Dr. José Joaquín Muñoz Tomás
Ophthalmology
Alicante

The canthoplasty is the intervention that corrects the fallen eye, creates a bias in the extreme. With this operation has just fallen eyes or eyelids and gives an almond eye look. ...

Aniridia

Aniridia is a congenital and hereditary eye disorder that usually occurs in both eyes and is characterized by incomplete development of the iris. Although the term aniridia refers etymologically to the lack of the iris, it is only the lack of training of part thereof, that has failed to develop at all. As a result, vision is impaired, leading to decrease to 20% in some cases. Moreover, aniridia can lead to various eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts. So far, there is no specific treatment for this disease, so the treatment will depend on the degree of side effects suffered by each patient. ...

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a defect or imperfection in the eye curvature of the cornea or in the structure of the lens of the eye, characterized by a different eye refraction between two meridians, which prevents sharp focus objects. The cornea acts as a lens through which light passes that is focused on the retina. So that if the surface of the cornea is irregular in its curvature, astigmatism occurs because the light rays are not refracted properly. Low ( 0.25 diopters less than 1 ), medium (1 diopter less than 3 ) and high ( greater than or equal to 3 diopters ): According grades three types are classified. ...

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, or surgery circles, is a surgical procedure to correct the defects of the eyelids, and sagging and excess skin or the appearance of bags. Through this intervention eyelid surgery, bags and eye edges, removed and rearranged excess skin, muscle of the eyelids, both above and below tightens and localized fat is extracted to remove the bags that form around eye. With eyelid surgery is improved and rejuvenates the appearance and expression of that area of ​​the face, correcting the defects of the eyelids which give a tired and aged appearance to the face. ...

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is an involuntary and repetitive contraction of the orbicularis (circular located around the eye), which causes abnormal movements of the eyelids. This results in various visual disturbances (uncontrollable blinking, forced closing of the eyes, decreased vision), and abnormal movements of neck, head or mouth only disappear during sleep (facial dystonia). It is one of the most common eye diseases caused by side effects of some medications, neurological disorders in the central nervous system or a lack of lubrication of the ocular surface (which causes increased activity of the eyelid to distribute poor tear). Treatment includes eye protection sunglasses, application of lubricating drops and supply of botulinum toxin to prevent the orbicular muscles contract. ...

Botulinum toxin (botox)

Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a drug that is injected in minute quantities at strategic points on the face to try and minimize the furrows and wrinkles. Botox works by slowing the contraction of facial muscles temporarily, leaving the skin smooth and toned, and correcting wrinkles and preventing its progression. The effects of the injection are not immediate, depending on the patient begin to reveal after three or four days, but the results are highly satisfactory. Furthermore, according to the patient the effect of botulinum toxin can last between 4 and 8 months, so to keep treatments are to be undertaken reminder. Apart from its aesthetic utilities, Botox also has other medical applications such as the correction of excessive sweating, or treatment of tics and spasms. ...

Conjunctivitis

  Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous layer lining the eyelids, the front of the eyeball and the fornix of the eye. Its basic function is to protect the surfaces it coats, so that when infection occurs therein tends to swell. The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis are redness, burning and strange sensation in the eye as well as the appearance of yellow or green mucus, especially in the tabs. These symptoms also occur frequently in cases of allergy. Treatment of conjunctivitis includes applying eye drops or gel, along with a thorough cleaning of the area with sterile saline or warm water boiled. ...

Cornea

Cornea

Cornea guttata

The Guttata cornea is an eye disease characterized by the appearance of bumps in the form of drops in this part of the eye. Being injuries in the cornea, refraction main element that allows a clear view of the objects, causing loss of visual acuity. It is a condition that worsens over the years and for which, except in very advanced cases, treatment is not necessary. In patients where the Guttata cornea prevents develop normally your daily life, you can perform a corneal transplant, a very common and simple operation as to perform it is not necessary to treat the entire cornea but only the part affected. ...

Corneal transplant

Corneal transplantation, also known as penetrating keratoplasty, is the total or partial replacement of the cornea, the clear outer lens on the front of the eye and responsible for providing vision. This is one of the most common transplant and is done with the cornea of ​​a recently deceased donor, and whose eyes have been previously analyzed to ensure their validity for that operation. Corneal transplantation is performed when severe vision problems suffer from various dysfunctions in the cornea. The corneal transplant intervention is minimally invasive and involves removal of a small piece of the cornea and the placement of the new over the old cornea by suturing. ...

Diabetic Retinopathy

  Diabetic retinopathy involves an ocular disorder caused by diabetes, which is caused by damage to blood vessels of the retina. This defect often causes leakage of fluid or blood in the eye, and if the disease progresses important visual disturbances such as blurred vision proliferation occur. The best way to prevent this disorder is to control diabetes (using insulin or other medications), a periodic eye exam (every one to two years), and exercising and maintaining a healthy diet to prevent the occurrence of the diabetes. When the disorder is in an advanced stage it should be treated by applying argon laser of existing lesions in order to prevent loss of vision. ...

Droppy eyelid (Ptosis)

Ptosis is the fall of the eyelid as a result of relaxation of the muscles that hold it. This is one of the most common eyelid malpositions, and can occur in patients of all ages either muscle weakness as desanclaje the tendon of the muscle. With regard to its causes, there are numerous, from injuries to neurological factors. They all cause difficulty in vision, so it is necessary to surgically intervene in order to repair the tendon or muscle shortening, as the case of that question. Various techniques exist for these interventions will depend on the condition of each patient eye. ...

Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome occurs when there is a shortage or lack of tear to the eye. This is one of the most common diseases in ophthalmology and is caused by an alteration in the tear film, causing discomfort and itching, eye dryness, grittiness and difficulty opening the eyes in the morning. Also, depending on the degree of drying, this condition is classified into light, medium and severe. In some cases it is a consequence of other diseases, so that their treatment will be closely linked to repairing the initial ailment. If this is an isolated pathology, the most common is to proceed to the replacement of these tears, the body does not produce by itself, provide artificial tears to the eyes the basic information it needs to function properly. They are applied in drops as a salve. ...

Epiretinal membrane

The epiterretiniana membrane is an eye disease that involves the development of a fibrous membrane area and high vision sensitivity of the retina, the macula. When this membrane shrinks and wrinkles produces a series of malfunctions in the retina with consequent alterations in sight. The most common symptoms are progressive visual loss (blurred vision) and distortion in reading images or text. This eye disease occurs in people over 50 years and appears unknown cause. In cases in which no symptoms are evident removal is not necessary (track through regular checks done alone), but in the most severe vitreoretinal surgery should be assessed. ...

Exophthalmos

Exophthalmos or bulging eyes is the projection of the eyeball outward, may be one or both eyes. Usually associated with hyperthyroidism and can become very serious if you get to compress the optic nerve. ...

Eyelid malpositions

The eyelid malposition are abnormal positions taken eyelids for different reasons. These failures occur relatively frequently. In addition to conferring look unsightly, they can lead to vision and eye problems that could become serious. The most common malposition are: Eyelid retraction: position abnormally high or abnormally low upper eyelid lower eyelid. Ptosis: drooping of the upper eyelid. Entropion: the eyelid turns inward causing the eyelashes rubbing the cornea. Ectropion: rotation or turn outward the lower eyelid. ...

Facial paralysis

Facial paralysis is a disease which causes partial or complete motor paralysis of the facial nerve and, therefore, of the facial muscles. The symptoms of this disease are unable to perform certain movements such as smiling, twinkling eye full, raised eyebrows, etc. This condition can be caused by various conditions or factors: tumors, trauma, acute and chronic ear infections, congenital disorders (Moebius syndrome) and, mostly, for unknown reasons. In the latter case, it is called Bell's palsy or facial palsy, the treatment should be started immediately after his appearance to make the recovery more quickly and effectively and prevent the sequelae of facial paralysis. Usually, corticosteroids are given to slow the progressive deterioration of the nerve and facial muscle massage. In severe cases, specific surgical treatments are also practiced by both static and dynamic techniques to restore movement and function of muscles. ...

Farsightedness

Farsightedness is an eye disorder that causes see distant objects clearly and fuzzy close. Hyperopia people perceive in different ways. Some people may not have any problems with your vision, especially when they are young and others with a high degree of farsightedness, experience blurry both at a close distance as far vision. The continuous effort to try to focus on objects up close, can cause symptoms such as eyestrain, itchy eyes and headaches. In patients with hyperopia, the image is viewed from behind the retina instead of directly on it, unlike what happens in an emmetropic patient without graduation. The hyperopic eye patient because it is shorter than usual, or because the optical power of the lens and / or your cornea is lower than normal. ...

Floaters

Aging causes the eye in some people appear in your field of vision, small dots, circles, lines or cobwebs in motion. The appearance of these floating bodies called floaters and are caused by the formation of tiny bits of gelatin in the vitreous humor, the liquid floating in it. This is a fairly common condition after cataract surgery and quite common in myopic patients. It also causes a very uncomfortable feeling, and in some cases it may be a symptom of a more serious eye condition, so it is absolutely advisable to visit a specialist early as symptoms occur. The ophthalmologist will indicate the most appropriate treatment depending on the patient and although there is no cure for this disease, if they can provide care for this kind of eyes. ...

Fuchs dystrophy

Fuchs' dystrophy is a corneal dystrophy type characterized by reducing the number of cells forming the inner layer of the cornea, called endothelial cells. Its function is to maintain good transparency in the same and process water that forms the structure of the cornea. Therefore, when they are reduced, water is not processed properly and, by accumulating fluid, corneal tissue becomes thicker and causes it to lose its crystalline transparency. Therefore, the vision is blurred and other problems can occur, such as scarring of the cornea. If this happens, it is necessary to perform a corneal transplant, whereby cornea affected is replaced by a healthy endothelium from a donor. ...

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes progressive loss of nerve fibers in the optic nerve, whose proper functioning is essential to see clearly. Among its causes they are various, include vascular diseases and high blood pressure. As it is a generative disease, it is important to make an early diagnosis. In this regard, experts advise checking the view from 40, although the age of risk for glaucoma is established after 60 years. Although the vision waning because of this disease can not recover, you can prevent progression of glaucoma by lowering the intraocular pressure. This can be accomplished, according to the patient and medical recommendations, with the administration of drugs, laser techniques or noninvasive surgery. ...

Intraocular Lenses

Intraocular lenses, also known as IOLs, are transparent artificial lenses used to replace the natural lens of the eyes when they are damaged, either by cataracts, nearsightedness or other eye diseases. In people with vision blurred vision due to damage to your natural lens, which is responsible for receiving the light rays with which the images are obtained, replacing it with an intraocular lens patient returns to a correct view . Normally, they are made with flexible and pliable material and are the same size as the original. The intraocular lens is generally implanted in the eye in cataract surgery to replace the natural lens. ...

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a variation of the conical cornea caused by an alternation of the internal structure of the corneal tissue. Besides being a condition that changes the appearance of the eye, causing poor vision, as it is usually accompanied by a high astigmatism, blurred or distorted vision. Alteration of collagen fibers contained within the cornea is responsible for the evolution of keratoconus, to which various treatments. On the one hand, it can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but it is also possible to implement intracorneal rings, using a very safe surgical procedure that changes the corneal curvature. Another of the most used is the crosslinking treatment, a technique of applying rivoflavina- substance that sensitizes the collagen-and prevents the increase of keratoconus. Finally, for the more severe stages of the disease, the only solution is corneal transplantation. ...

Lazy eye (amblyopia)

The lazy eye, better known as amblyopia or lazy eye, is a diminution of vision with no known organic cause, because of a defect in maturation of the visual system during the first years of life. Although usually monocular, there are also cases in which affects both eyes. It is a childhood disease, so it is highly important to correct for early age so they do not end up becoming chronic. Some of the most common symptoms that present children with lazy eye are often rub eyes, squint to look, flashing eyes, look blackboard hand, deflect an eye when looking… For treatment goggles are recommended so as daily occlusions ( cover the eye with which is properly for a certain number of hours, depending on the degree of affectation of amblyopia ) the degree of amblyopia depend hours). ...

Low Vision

It is a vision loss that is not improved using conventional lenses or surgery. Vision loss can cause problems for everyday tasks, and often requires psychological support to prevent the patient from entering depression. ...

Macular degeneration - DMAE

The macula is the part of the eye responsible for providing a clear view. As we grow faculties it loses its function, causing macular degeneration, also known as AMD. This is a fairly common ailment after 60 years and can occur at various levels, resulting imperceptible in some cases. Conversely, it can also develop much more virulent causing total and progressive loss of sight. Although there is still no definitive treatment to repair the effects of macular degeneration, it is important to make an early diagnosis to slow its progression. Also, it has been found that consumption of antioxidant vitamins and zinc can contribute to this. ...

Macular edema

Macular edema is an eye disease that causes accumulation of fluid in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for providing a clear and sharp vision. It is a very sensitive and important area of ​​the eye, when this fluid accumulation occurs vision is lost and distorted way objects are observed. It can also affect only certain parts of the eye or the whole macular area. It is a pathology associated with diabetic patients because it is a major visual impairment sufferers. Treatment is to seal fluid leaks in the macula, which can be done by laser surgery or therapy intraocular injections. Both techniques provide very good results. ...

Macular hole

We say that someone has a macular hole when the patient suffers a break in the macula, or na very small part of our eye that is located in the center of the retina. The macula is responsible for central vision and provide allows us to capture the details in order to perform such everyday activities like reading. Two types of macular holes that affect the function of a partial or full thickness retina way. On the one hand, there are those that affect the entire retina, called lamellar macular holes and, on the other, those affecting our retina partial way, post-traumatic macular holes. ...

Nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movement)

Nystagmus is a spasm of skeletal muscles of the eyeball that causes involuntary eye movements in different directions: horizontal, vertical, rotary, mixed ... Thus, to stare at an object, uncontrollable rapid eye movements occur. Although the exact cause of this anomaly is unknown, it is associated with a defect in the functioning of brain areas responsible for movement control. That is why it can be a symptom of other diseases, so each case should be examined by a specialist, giving special emphasis to the inner ear and nervous system. The use of contact lenses can slow movements while improving vision but for now there is no definitive cure, although it has tried to control these movements with drugs and surgery, neither treatment effect has emerged. Anyway, depending on the cause that provokes nystagmus, it may disappear. ...

Ocular cancers

Ocular tumors are all those diseases affecting the eyelids, the eye and orbit. Eyelid tumors are usually benign but in cases that are not, should be regularly monitored. Intraocular tumors include melanoma (the most common in adults), retinoblastoma (most severe during childhood) and choroidal hemangioma (benign but it spreads rapidly and can impair vision). Orbital tumors are less common and have specific causes. However, about 50% of retinoblastoma are congenital and eyelid tumors are related to sun exposure. Most ocular tumors are initially asymptomatic and may go unnoticed. Meanwhile, eyelid tumors are manifested by the appearance of lumps or lesions causing eye discomfort; while in orbit are manifested by pain or ocular abnormalities, decreased vision or movements of the eyeball (proptosis or exophthalmos). ...

Ocular hypertension

When the pressure inside the eye is triggered, we say there is an ocular hypertension. In principle anyone can look ocular hypertension. However, people with eye injuries, eye diseases, certain medications, diabetic patients, among others, may be more conducive to development causes hypertension. Most people do not feel any previous symptoms so it is very important to perform eye examinations to prevent any disease. Ocular hypertension can be treated through medication to reduce eye strain and prevent damage from reaching the optic nerve, glaucoma avoiding -the loss of vision permanently. ...

Ocular Melanoma

Ocular melanoma is a form of cancer that affects melanin, the cells that produce pigment in the body. Despite that it is a rare disease, it is the most common type of cancer that occurs in the eyes. Also, it can affect all parts of the body, especially those less accessible for detection, so it is essential eye examinations done regularly. Treatment depends on the degree of development of melanoma when detected, but mainly there are two types of treatments: radiation therapy, which aims to stop the growth of melanoma or, if possible, eliminate it; ocular melanoma surgery, by which the tumor is removed, unless it is too large (which would require complete removal of the eye, placing an implant in place). ...

Oculoplasty

The oculoplastics is responsible for the pathologies and other aesthetic or functional problems affecting the structures surrounding the eye: orbit, eyelids and tear ducts. The solutions are used most frequently are blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, the application of Botulinum Toxin Type A and other aesthetic medicine treatments. The first aims to eliminate the tired look through the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids. The second consists of applying micro injections of this toxin as a muscle relaxant to reduce or eliminate wrinkles on the forehead, sides of eyes, crow's feet and frown. This technique is performed in doctor's office and does not require admission. ...

Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve that can be manifested in its outer form and the inner, which is why sometimes it is difficult to diagnosis. Since this is a disease that affects the nerve responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain, could cause visual loss and injury to the sheath surrounding nerve fibers of the eye. This is a condition caused, often caused by autoimmune diseases, or respiratory viral infections, and, especially multiple sclerosis. Therefore recovery is closely linked to the improvements regarding the disease that has caused. His recovery can also be achieved through corticosteroids administered orally or intravenously. ...

Pediatric Ophthalmology

Child ophthalmology is the part of medicine that deals with the eye and its diseases in children, from birth through adolescence. Since some of the eye diseases begin to show symptoms during this stage it is very important to consider the children's ophthalmology as part of health care smaller house. Among the most common conditions, it highlights the lazy eye, strabismus, child obstruction and malformations. Also, if any of the family of the patient has congenital diseases of view, it is much more necessary to make an early follow-up to not end up with worse consequences. ...

Pigmented retinitis

Retinitis pigmentosa is considered a serious eye condition caused most common hereditary retinal degeneration. Progressive causes decreased vision due to the death of photoreceptors, eye retina cells. So it can end up causing blindness. Its first symptoms are lack of capacity to adapt to the dark nocturna- blindness and decreased visual field, causing tunnel vision. As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen, so it is important to know the development of the disease in close relatives to know how it will affect the patient. Although there is currently no specific treatment for this disease, consumption of vitamins, minerals and other ingredients may help slow its evolution. In addition, vision therapy is also advised, conducting exercises monitored by an ophthalmologist to improve the visual conditions of the patient. ...

Pterygium and pinguecula

Pterygium and pinguecula are two abnormal lumps in the conjunctiva of the eye that often emerge because of excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. That's why doctors stress the importance of protecting the eyes from the sun. Specifically, pterygium appears as fleshy tissue on the cornea, its size may vary, and accordingly the treatment can range from applying drops to surgery. Meanwhile, pinguecula springs as a yellowish bump on the white of the eye. In this case, not grow over the cornea, usually not require any specific treatment unless it affects vision, in which case it would need to be removed by surgery. ...

Retina

Retina

Retina detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when separating the outer membrane of the retina (called the retinal pigment epithelium) of the inner layer (sensory retina). This detachment can be caused due to various reasons such as strong myopia or degenerative atrophic processes. Both conditions may be responsible for these layers are separated and that the fluid between the retina and transferred both to accumulate on the bottom. Consequently, in the detached retina segment blindness it occurs. Two of the most crucial signs that may alert the patient that has suffered a detached retina are viewing flashing lights and floaters. Treatment for most patients is surgery. ...

Retinopathy

Retinopathy is the common name of any non-inflammatory disease of the retina, the innermost layer of the eyeball responsible for receiving and sending images of the eye to the brain. That is why the term encompasses a range of conditions, the most common and known diabetic retinopathy, which occurs due to elevated blood glucose levels in these patients. The symptoms are not evident during the early stages of this type of retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss, so it is important that diabetics undergo regular eye examinations. Its main treatment is photocoagulation, laser surgery to repair abnormal blood vessels that have been created in the retina. Finally, in the case of blood that has entered into the vitreous humor, a vitrectomy is used, a type of surgery used only if the bleeding has been very generous. ...

Second medical opinion

The second opinion is the medical report containing the diagnostic or therapeutic proposal from the illness of a patient by a different professional who established the first diagnosis. Patients may request a second medical opinion are those who want to confirm or know the valuation of another specialist. If the second opinion is different and the patient chooses the latter option, you can receive assistance both in the center normally attending the patient, as in the center where the final diagnosis is made. ...

Strabismus

Strabismus is a deviation of line of sight of the two eyes, which implies that they are not located in the same direction with respect to the visual axis are not parallel. Thus, while one eye looks towards a particular object, the other goes in another direction. This is a visual and aesthetic problem. Being a deviation occurs at an early age is crucial that action be taken as quickly as possible, to avoid resulting in other ailments. To treat this disorder there are multiple techniques like alternating shutter each eye patch, use of special glasses, toxin injection to temporarily paralyze muscles or surgery. This is recommended only in extreme cases and is to avoid eye strain by strengthening or weakening, as appropriate, of certain eye muscles. ...

Tearing

Tearing or watery eyes is excessive tearing, which is generated when the duct that drains tears into the nose is clogged or malfunctioning. One of the most common causes of tearing is dry eyes. Dryness causes the eyes to produce too many tears and, therefore, excess tearing occurs. Irritation, infection or the growth of eyelashes into the eye may develop watery eyes. Although there are other common causes such as allergies to dust and mold that can cause conjunctivitis or tearing. ...

Thyroid eye disease

Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disease in which the cells that protect us from infections or other aggressive agents act defectively, attacking different organs or tissues of the body such as the thyroid and eyes. An inflammation of the thyroid gland resulting in the production of hormones out of control (hyperthyroidism) and is manifested by an inflammation of the eye or increased pressure behind them occurs. This can lead to protruding eyes (proptosis), misalignment of the eyes (strabismus) and dysfunctions in the eyelids that in severe cases visual disturbances occur. The snuff and stress are risk factors for developing hyperthyroidism. Treatment includes endocrine control during ocular disease, steroid application or, in more severe cases, surgery newspaper. ...

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye formed by the choroid, ciliary leather, and iris, which surrounds the interior of the eyeball. This is the tissue more blood vessels throughout the body, so it is a very sensitive and prone to infectious and inflammatory processes area. Also, the inflammation causes severe vision loss, so it is very important to treat as soon as possible. Among its causes include infectious, autoimmune, bone and rheumatic diseases, and trauma. Symptoms of uveitis vary depending on the part of the uvea that is affected, if it comes back, vision loss occurs, whereas if it affects the previous, often cause blurred vision, eye pain, redness eyes and photophobia. Similarly, treatment depends on the location: in the case of anterior uveitis inflammatory eye drops are used; to the rear, it is best cortisone orally and through injections around the eye. Immunomodulatory drugs are administered when the disease is associated with a chronic process. Finally, it will only resort to surgery if associated complications such as glaucoma or cataracts occur. ...

Vision problems

Vision problems encompass a host of pathologies. The most common are refractive comprising: the nearsightedness or myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. Its causes may be genetically different, due to aging or other diseases such as macular degeneration caused by diabetes. ...

Vitrectomy

The vitreous humor is located between the inner surface of the retina and the posterior surface of the lens. It is a formed by 99%, water clear, gelatinous liquid. The remaining 1% are proteins, hyaluronic acid, collagen, chloride, sodium, glucose and potassium. Its function is to protect the retina making its surface remains uniform, getting a correct view. Sometimes this becomes opaque gelatinous mass making viewing difficult. When this happens it is necessary to resort to surgery of the vitreous, also known as vitrectomy. This involves removing the vitreous damaged, replacing it with a saline solution. It is a resource used only when vision has decreased considerably and prevents follow a normal rhythm of life for the patient. Besides, this procedure can cause some complications, such as infection, intraocular bleeding and retinal detachment. ...