Eye Institute of Albuquerque








Thank you for visiting the Eye Diseases page of the Eye Insitute of Albuquerque web site. The doctors at the Eye Institute recommend annual eye examination. It is during an annual eye exam that diseases of the eye are detected and diagnosed. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

This page is designed to give you information about some of the most common diseases of the eye. Please visit the National Eye Institute for more information about the diseases not listed.

Cataract: A cataract is formed when the lens inside the eye becomes clouded. Most of the time, this cloudiness results in blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or poor night vision. The vast majority of cataracts develop as a person ages (senile cataract), though some people are born with them (congenital cataract). Still other cataracts are caused by trauma, medications, long-term inflammation, or systemic bodily disease. Cataracts can be treated with extraction and intraocular lens implantation.

For more information about Cataract please visit the National Eye Institute.

Open Angle Glaucoma: The colored part of the eye (the iris) has a fluid (aqueous) that provides it with oxygen and nutrients. The constant production and drainage of aqueous maintains pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). When too much aqueous is produced, or drainage is not adequate, the intraocular pressure rises. The pressure then pushes on the optic nerve, which results in nerve damage and vision loss. This damage and visual loss is what is called glaucoma. Older people, people with a family history, nearsighted people, and people of African descent are at higher risk for glaucoma. Glaucoma has no early warning signs. Glaucoma is diagnosed based on these risk factors, intraocular pressure and visual field measurement, and examination of the aqueous drainage system and optic nerve. Early detection is the key to successful treatment. Glaucoma may be treated with drops. Annual comprehensive eye examination including Glaucoma testing is recommended.

For more information about Glaucoma please visit the National Eye Institute.

Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is a loss of central or "straight ahead" vision caused by a progressive deterioration of the macula, the part of the retina where most of the light focuses. The most commonly named cause for macular degeneration is heredity. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common form. It tends to progress slowly. While a patient loses central vision, peripheral vision remains. Macular degeneration may be detected and diagnosed during annual comprehensive eye examination. Depending on the form of macular degeneration, treatment may be available.

For more information about Age Related Macular Degeneration please visit the National Eye Institute.

Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the tissue underneath it. The clearest symptoms of a detachment are flashes of light, blind spots, or a sensation as if a curtain is being pulled across the vision. If these symptoms are noted it is imperative that you contact us IMMEDIATELY for emergency evaluation. Floaters are sometimes a symptom. Retinal detachments can occur spontaneously, or can be the result of trauma. Retinal detachments can be repaired with surgery or laser.

For more information about Retinal Detachment please visit the National Eye Institute.