NUCLEAR CATARACT

Here is a nuclear cataract. This is a slow-growing cataract. This particular patient see's 20/25 out of this eye and does not require surgery. It is difficult to predict if this will eventually advance to the point where the patient needs surgery.

The images here are of a right eye cortical cataract (around 7:00) and a more broad left eye cortical cataract (about 3:00 to 9:00). Vision is 20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 corrected in the left. This patient also has ocular hypertension (IOP=28mmHg) but very thick corneas (660microns), and very minimal cupping.

More Lens Vacuoles

These can transform into cortical cataracts later on.

CHOROIDAL NEVUS

A choroidal nevus is a pigmentation on the back of the eye. It needs to be watched on a regular basis to make sure it does not begin to grow and become a malignant melanoma. This rarely happens but the seriousness of melanoma justifies the yearly monitoring.

Just below this post is a picture of a much smaller nevus.

POSTERIOR CAPSULE INTRAOCULAR IMPLANT

Here is a dilated eye of a gentleman who has had cataract surgery and in intraocular implant inserted in the eye. You can see the edge of the implant almost 360 degrees, the anterior edge of the natural lens capsule, and the inferior haptic that holds the lens in place. This is a very well centered and clear implant.

BLEPHARITIS

Chronic blepharitis is A very common, chronic bacterial infection of the eyelash follicles. It is diagnosed by observing the crusts at the bases of the eyelashes, seen on this photo.

It's usually in both eyes and symmetrical. Patients can have burning, grittiness, mild light sensitivity and the symptoms are usually worse in the mornings.

It is almost impossible to get rid of blepharitis entirely, but flare-ups can be minimized and controlled. Commercially sold lid scrubs, sold at most pharmacies, is the best way to control it. Hot compresses and occasional antibiotic eyedrops may be useful in acute flare-ups.

SQUAMOUS CELL PAPILLOMA

This is a squamous cell papilloma on the left eyelid of a 60 year old gentleman. It is a benign lesion that can be excised for cosmetic purposes if desired.