Vision depends on the brain as much as it does on the eyes. The complex process for us to see starts with light entering the eye. That light is converted into electrical signals that travel to the brain via the optic nerve, a bundle of more than...
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Ophthalmic Disease Genotyping and Phenotyping Network (eyeGENE) is a research venture to further advance genetic research on inherited eye disease. eyeGENE aims to advance studies of eye diseases and their genetic causes by giving...
Oral, written, or electronic statements or other information that use NIH names or logos may cause individuals to believe that those materials reflect the official opinions, determinations, findings, or experience of the NIH, the U.S. Department...
Floaters are little “cobwebs” or specks that float about in your field of vision. They are small, dark, shadowy shapes that can look like spots, thread-like strands, or squiggly lines. Nearly everyone experiences floaters at some point in life....
There are several causes for excessive (too much) tearing.
The lacrimal system is composed of glands that make tears and a drainage system that collects them. Excessive tearing (lacrimation) and defective drainage of tears (epiphora) are...
A pterygium is a pinkish, triangular-shaped tissue growth on the cornea. Some pterygia grow slowly throughout a person’s life, while others stop growing after a certain point. A pterygium rarely grows so large that it begins to cover the pupil of...
Herpes of the eye, or ocular herpes, is a recurrent viral infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is the most common infectious cause of corneal blindness in the U.S. Previous studies show that once people develop ocular herpes,...
Lattice dystrophy gets its name from an accumulation of amyloid deposits, or abnormal protein fibers, throughout the middle and anterior stroma. During an eye examination, the doctor sees these deposits in the stroma as clear, comma-shaped...
Meesmann’s dystrophy is a non-progressive early childhood disorder of the cornea. Treatment is usually unnecessary.
Currently, the NEI does not have a factsheet on this condition.
For more information from other health sites, please...
Keratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea. This condition is the most common corneal dystrophy in the U.S., affecting 1in every 2,000 Americans. It is more prevalent in teenagers and adults in their 20s. Keratoconus is when the middle...