Background
The eye is like a fluid filled ball, containing the:
- Conjunctiva and sclera — the outer white part of the eyeball.
- Cornea — the clear front opening which lets the light in.
- Iris — the colored ring that determines the color of our eyes and how much light gets in.
- The lens inside the eye (just behind the cornea and iris) which allows us to focus. A cataract is when the lens gets cloudy.
- Retina — the nerve layer in the back of the eyeball which captures the images we see and sends them to the brain via the optic nerve.
- Macula — a special area of the retina used for reading and fine detail.
- Vitreous humor — clear, gelatinous substance filling the central cavity of the eye. This is like the eyes' circulatory system to bring in nutrients and wash out toxins.
Common eye problems include (see each for individual treatments):
- Conjunctivitis — where the whites of the eye(s) become red and uncomfortable.
- Cataracts — where the lens gets cloudy.
- Eye Floaters — seeing spots.
- Vision Loss — in 1 eye.
- Macular Degeneration.
- Glaucoma — elevated eye pressure.