JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE July issue | Page 77

Lazy eye When the brain does not properly acknowledge the information it receives from one of your eyes, this results in a lazy eye, or "amblyopia." This condition normally occurs only in children and usually affects just one eye, which may "wander" around. It can cause serious vision damage if it goes untreated. Pterygium Pterygium is a benign, noncancerous growth that develops on the mucous membrane on the white part of the eye. Although they usually don't need treatment, they can be removed if they cause vision problems. Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy causes vision problems as a result of type 1 or 2 diabetes, which can damage the blood vessels of the eye's retina. It may start as minor visual problems but it can eventually cause blindness.