Eye Diseases Summary Some eye problems are minor and don’t last long. But some can lead to a permanent loss of vision. Common eye problems include Refractive errors Cataracts – clouded lenses Glaucoma – a disorder caused by damage to the optic nerve Retinal disorders – problems with the nerve layer at the back of the eye Macular degeneration – a disease that destroys sharp, central vision Diabetic eye problems Conjunctivitis – an infection also known as pinkeye Your best defense is to have regular checkups, because eye diseases do not always have symptoms. Early detection and treatment could prevent vision loss. See an eye care professional right away if you have a sudden change in vision, if everything looks dim, or if you see flashes of light. Other symptoms that need quick attention are pain, double vision, fluid coming from the eye, and inflammation. NIH: National Eye Institute National Eye Institute Related Issues Abnormal Head Position American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Are 3-D Movies Bad for Your Eyes? American Academy of Ophthalmology Bell’s Palsy American Academy of Ophthalmology Dermoid Cyst American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Fetal Alcohol Syndrome American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Floaters Prevent Blindness America Headaches in Children American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Inflammation of the Orbit Merck & Co., Inc. Neurofibromatosis American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Ocular Hypertension American Academy of Ophthalmology People with Increased Risk of Eye Damage from UV Light American Academy of Ophthalmology Red Eye Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Smoking and Eye Health American Academy of Ophthalmology What Is an Ocular Migraine? 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