5 Uncommon Eye Conditions That Ophthalmologists Treat
Ophthalmologists treat diseases like near-sightedness, farsightedness, cataracts, and macular degeneration regularly. These are some of the most common eye diseases in India. [1] [2] But did you know that ophthalmologists also research and cure rare eye diseases?
On an average day, when you visit the eye doctor, you may not expect to be diagnosed with a rare eye disease. However, it is important to get your eyes appropriately checked, if they present uncommon eye problem symptoms. Doing so will help you avoid any serious consequences caused by undiagnosed eye conditions.
A disease is considered ‘rare’ when it affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people.[3] Even though the number is low, it can significantly impact the quality of a person’s life if they suffer from a rare eye condition. Thanks to cutting-edge research in the medical field, ophthalmologists are discovering solutions for some of the most complex eye disorders.
Knowing some of these conditions can help you take care of your eye health in a more informed way. So, here is a list of 5 uncommon eye conditions which your ophthalmologist can treat:
1.Charles Bonnet Syndrome [4]
Charles Bonnet syndrome is an eye condition that affects people who have lost most or all of their vision. People with Charles Bonnet syndrome are prone to hallucinating or seeing things that are not actually present.
Such hallucinations affect up to 30% of persons who have severe vision loss in both eyes. They may perceive geometric patterns, as well as people, animals, or structures that are not actually present.
Some people worry that they are losing touch with reality, but this is not the case. Most patients are aware that the visuals are not real. For a year or two, these hallucinations may come and go, then fade away.
2.Haemolacria (Bloody Tears) [4]
Tears that are tinted with blood indicate that there is an underlying eye condition. It is amongst the eye problem symptoms of an extremely rare disease called haemolacria. A conjunctival injury or an object trapped under or inside the eyelid might cause haemolacria.
Haemophilia, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, and ocular malignancies are all examples of possible causes. To select the appropriate treatment, doctors narrow down the actual cause.
Though bleeding from the eyes sounds strange and surreal, it is a true illness with an eye problem symptoms that can be shocking. People with haemolacria do not have to be sobbing for bleeding to happen; it comes on suddenly and lasts for a long time. Nonetheless, Haemolacria is usually painless.
3.Retinitis Pigmentosa [4]
Eye problems with age are also a significant concern, and retinitis pigmentosa is a rare eye condition that surfaces later in life. People who are born with this hereditary eye condition gradually lose their vision as they grow older. It begins with difficulty seeing at night or recognising things on the edges, or peripheral, of their vision.
Low vision aids and technologies can be beneficial to correct such eye problems with age. However, ophthalmologists and other experts are working on more effective treatments.
4.Usher Syndrome [4]
Unlike some of the other rare eye conditions on this list, Usher's syndrome can also damage the hearing abilities of the affected person. It is one of the most common eye diseases in India that impairs both hearing and vision, even though it is a rare disease. Usher syndrome is related to retinitis pigmentosa, however people with usher syndrome frequently experience significant balance disorders and hearing loss in addition to the symptoms of RP.
5.Stargardt Disease [4]
Stargardt disease is an eye condition that might go unnoticed until people acquire cloudy or distorted vision in adolescence. Vision loss can progress to the point of legal blindness over time. Ophthalmologists and researchers are working hard to develop gene therapies and stem cell therapies.
Finding out that you have a rare eye condition can be frightening at first, however, there are treatments and visual aids available to maintain quality of vision. Nonetheless, it is crucial to get regular eye exams to keep safe and healthy.
Based on your doctor’s suggestion, you can buy Bausch+Lomb contact lenses that are suited for you by visiting our website or contacting your nearest eye-care goods retailer. For example, people with eye conditions like astigmatism can opt for toric eye lenses to correct the condition. With top-quality contact lenses in India, you can enjoy life with more visual clarity and comfort.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this article should be considered as medical advice, and it is not meant to take the place of a doctor’s advice. Always see your eye doctor if you have any specific questions.
[1] https://www.ijcmr.com/uploads/7/7/4/6/77464738/ijcmr_2695_v2.pdf
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161642010005622
[3] https://www.rarediseaseday.org/what-is-a-rare-disease/
[4] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/20-rare-eye-conditions-that-ophthalmologists-treat
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