Emerging External Eye Diseases: Insights Into Future’s Gaze

Introduction

The eye is the most vital organ in the human body. Any conditions that affect the eye can significantly impact the person's quality of life. Emerging external eye diseases are a group of eye conditions that have recently become more widespread, increasing the risk of developing new cases of eye diseases. Eye diseases can affect any part of the external eye, including the cornea, conjunctiva, eyelids, and sclera, with various causes and risk factors. In recent years, the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on eye conditions has been a major concern. Digital devices are a part of modern life. Prolonged use of digital devices is associated with emerging ocular conditions. These devices can cause symptoms such as dryness, eye fatigue, and discomfort, which affect the individual's visual performance. Early detection, treatment, and effective management can prevent vision loss and complications. The article discusses emerging external eye diseases, types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What Are the Various Emerging External Eye Diseases?

Several emerging external eye diseases are becoming more prevalent nowadays. The most common emerging eye diseases are as follows:

• Dry Eye Disease: The condition is when the eyes do not produce enough tears. There may be poor-quality tears that may lead to redness, eye discomfort, and itching. Tears provide lubrication and nourish the eyes. It also protects the eyes from infection. It is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Several causes can lead to the development of dry eyes, such as aging, hormonal changes, prolonged use of digital screens, medications, and environmental factors. Untreated, dry eyes may lead to vision loss and corneal ulcers.

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: The condition that affects the meibomian glands in the eyelids. These glands produce oil that prevents dry eyes by evaporating tears too quickly. If the glands get blocked, that can lead to altered or reduced oil production in the tears. The symptoms include blurred vision, dry eyes, burning sensation, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. The condition is more common in older individuals because of hormonal changes, environmental factors, and medications. Treatment can reduce the symptoms.

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: The conjunctiva that covers the white part of the eye gets inflamed due to an allergic reaction. The condition is more common in individuals with allergies and asthma. The symptoms include watery eyes, burning sensation, blurred vision, redness, and swelling of the eyes. Various allergens, including dust, pollens, mites, and certain medications, cause the condition. Early treatment can prevent complications and reduce the symptoms.

• Keratoconus: The condition that affects the cornea. The cornea gets distorted and bulges in a cone-like shape leading to blurred vision. The condition can develop during early childhood or adulthood. It may be due to genetic or environmental factors. The symptoms include eye redness, irritation, blurred vision, distorted vision, eye strain, headaches, halos around light, and difficulty seeing at night.

• Blepharitis: The inflammation of eyelids can affect people of all ages. The symptoms include red and swollen eyes, watery eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and a stinging sensation in the eyes. Maintenance of good eyelid hygiene, avoiding rubbing in the eyes, and washing them with warm water can prevent the development of the condition.

• Amblyopia: The condition is also known as lazy eye. The problem occurs in the vision during childhood. Amblyopia, if left untreated, can lead to permanent blindness. A regular eye examination is essential for the treatment of the condition.

• Keratitis: The infection and inflammation of the cornea can be caused by various factors such as fungal, viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. The other factors include dry eye, trauma, or exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The symptoms include eye pain, blurred vision, eye discharge, sensitivity to light, swelling of the eye, and blurred vision.

• Eye Tearing: The condition is also known as epiphora. The condition in which tears overflow into the cheeks. This can occur due to dry eyes, allergies, eye infections, blockage to the tear duct, eyelid problems, and medications. Warm compresses and artificial tears may help in treating the condition.

• Macular Degeneration: The disease that affects the macula. The macula is the retina's central part responsible for sharp vision. The condition can lead to loss of central vision. Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors can lead to the development of macular degeneration. The symptoms include blurred vision and difficulty reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

• Cataract: The age-related condition in which the lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision. The condition develops slowly over time. The symptoms include sensitivity to glare, double vision, halos around light, faded colors, cloudy vision, and difficulty seeing at night.

How Can Emerging External Eye Disease Be Diagnosed?

A comprehensive eye examination can diagnose emerging external eye diseases. Various diagnostic tests are as follows:

• Visual Acuity Test: The doctor may ask the patient to read the eye chart at various distances. The test measures the sharpness of the vision.

• Refraction Testing: The doctor may prescribe the test to diagnose nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hypermetropia) for the need for corrective lenses.

• Slit-Lamp Examination: The test uses high magnification by using a microscope which allows the doctor to examine the deep structures of the eye.

• Tonometry: The test measures the pressure inside the eye and is mainly prescribed in case of glaucoma.

• Dilated Eye Examination: The eye drops widen the pupils and allow the doctor to see any signs of optic nerve damage.

How Can Emerging External Eye Diseases Be Treated?

The common treatment modalities are as follows:

• Topical Medications: The doctor may prescribe eye drops to treat allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye disease.

• Oral Medications: The doctor may prescribe antibiotics and antihistamines for bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis.

• Contact Lenses: The doctor may prescribe contact lenses to manage keratoconus.

• Surgery: The doctor may prescribe surgery for cataracts and corneal ulcers.

Conclusion

Emerging external eye diseases are eye conditions that are recently increasing. The disease can affect the external eye structures such as the cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, and eyelids. Several factors, such as aging, genetic, and environmental factors, increase the incidence of external eye diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment help manage the condition. Emerging external eye diseases are a major concern requiring effective treatment, attention, and research. Regular eye examination and good eye hygiene can help manage the condition.