Eye Diseases, Disorders and Causes

As we age our skin loses elasticity. Collagen increases the strength and elasticity of the skin. Low levels of collagen increase the affects of aging. Vitamin C is a major component of collagen. Some facial creams used the night before can be the cause of puffiness around the eyes in the morning. Puffiness can also be from high sodium (salt) intake, allergies and smoking. Smoking lowers collagen levels by destroying vitamin C.

Blepharitis, a term seldom heard by most of us, is an inflammation of the outer edges of the eyelid and can have other symptoms such as swelling of the eyelid, loss of eyelashes, excessive tearing and sensitivity to light. The problem can be caused by an infection of the eyelash follicle or the glands in the outer edges of the eyelid. Inferior nutrition, bad lifestyle choices, poor sleeping and hygiene habits and systemic disease can all lead to a depressed immune system and blepharitis.

Blood shot eyes are usually an indication of insufficient oxygen to the eye. The lack of oxygen causes the small blood vessels to become inflamed. Alcohol, eyestrain, poor diet, fatigue and not blinking enough can all contribute to the problem. Bloodshot eyes can be an indicator of a lack of vitamin B2, B6 and the amino acids histidine, lysine and phenylalanine.

Blurred vision can be a lack of a light sensitive pigment called rhodopsin, or visual purple, that's composed of vitamin A and protein. Light entering the eye breaks down a portion of the rhodopsin and the nerve impulses are relayed to the brain. If insufficient pigment is present, a time delay to the brain occurs and blurred vision is the result. Fluid imbalances in the body can also cause blurred vision.

Colorblindness is a result of the lack of specialized cells in the retina that translate light waves into the brains perception of color. Pernicious anemia and sickle cell disease can cause color blindness. Medications are also a major contributor to disturbances in the ability to correctly recognize colors and blurred vision.