Dr. Katarzyna Brodowska, MD

Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.

Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.

More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.

One procedure used to treat retinal detachment is called pneumatic retinopexy. In this procedure, a small bubble is injected into the eye to hold the retina in place and allow it to reattach. The patient lies face-down for several days after the procedure to help the retina heal. Other procedures make use of lasers or a cryoprobe, a tiny instrument that freezes tissue, to repair tears in the retina and stick it back into place. Sometimes a procedure called scleral buckling is used, where a tiny piece of silicone is attached to the eyeball. This creates an indent that relieves pressure on the retina and allows it to heal in the correct position.

Recovery from retinal detachment repair depends on the type of procedure used. Patients may go home right away, or have to stay in the hospital for a short time. In addition, patients may be instructed to use eye drops or wear an eye patch for a few days. In general, recovering from retinal repair takes one to two weeks. During this time, patients may experience soreness, swelling, or discharge from the eye. As vision stabilizes, patients should not drive a car or travel without checking with their doctor. Taking it easy for a short period of time can make all the difference when it comes to saving one's vision.

During surgery, patients will be given adequate anesthesia so they won't be aware of what is happening. After surgery, patients may feel some discomfort as their eyes heal Patients may have to temporarily wear an eye patch to protect their eyes, or use eye drops to help them heal. Depending on what kind of surgery patients have had, their vision may be blurry for a few days. Patients should feel better within a few days, but it may take more than a month for their vision to completely recover.