age-related macular degeneration Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration is a common cause of blindness and vision problems among older people. Macular degeneration is also called age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. astigmatism Astigmatism Astigmatism means that the cornea of the eye has an irregular shape, causing vision problems. cataracts Cataracts Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens. They occur when certain proteins in the lens form abnormal clumps. choroidal melanoma Choroidal Melanoma Choroidal melanoma is a cancer that affects part of the eye. It develops in the choroid, the sponge-like membrane at the back of the eye between the sclera (the white of the eye) and the retina. conjunctivitis Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Conjunctivitis, also called pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the whites of the eyes. corneal abrasion Corneal Abrasion The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped "window" that covers the front of the eye. A nick, scratch or scrape of the cornea is called a corneal abrasion. crossed eyes Crossed Eyes (Strabismus) Crossed eyes, also called strabismus, occurs when the eyes appear to be misaligned and point in different directions. dislocated lens Dislocated Lens The lens is a transparent, disk-shaped structure in the eye that focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. A dislocated lens is a lens that has moved out of position because some or all of the supporting ligaments have broken. endophthalmitis Endophthalmitis Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the inside of the eye. The inflammation can extend to surrounding tissues responsible for vision. farsightedness Farsightedness (Hyperopia) A person with farsightedness, also called hyperopia, has difficulty seeing objects close to the eye. They can see distant objects well. glaucoma Glaucoma Glaucoma is a common eye condition in which vision is lost because of damage to the optic nerve. retinopathy Retinopathy Retinopathy refers to diseases that affect the retina, the collection of light-sensitive cells lining the back half of each eye. keratitis Keratitis Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the outermost part of the eye. lazy eye Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) Lazy eye, also called amblyopia, is an eye problem that can occur in growing children. macular degeneration Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration is a common cause of blindness and vision problems among older people. Macular degeneration is also called age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. nearsightedness Nearsightedness (Myopia) Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is a condition in which a person has difficulty seeing objects that are located at a distance, but can see close objects clearly. retrobulbar neuritis Retrobulbar Neuritis Retrobulbar neuritis, a form of optic neuritis, is a condition in which the optic nerve, which is at the back of the eye, becomes inflamed. papilledema Optic Nerve Swelling (Papilledema) Papilledema is the swelling of the optic nerve as it enters the back of the eye. presbyopia Presbyopia Presbyopia is the progressive inability of the lens of the eye to change shape and focus clearly on near objects. retinal vessel occlusion Retinal Vessel Occlusion The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that is responsible for vision. If an occlusion (blockage) forms, there is typically a sudden, painless loss of vision in the affected eye. retinitis pigmentosa Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinitis pigmentosa is a disorder in which the cells in the eye that sense light break down (degenerate), leading to a slow loss of vision and sometimes blindness. retinoblastoma Retinoblastoma Retinoblastoma is a form of cancer that develops on the retina. Although rare, retinoblastoma is the most common eye tumor in children. scleritis Scleritis Scleritis is a potentially serious inflammation of the sclera, commonly called the white of the eye. uveitis Uveitis Uveitis means inflammation of the part of the eye called the uvea. The uvea, also called the uveal tract, is a continuous layer of fibrous tissue that surrounds the eye. black eye Black Eye A black eye, sometimes called a "shiner," is a bruise around the eye. fracture of eye socket Eye Socket Fracture (Fracture of the Orbit) A broken bone (fracture) in the eye socket can involve the rim of the socket, the floor or both. chemical Chemical Injury to the Eye A chemical eye injury is an emergency. Damage can occur within one to five minutes. foreign body Foreign Body in Eye Eyelashes prevent most particles or objects from entering the eye, and tears usually are able to rinse out particles that do get in the eye. Occasionally, a solid object or projectile can adhere to the eye or embed itself below the surface of the eye. Graves' disease Graves' Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) Graves' eye disease, also called Graves' ophthalmopathy, is a problem that develops in people with an overactive thyroid caused by Graves' disease. age-related vision change Presbyopia Presbyopia is the progressive inability of the lens of the eye to change shape and focus clearly on near objects. dacryocystitis Tear Duct Infection (Dacryocystitis) Dacryocystitis is an infection in the tear ducts of the eye or in the tear sac, also called the lacrimal sac. diplopia Double Vision (Diplopia) Double vision, also called diplopia, causes a person to see two images of a single object. dry eye syndrome Dry Eye Syndrome Dry eye syndrome occurs when there is a breakdown in the body's ability to produce the tears that moisten, protect and cleanse the eyes. optic-nerve swelling Optic Nerve Swelling (Papilledema) Papilledema is the swelling of the optic nerve as it enters the back of the eye. strabismus Crossed Eyes (Strabismus) Crossed eyes, also called strabismus, occurs when the eyes appear to be misaligned and point in different directions. tear duct infection Tear Duct Infection (Dacryocystitis) Dacryocystitis is an infection in the tear ducts of the eye or in the tear sac, also called the lacrimal sac. detached retina Detached Retina A detached retina, also called a retinal detachment, is a separation of the retina from the deeper layers of the eyeball that normally support and nourish it. myopia Nearsightedness (Myopia) Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is a condition in which a person has difficulty seeing objects that are located at a distance, but can see close objects clearly. hyperopia Farsightedness (Hyperopia) A person with farsightedness, also called hyperopia, has difficulty seeing objects close to the eye. They can see distant objects well. LASIK LASIK LASIK is an innovative form of eye surgery. It uses a laser to reshape the cornea. LASIK stands for "laser in situ keratomileusis." corneal transplant Corneal Transplant When corneal problems seriously impair vision, a corneal transplant often is the best solution. amblyopia Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) Lazy eye, also called amblyopia, is an eye problem that can occur in growing children. double vision Double Vision (Diplopia) Double vision, also called diplopia, causes a person to see two images of a single object.