Ophthalmology (Eye Diseases)

What is Performed in a General Examination at the Eye Health and Diseases Department?

• Detection of refractive errors
•  Evaluation of visual acuity
• Measurement of intraocular pressure
• Examination of the cornea, iris, lens, and fundus (optic nerve and retina) with a biomicroscope
• Evaluation of problems related to strabismus and eye muscles

Which Diseases are Treated at the Eye Health and Diseases Department?

• Myopia – Hypermetropia
• Cataract
• Astigmatism
• Glaucoma
• Presbyopia
• Amblyopia
• Strabismus
• Retinal diseases

Cataract

Cataract is the clouding and loss of transparency of the eye’s natural lens. This condition is usually associated with the aging process, but trauma, genetic factors, diabetes, long-term corticosteroid use, smoking, and certain health problems can also increase the risk of cataracts.

Symptoms Of Cataract:

1.    Blurred or cloudy vision: Cataract reduces image clarity and can cause blurred vision. Colors may appear faded or yellowish.

2.    Sensitivity to light: You may feel discomfort from light sources or notice glare, flashes, or shadows in your vision.

3.    Problems with night vision: Cataracts can affect your night vision. You may have more difficulty seeing while driving at night or in low-light environments.

4.    Double vision: Cataracts can cause double vision.

Treatment is usually performed surgically. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. After surgery, most people experience a significant improvement in vision.

Strabismus

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes lose their normal alignment. It usually occurs due to improper functioning of the eye muscles.

Symptoms Of Strabismus:

1.    One eye deviates in a different direction than the other

2.    Lack of coordination between the two eyes

3.    Blurred or double vision

4.    Eye fatigue or strain

5.    Headaches or pain around the eyes

Treatment Options For Strabismus May Include:

1.    Glasses or contact lenses

2.    Eye exercises

3.    Oculoplastic surgery: Surgical procedures to align the eye muscles properly

4.    Botox injections: Temporarily paralyzing and correcting the eye muscles

5.    Surgery

Retina

The retina is the layer lining the inside of the eyeball, containing the cells responsible for vision and transmitting visual signals to the optic nerve. There are many diseases affecting the retina, some of which include:

• Diabetic retinal hemorrhages
• Retinal hemorrhages and edema due to retinal vascular occlusions and hypertension
• Macular degeneration
• Macular edema
• Retinal and uveal tumors
• Retinal tears and detachments

In the diagnosis of retinal diseases, biomicroscopic examination, and when necessary, tests such as OCT (optical coherence tomography) and FFA (fundus fluorescein angiography) are used. Laser therapy, intraocular injections, and surgery are the main treatment options.

Eyelid Disorders

Eyelid disorders are abnormalities in the shape, position, or function of the eyelids. These disorders may be congenital or develop with age. Some common eyelid disorders include:

1.    Ptosis (drooping eyelid)

2.    Eyelid sagging

3.    Entropion or ectropion (inward or outward turning eyelid)

4.    Tear duct blockage

5.    Eyelid tumors

6.    Styes and eyelid cysts

7.    Eyelid drooping and loss of function due to facial paralysis

8.    Involuntary eyelid twitching

Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes optic nerve damage and vision loss due to increased intraocular pressure.
Glaucoma usually does not produce obvious symptoms and can progress insidiously. This is because patients often do not notice vision loss in the early stages. However, in advanced cases, a narrowed visual field or central vision loss may occur.

Glaucoma treatment varies depending on the type of disease, its progression, and the patient’s characteristics. Treatment options may include eye drops, oral medications, laser surgery (such as trabeculoplasty or iridotomy), intraocular pressure-regulating implants, and conventional surgery. The goal of treatment is to control intraocular pressure, protect the optic nerve, and prevent vision loss.

Eyelid Aesthetics

With age, sagging, drooping, wrinkles, and puffiness may develop in the eyelids and skin. Sometimes, genetic factors can cause similar problems in younger individuals. Surgically planned treatments tailored to the patient’s needs can produce highly satisfactory results, improving a tired or unhappy appearance.
In lower eyelid aesthetics, surgery can be performed by making an incision in the skin or a hidden incision inside the eyelid. This procedure can correct under-eye bags, skin sagging, and drooping eyelids.

Prosthetic Eye

In cases where the eye loses its ability to see due to various reasons, and when the existing eye causes an unsightly appearance, pain, or a shrunken and sunken look, a prosthetic eye may be applied. There are two methods: complete removal of the eye (enucleation) or removal of the internal tissues while preserving the white outer part called the sclera. A ball implant is placed to prevent volume loss, and muscles are attached to this ball to preserve movement. After the healing process is complete, a prosthesis is placed, giving the patient a natural-looking appearance.

Lacrimal Duct Diseases

The lacrimal ducts are a system of canals and glands that allow tears to drain onto the surface of the eye. Lacrimal duct diseases occur when these canals or glands become blocked or damaged. These diseases can affect the normal flow of tears, leading to watering, dryness, infections, and other symptoms.

Orbital Diseases

• Thyroid-related eye diseases (exophthalmos – protrusion of the eyes)
• Orbital tumors
• Optic nerve tumors

Cosmetic Botox Application

Wrinkles around the eyes and between the eyebrows can cause an angry or aged appearance. Botox applied for this purpose, when planned according to the patient’s needs, does not eliminate facial expressions but provides a more rested, happy, and youthful look. Botox works by preventing contraction of the muscles that cause wrinkles during its effect period, preventing permanent marks or wrinkles. Side effects are rare.

Pediatric Eye Examination

A pediatric eye examination is performed to assess a child’s eye health and detect vision problems. The examination is important for monitoring healthy development of the child’s eyes and visual system, detecting potential problems early, and initiating treatment when necessary.
For this reason, regular eye examinations in children are important. Every child should be examined especially at ages 1, 3–4, and before school.

Children with a family history of amblyopia, strabismus, or high prescription glasses, and those showing symptoms such as:

• Drooping eyelids
• Constant tearing of the eyes
• Watching television from a very close distance
• Squinting or covering one eye while looking
  should be examined without delay.