Infectious Disease and Ophthalmology
Ebola is an infectious disease through a virus that causes severe inflammation. The Ebola epidemic in West Africa served to have many economic, political, and social burdens. In recent years, Ebola has also become an ophthalmic concern, as we are seeing many more cases of the Ebola virus in the ocular fluid of the eyes. This causes ocular manifestations which results in retinal detachments, vision loss, cataracts, and more. Infectious diseases have become an increasingly prevalent issue in ophthalmology that we aim to tackle by reforming our vision health systems in underdeveloped communities and strengthening their access to resources.
Common Eye Disorders and Diseases
Amblyopia – Impaired vision in one (sometimes two) eye due to lack of use in early childhood development. This can often be corrected if treated early but if left untreated, it can permanently alter your vision.
Cataracts – Loss of vision due to the clouding of the lens of the eye. This is the leading cause of blindness globally.
Glaucoma – Impaired vision due to damage of the optic nerve from an increase of pressure in the eyes. Glaucoma is a massive incidence in the developing world and extremely common in African countries.
Refractive Errors – Includes myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (distorted images). This is the most frequent eye issue in the United States.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration – Associated with aging and includes Wet AMD (abnormal blood vessel growth in the macula) and Dry AMD (thinning of the macula), which blurs central vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy – Complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels of the retina that are necessary for good vision.
Types of Eyeglasses
Single Vision – These glasses only correct vision at one specific distance (near, far, astigmatism)
Bifocals – These have two powers and correct distance vision and near vision.
Trifocals – These are similar to bifocals but have an additional intermediate power.
Progressives – Another multifocal lens without lines between each section.
