cancers, it helps to know something about the normal structure and function of the eye.
Parts of the eye
The eye has 3 major parts: the eyeball (globe), the orbit, and the adnexal structures.
Eyeball
The main part of the eye is the eyeball (also known as the globe), which is filled with a jelly-like material called vitreous humor. The eyeball has 3 main layers -- the sclera, the uvea, and the retina.
Sclera: The sclera is the tough, white, outer covering over most of the eyeball. In the front of the eye it is continuous with the cornea, which is clear to let light through.
Uvea: The uvea is the middle layer of the eyeball. It is where most melanomas of the eye develop. The uvea has 3 main parts:
The iris is the colored or pigmented part of the eye. It surrounds the pupil, the small opening that allows light to enter the eyeball.
The choroid is a thin, pigmented layer lining the eyeball that nourishes the retina and the front of the eye with blood.
The ciliary body contains the muscles inside the eye that change the shape of the lens so that the eye can focus on near or distant objects. It also contains cells that make aqueous humor, the clear fluid in the front of the eye between the cornea and the lens.
Retina: The retina is the inner layer of cells in the back of the eye. It is made up of specialized nerve cells that are sensitive to light. These light-sensing cells are connected to the brain by the optic nerve. Light enters the eye and passes through the lens, which focuses it on the retina. The pattern of light (image) appearing on the retina is sent through the optic nerve to an area of the brain called the visual cortex, allowing us to see.
Cancers that affect the eyeball are called intraocular (within the eye) cancers.
Orbit
The second part of the eye, called the orbit, consists of the tissues surrounding the eyeball. These tissues include muscles that make the globe move in different directions and the nerves attached to the eye.
Cancers of these tissues are called orbital cancers.
Adnexal structures
Finally, there are adnexal (accessory) structures such as the eyelids and tear glands.
Cancers that develop in these tissues are called adnexal cancers.
Cancers in the eye (intraocular cancers)
Two types of cancers can be found in the eye.
Primary intraocular cancers are cancers that start inside the eyeball. In adults, melanoma is the most common primary intraocular cancer, followed by primary intraocular lymphoma.
In children, retinoblastoma (a cancer arising from cells in the retina) is the most common primary intraocular cancer, and medulloepithelioma is the next most common (but it is extremely rare). These cancers are discussed in our separate document, Retinoblastoma.
Secondary intraocular cancers are cancers that have spread to the eye from another part of the body. These are not truly "eye cancers," but they are actually more common than primary intraocular cancers. The most common cancers that spread to the eye are breast and lung cancers. Usually these cancers spread to the part of the eyeball called the uvea. For more information on these types of cancers, refer to the specific American Cancer Society documents on these cancers.
Intraocular melanoma (melanoma of the eye)
Intraocular melanoma is the most common type of cancer that develops within the eyeball in adults, but it is still fairly rare. Melanomas of the skin are much more common than intraocular melanomas.
Melanomas develop from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. When melanoma develops in the eyeball, it is usually in the uvea, which is why these cancers are also called uveal melanomas. About 9 out of 10 intraocular melanomas develop in the choroid. Choroid cells have the same kind of pigment as melanocytes in the skin, so it is not surprising that these cells sometimes form melanomas.
Nearly all of the remaining intraocular melanomas start in the iris. These are the easiest for the patient and doctor to see because they often arise in a pigmented spot on the iris that has been present for many years and then begins to grow. These melanomas usually are fairly slow growing, and they rarely spread to other parts of the body. For these reasons, people with iris melanomas generally have a good prognosis (outlook).
Intraocular melanomas are generally made up of 2 different kinds of cells.
spindle cells: These are long, thin cells.
epithelioid cells: These cells are almost round but with some straight edges.
Most tumors are composed of both kinds of cells. The outlook is better if the tumors are mostly spindle cells as opposed to mostly epithelioid cells. Epithelioid tumors are more likely to metastasize (spread) to distant sites. If you have intraocular melanoma, your doctor can tell you which type of cells were found.
Primary intraocular lymphoma (lymphoma of the eye)
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in immune system cells called lymphocytes. It usually starts in lymph nodes, which are bean-sized collections of immune system cells. But lymphomas can also start in internal organs such as the stomach, lungs, and rarely in the eyes.
There are 2 main types of lymphoma -- Hodgkin disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Primary intraocular lymphoma is always a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Most people with primary intraocular lymphoma are elderly or have immune system problems such as the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Orbital and adnexal cancers
Cancers of the orbit and adnexa develop from tissues such as muscle, nerve, and skin around the eyeball and are just like their counterparts in other parts of the body. These are described in other American Cancer Society documents on cancers of muscle, nerve, skin, etc. For example, cancers of the eyelid are usually skin cancers, which are described in our documents on skin cancers (Melanoma Skin Cancer and Skin Cancer: Basal and Squamous Cell)
Blurry Vision
Blurry vision can be caused by several different things.
Almost everybody has experienced it at some point in there lives, and often blurry vision is caused by our own stupidity. Not always, but most of the time. That’s probably why I’ve experienced blurry vision several times in my own life.
The easiest way to get blurry vision is to walk around without your glasses on. This may sound stupid, but lots of people refuse to go to the eye doctor and get their eyes checked or re-checked. The result: blurry vision.
Common Blurry Vision Causes
You can also get blurry vision from consuming too much alcohol or taking illegal drugs. I’m sure most of you have had a few too many beers and had your vision go wacko as a result. I’m also sure that none of you have ever done illegal drugs, so you wouldn’t have any first hand experience with blurry vision because of it. Guess you’ll just have to take my word for it.
If you have high blood pressure you may experience some blurry vision. This is explained in depth in the articles on high blood pressure found on this site.
Blurry vision can also be a result of over exerting yourself. For instance, if you go jogging and push your body to the limits, it’s only a matter of time before you aren’t getting enough oxygen to fuel your body and so your vision may blur.
If you have a cold or viral infection you may get blurry vision in short doses. If your body is fighting off an infection of some type, it saps your resources and sometimes you end up with blurry vision. Do yourself a favour and get some rest.
Some prescription drugs have the added bonus of giving you blurry vision. If you are experiencing blurry vision from a prescription drug, you might want to consult your doctor. They may change your prescription to one that doesn’t give you blurry vision.
I suffer from migraine head aches occasionally. Often, when I’m suffering from one of these episodes, I get blurry vision.
You may experience blurry vision at steep altitudes. I’m sure that most of you don’t mountain climb so you will never have to worry about this side effect. You never know for sure though, so I thought I’d add it in for good measure.
I’m also afraid of heights. If I’m up high (high for me may not be high for you. Anything over ten feet is a major accomplishment for me. I’m such a wimp.) I tend to get blurry vision. Funny how the body works. I’m afraid of heights because I don’t want to fall, so naturally my body gives me blurry vision. Who says nature doesn’t make mistakes?
Sometimes blurry vision could be a symptom of a more serious health problem. If you suffer from blurry vision frequently, you should see a doctor and get checked out. Perhaps, you might also think about seeing your friendly neighbourhood eye doctor for good measure.
Almost everybody has experienced it at some point in there lives, and often blurry vision is caused by our own stupidity. Not always, but most of the time. That’s probably why I’ve experienced blurry vision several times in my own life.
The easiest way to get blurry vision is to walk around without your glasses on. This may sound stupid, but lots of people refuse to go to the eye doctor and get their eyes checked or re-checked. The result: blurry vision.
Common Blurry Vision Causes
You can also get blurry vision from consuming too much alcohol or taking illegal drugs. I’m sure most of you have had a few too many beers and had your vision go wacko as a result. I’m also sure that none of you have ever done illegal drugs, so you wouldn’t have any first hand experience with blurry vision because of it. Guess you’ll just have to take my word for it.
If you have high blood pressure you may experience some blurry vision. This is explained in depth in the articles on high blood pressure found on this site.
Blurry vision can also be a result of over exerting yourself. For instance, if you go jogging and push your body to the limits, it’s only a matter of time before you aren’t getting enough oxygen to fuel your body and so your vision may blur.
If you have a cold or viral infection you may get blurry vision in short doses. If your body is fighting off an infection of some type, it saps your resources and sometimes you end up with blurry vision. Do yourself a favour and get some rest.
Some prescription drugs have the added bonus of giving you blurry vision. If you are experiencing blurry vision from a prescription drug, you might want to consult your doctor. They may change your prescription to one that doesn’t give you blurry vision.
I suffer from migraine head aches occasionally. Often, when I’m suffering from one of these episodes, I get blurry vision.
You may experience blurry vision at steep altitudes. I’m sure that most of you don’t mountain climb so you will never have to worry about this side effect. You never know for sure though, so I thought I’d add it in for good measure.
I’m also afraid of heights. If I’m up high (high for me may not be high for you. Anything over ten feet is a major accomplishment for me. I’m such a wimp.) I tend to get blurry vision. Funny how the body works. I’m afraid of heights because I don’t want to fall, so naturally my body gives me blurry vision. Who says nature doesn’t make mistakes?
Sometimes blurry vision could be a symptom of a more serious health problem. If you suffer from blurry vision frequently, you should see a doctor and get checked out. Perhaps, you might also think about seeing your friendly neighbourhood eye doctor for good measure.
MACULAR HOLE
You should read this information sheet in conjunction with the vitrectomy information sheet.
A macular hole occurs in the macular region of the retina. The retina is the seeing part of the eye. A macular hole tends to develop around the age of 65 and is 4 times more common in females. It is thought to be due to a transparent membrane on the surface of the retina, which contracts and causes a stretching progressive enlargement of a hole in the most sensitive part of the retina. Eventually fluid can collect beneath the retina causing further deterioration of vision.
Natural course
There are 4 stages of macular hole -( 1 to 4).
80 to 90% progress from stage 2 onwards.
60% of eyes with macular hole eventually only see the top or the second line ( the largest letters) on the test chart.
Less than 10% retain driving vision in the eye with macula hole.
A macular hole can develop in the second eye.
The risk to the second eye is 7%, by 6 years later.
It is extremely rare for the condition to recover without treatment( 3%).
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to peel away the membrane and seal the hole. The procedure usually requires a gas bubble to be placed inside the eye to seal the hole. Afterwards strict posturing is essential for the success of the operation.
Results
The best results are achieved in patients who have not had symptoms for long that is less than 6 months do better than less than a year. Similarly the better the vision the better the results.
Furthermore the more advanced stages do worse.
For example: For stage 2 there is 90% success for closure of the hole. For stage 3 to 4, there is 30 to 70% successful closure.
For a large group of patients receiving treatment, I would expect half the patients to report an improvement in vision. Half would report no change and 5% would be worse.
Late problems
Macular holes sometimes reopen, then further surgery can be considered.
Within 2 years of surgery it is very likely that a cataract would have developed, requiring surgery.
Rarely retinal detachment occurs.
A macular hole occurs in the macular region of the retina. The retina is the seeing part of the eye. A macular hole tends to develop around the age of 65 and is 4 times more common in females. It is thought to be due to a transparent membrane on the surface of the retina, which contracts and causes a stretching progressive enlargement of a hole in the most sensitive part of the retina. Eventually fluid can collect beneath the retina causing further deterioration of vision.
Natural course
There are 4 stages of macular hole -( 1 to 4).
80 to 90% progress from stage 2 onwards.
60% of eyes with macular hole eventually only see the top or the second line ( the largest letters) on the test chart.
Less than 10% retain driving vision in the eye with macula hole.
A macular hole can develop in the second eye.
The risk to the second eye is 7%, by 6 years later.
It is extremely rare for the condition to recover without treatment( 3%).
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to peel away the membrane and seal the hole. The procedure usually requires a gas bubble to be placed inside the eye to seal the hole. Afterwards strict posturing is essential for the success of the operation.
Results
The best results are achieved in patients who have not had symptoms for long that is less than 6 months do better than less than a year. Similarly the better the vision the better the results.
Furthermore the more advanced stages do worse.
For example: For stage 2 there is 90% success for closure of the hole. For stage 3 to 4, there is 30 to 70% successful closure.
For a large group of patients receiving treatment, I would expect half the patients to report an improvement in vision. Half would report no change and 5% would be worse.
Late problems
Macular holes sometimes reopen, then further surgery can be considered.
Within 2 years of surgery it is very likely that a cataract would have developed, requiring surgery.
Rarely retinal detachment occurs.
what is blind spot in human eye ?
Blind Spot
It is a spot at which the optic nerve enters the eye and is insensitive to light and hence the name.
The human eye has a blind spot in its field of vision. This lies on the point of the retina where the optic nerve leads back into the brain. The retina has no light-sensitive rods or cones at this point, and so a small object in the field of vision's blind spot becomes invisible. (Dr.Rashmi Sudha)
It is a spot at which the optic nerve enters the eye and is insensitive to light and hence the name.
The human eye has a blind spot in its field of vision. This lies on the point of the retina where the optic nerve leads back into the brain. The retina has no light-sensitive rods or cones at this point, and so a small object in the field of vision's blind spot becomes invisible. (Dr.Rashmi Sudha)
Eye Twitching or Blepharospasm
Eye Twitching, or Blepharospasm, is involuntary eyelid twitching. It is also referred to as an eye muscle spasm. The term blepharospasm really applies to any abnormal blinking or involuntary eye twitching of the eyelids caused by uncontrolled contractions of the muscles around the eyelids.
Sometimes people experience the twitching under the eye and others may experience the twitching in their right eye or twitching in their left eye. In simple terms it is a blinking disorder. One type of blepharospasm, Benign Essential Blepharospasm or BEB is a blinking disorder that is not life threatening and has an unknown causes. Other types of blepharospasm may be associated with dry eyes, Tourette’s Syndrome or other neurological problems and may be more serious. In general, patients experiencing blepharospasm have normal eyes and any disturbance in their vision is due to the forced closure of the eyelids. BEB should not be confused with ptosis, or a drooping of the eyelids that may be caused by a weakness or paralysis of the muscle in the upper eyelid. Minor eye twitches usually do not worsen. If they do worsen or persist, it is important to seek the advice of an eye care professional.
Blepharospasm usually starts with abnormal or excessive blinking that is accompanied by general eye irritation. Early on, the excessive blinking may only occur as a result of being exposed to bright lights, being tired or if you are under a great deal of stress. The frequency of the eye spasms may increase throughout the day. Sometimes the eye spasm may resolve during sleep and not even occur after a sound night’s sleep until you have been awake for many hours. As the condition worsens, the spasms tend to get stronger and may result in the eyelids being tightly shut for a few hours at time making it impossible for the person to see.
Some alternative names:
eye muscle twitch, eyelid twitch, eyelid spasm, eye spasm
Is it a constant eye twitch or does it come and go?
Eye Twitching, for most people, is just annoying, involuntary eye muscles spasm surrounding the eye that go away over time. The spasms usually occur a few times and come back. Spasms that cause twitching on one side of the face are known as hemifacial spasms. These are typically due to some form of irritation to the facial nerve This type of spasm requires visiting your family doctor who may refer you to a neurologist or an eye care professional, in order to determine the cause and what treatment might be appropriate. If your eye is twitching, then you should read about how to stop eye from twitching.
Sometimes people experience the twitching under the eye and others may experience the twitching in their right eye or twitching in their left eye. In simple terms it is a blinking disorder. One type of blepharospasm, Benign Essential Blepharospasm or BEB is a blinking disorder that is not life threatening and has an unknown causes. Other types of blepharospasm may be associated with dry eyes, Tourette’s Syndrome or other neurological problems and may be more serious. In general, patients experiencing blepharospasm have normal eyes and any disturbance in their vision is due to the forced closure of the eyelids. BEB should not be confused with ptosis, or a drooping of the eyelids that may be caused by a weakness or paralysis of the muscle in the upper eyelid. Minor eye twitches usually do not worsen. If they do worsen or persist, it is important to seek the advice of an eye care professional.
Blepharospasm usually starts with abnormal or excessive blinking that is accompanied by general eye irritation. Early on, the excessive blinking may only occur as a result of being exposed to bright lights, being tired or if you are under a great deal of stress. The frequency of the eye spasms may increase throughout the day. Sometimes the eye spasm may resolve during sleep and not even occur after a sound night’s sleep until you have been awake for many hours. As the condition worsens, the spasms tend to get stronger and may result in the eyelids being tightly shut for a few hours at time making it impossible for the person to see.
Some alternative names:
eye muscle twitch, eyelid twitch, eyelid spasm, eye spasm
Is it a constant eye twitch or does it come and go?
Eye Twitching, for most people, is just annoying, involuntary eye muscles spasm surrounding the eye that go away over time. The spasms usually occur a few times and come back. Spasms that cause twitching on one side of the face are known as hemifacial spasms. These are typically due to some form of irritation to the facial nerve This type of spasm requires visiting your family doctor who may refer you to a neurologist or an eye care professional, in order to determine the cause and what treatment might be appropriate. If your eye is twitching, then you should read about how to stop eye from twitching.
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