Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. This fungus is commonly found in the river valleys of Tennessee, St. Lawrence, Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri, as well as, the southern Mid-Atlantic States.
A variety of cacti thrive in Arizona. The most common are the prickly pear, cholla, saguaro, hedgehog cactus, barrel cactus and button cactus. In addition to the large obvious spines, many of these species have tiny translucent spines called ‘glochid...
A cataract is an opacity of the lens that prevents light from reaching the retina, which means cataracts lead to vision impairment. Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes and have a variety of causes.
Conjunctivitis is a condition where the conjunctiva becomes reddened, congested, and painful. It may occur in one or both eyes and has a variety of causes.
A corneal ulcer is a break in the outer epithelial layer of the cornea. Although initially painful, uncomplicated ulcers should heal with appropriate therapy in three to four days.
All three conditions may cause excessive tearing, discomfort and ocular scarring. Serious injury to the eye, particularly the cornea, may also occur. Early eye damage is not readily apparent.
Episcleritis is an inflammation of the episclera. The sclera is the white outer fibrous covering of the eyeball. The thin outer layer of tissue overlying the sclera is called the episclera.