3.2.4 Eye Diseases

conjunctivitis (pink eye)

description: inflammation of the conjunctiva

cause: viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants

treatment: heals on its own

loiasis (African eye worm disease)

description: parasitic infection caused by the Loa loa worm

cause: transmitted through the bites of infected deerflies

treatment: diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin, surgery

onchocerciasis (river blindness)

description: parasitic disease caused by the Onchocerca volvulus worm

cause: transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies

treatment: ivermectin

trachoma

description: contagious bacterial infection that can lead to scarring and blindness

cause: caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, spread through direct or indirect contact

treatment: antibiotics, surgery

traumatic iridodialysis

description: condition where the iris detaches from its normal location because of trauma

cause: blunt trauma or injury to the eye

treatment: surgery, sutures