What common eye conditions usually require treatment by a doctor?

Trauma: Blunt trauma to the eye requires immediate evaluation by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Trauma to the eye can activate bleeding into the eye from ruptured blood vessels or cause detachment of the retina. Both situations can seriously impair vision.

Abrasion: An abrasion usually occurs when a fingernail or metallic foreign object rubs across the cornea or conjunctiva. There is a risk of bacterial or fungal contamination and infection following an eye abrasion.

Chemical exposure: Exposure of the eye to household cleaning solutions, fumes, or an actual chemical splash requires immediate evaluation by a physician, though initially it may be self- treated with water or an irrigant.

Keratitis: Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that may occur alone or simultaneously with conjunctivitis. The symptoms of keratitis include blurred vision, pain, and intolerance to light (photophobia).

Corneal swelling: Corneal swelling, or edema, is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the cornea. The edema causes visual disturbances such as halos or starbursts around lights. Reduced vision may or may not occur. Corneal swelling can arise as a complication of contact lenses, surgical damage to the cornea, or an inherited defect. Hyperosmotics are used to treat corneal swelling, but additional treatment by a physician may be necessary.

Uveitis: Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye structures in the uveal tract (the iris and other structures within the eye to which the iris attaches). Uveitis may occur without an obvious cause or may be due to trauma or an inflammatory disease in other parts of the body. Symptoms and signs of uveitis are similar to those of conjunctivitis and keratitis.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This disorder usually is triggered after an eye exam in which the pupils have been dilated. Angle- closure glaucoma is due to an obstruction of the canal system that drains fluid from the inside of the eye. As a result, fluid accumulates and the pressure within the eye increases. Patients may have a tendency to develop angle-closure glaucoma because of an anatomical defect in their eye. Common symptoms include an aching eyebrow or a headache that leads to nausea and vomiting. Angle-closure glaucoma should be suspected if symptoms develop after an agent is used to dilate the pupils for an eye exam.