Welcome to the Patient Education Library of Southwest Eye Consultants
We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about ophthalmologic conditions or treatment. Choose a topic below to learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment, please feel free to contact Southwest Eye Consultants at (970) 828-2200. To request an appointment, use our secure online appointment request form.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.
Ophthalmology A-Z
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Did You Know?
More than 22 million Americans age 40 and older are affected by cataracts. In fact, by age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had cataract surgery.
Source: National Eye Institute
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Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a very common vision condition. An abnormally shaped cornea or lens causes it. As a result, light is not projected on the retina, as it should be, causing vision to be blurred or distorted. Astigmatism can affect near ... Read More
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Blepharitis - Eyelid Infection
Blepharitis is a common eyelid infection. It is an inflammation that occurs along the inner or outer side of the eyelashes on the eyelids. Blepharitis is most frequently caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. It is treated with good eyelid ... Read More
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Cataract Surgery - Retained Lens Material
In some cases, a cataract cannot be removed completely with surgery and some of the lens material remains in the eye. If the amount of retained lens material is small, it may dissolve. If there is a large amount of ... Read More
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Cataracts
Cataracts are a common condition among older adults. A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. The lens is a structure that helps you focus on what you see. Cataracts develop for many reasons, including advancing ... Read More
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Central Serous Retinopathy - Inner Eye Condition
Central serous retinopathy (CSR), also known as central serous choroidopathy (CSC), is usually a temporary inner eye condition. CSR results from the build-up of fluid under the retina. The retina is similar to the film in a camera and is ... Read More
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Chalazia
A chalazion is an inflammation within the gland of the eyelid. It forms over several weeks and appears as a reddened lump or bump on the eyelid. A chalazion can cause eyelid tenderness and painful swelling. In some cases, chalazia ... Read More
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Conjunctivitis - Inner Eyelid Infection
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin film that covers the inside of your eyelids and the whites of your eyes. There are many causes and types of conjunctivitis. Some kinds are contagious ... Read More
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Corneal Abrasion or Injury
Corneal abrasions and injuries are common. Your cornea is located at the front of your eye. It may be scratched or injured by substances, such as dirt, sand, or chemicals. Contact lenses or ultraviolet light may harm the cornea. Puncture ... Read More
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Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the retina that is caused by Diabetes. The retina is located at the back of your eye. Diabetic retinopathy is the most frequent type of diabetes-related eye complication and a leading cause ... Read More
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Double Vision - Diplopia
Double vision, termed diplopia, causes a person to actually see two images of a single object or item. It can occur in both eyes (Binocular Diplopia) or it may occur in just one eye (Minocular Diplopia). Double images may appear beside, ... Read More
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Dry Eye
Dry eyes are a common condition. Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them moist. This may happen under certain circumstances, such as from side effects of some medications or being in a dry ... Read More
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Endophthalmitis - Inner Eye Infection
Endophthalmitis is a serious inner eye infection. It is most frequently caused by bacteria that enters the inner eye, which may result following eye surgery, general surgery, blood disease, or eye injury. Endophthalmitis is a medical emergency. You should contact ... Read More
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Eye Allergies
Eye allergies are usually more annoying than they are dangerous. Eye allergies are common. In fact, about 50% of people with general allergies experience eye allergies. In many cases, over-the-counter medications can help relieve itchy watery eyes. However, if your ... Read More
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Eye Injury
The eye can be injured quite easily. Trauma may result from cuts, scratches, penetration, debris, light, chemicals, and blunt forces. Except for the most trivial injuries, eye trauma needs immediate professional evaluation and treatment. Untreated eye trauma may lead to ... Read More
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Eye Tumors
Tumors inside of the eye, referred to as intraocular tumors, are composed of cells that grow abnormally and create a mass. There are many types of eye tumors. Eye tumors can be benign or malignant. Your doctor can detect an intraocular tumor ... Read More
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Eye Ultrasound, A-Scan & B-Scan - Eye Imaging Test
Ultrasound, also referred to as echography, uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal eye structures. It is a helpful diagnostic tool if cataracts or other conditions prevent a doctor from viewing inside of your eye with ... Read More
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Eyelid Lift - Blepharoplasty
An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. The procedure removes fat and excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. An eyelid lift may also be ... Read More
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Farsightedness - Hyperopia
Farsightedness, medically termed hyperopia, is a type of refraction error. People with farsightedness can see distant objects clearly but have difficulty seeing objects that are close. Nearby objects appear blurry. Farsightedness is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. ... Read More
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Flashes and Floaters
Most people experience flashes of light and floaters or specks in the field of vision from time to time. Flashes and floaters occur naturally with increasing age. Flashes and floaters that occur suddenly or are accompanied by vision loss may be ... Read More
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Fluorescein Angiography - Blood Vessel Imaging
Fluorescein angiography is an eye test that is used to detect blood circulation problems in the retina and choroid, structures that are located in the back of your eyes. The test uses an injected dye and a special camera to ... Read More
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Fundus Photography - Back of the Eye Imaging
Fundus photography is a specialized medical imaging test used to take pictures of the structures located at the back of the eye, including the retina. It produces a series of photos that are helpful for diagnosing, documenting, and monitoring certain ... Read More
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Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disorder that occurs from damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries nerve signals about what you see to your brain for processing. Glaucoma most frequently results from an imbalance of fluid production and drainage ... Read More
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Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT)
Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT) is a state-of-the-art imaging method used to evaluate the optic nerve for subtle changes related to glaucoma. The optic nerve carries nerve signals about what you see to your brain for processing. Glaucoma is an eye ... Read More
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Indocyanine Green (ICG) Angiography - Blood Vessel Imaging
Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography is an eye test that is used to detect blood circulation problems in the choroid. The choroid is a blood vessel layer located under the retina in the back of your eye. The test uses an ... Read More
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Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an eye condition that typically first develops during the teenage years. It causes the cornea, a part of the eye that plays a role in focusing, to change shape, which leads to blurred vision. A hallmark sign of ... Read More
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Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, also referred to as age-related macular degeneration or senile macular degeneration is a common eye disease. Macular degeneration is associated with aging. It can destroy sharp central vision. Early detection is the best defense against visual loss from ... Read More
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Nearsightedness - Myopia
Nearsightedness, medically termed myopia, is a type of refractive error. People with nearsightedness can see close objects clearly, but have difficulty seeing objects that are far away. Distant objects appear blurry. Nearsightedness is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. ... Read More
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Ocular Toxoplasmosis - Eye Infection
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a type of inner eye infection. It is a leading cause of retinochoroiditis in the United States. Retinochoroiditis affects the retina, located at the back of the eye, and the choroid, its blood supply. Ocular toxoplasmosis is ... Read More
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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) - Eye Imaging Test
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a new type of imaging technology. OCT is used for taking cross-sectional pictures of the retina. The retina is located at the back of your eye. It is used to diagnose and follow treatment in certain ... Read More
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Pediatric Eye Conditions
There are a variety of vision problems that may affect infants and children. You should have your child evaluated if you suspect that your child is having a vision problem. Infants or children do not need to be able to ... Read More
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Premature Infant Retinal Disorder- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), also called retrolental fribroplasia, is abnormal blood vessel development that may occur in some premature babies. The retina is located at the back of the eye. The retina transmits nerve messages about what is seen to ... Read More
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Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a progressive reduction in close range focusing power. With age, the eyes lose their ability to focus on near objects. Nearby objects appear blurry. Presbyopia is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. ... Read More
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Retinal Tear and Detachment
Retina tears and detachment occur when the retina separates from its blood supply. Your retina is located at the back of your inner eye. Untreated retinal detachments can cause blurred vision and permanent vision loss. A retinal tear or detachment ... Read More
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Retinal Vascular Diseases
Retinal vascular diseases are conditions that can block or restrict the blood flow throughout the eye structures. Retinal vascular diseases are common in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and other factors that cause vascular disease in the body. You ... Read More
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The Eyes: How They Work
Your visual system consists of your eyes, nerve pathways, and your brain. Your eyes are where the visual process begins. Nerve pathways extend from your eyes and carry messages throughout your brain for processing. Your brain interprets what you see—colors, ... Read More
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Uveitis - Inner Eye Infection or Inflammation
Uveitis is one of the leading causes of blindness. Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. Uveitis can cause minimal to severe symptoms, including red painful eyes. There are several causes and different types ... Read More
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Visual Acuity: What is 20/20 Vision?
Visual acuity refers to the smallest detail that you are able to see. Visual acuity testing, such as reading letters or shapes on a chart, measures the eye’s potential central vision or detailed vision. Visual acuity is a measure of ... Read More
Copyright © - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
