Eye Disorders and Diseases to Be Aware of

 

Our eyes are just as susceptible to disease and illness as the rest of our bodies. While these conditions are sometimes less frequent and talked about, they are important to be aware of so that you can take preventative measures. Below are some of the most common eye disorders and what you can do to avoid them.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are the most common eye disorders. These consist of near- and far-sightedness and astigmatism, a condition that occurs when the eye does not focus light evenly on the retina. Refractive errors cause people to require glasses or contacts as they cannot see optimally in certain conditions.

While they’re not a serious condition, refractive errors can lead to headaches, distorted vision, squinting, and difficulty with night vision. Glasses and contacts have been long-term remedies for refractive errors; however, advances in laser eye surgery such as VSON means seeing aids can be a thing of the past.

Dry Eye

Dry eye is another basic and common condition and essentially involves a lack of moisture. This can be due to hormone imbalances, medications, a problem with the tear ducts or eyelids, excessive computer work, or straining the eyes. Dry eye is not a serious condition and can usually be remedied with eye drops or eye relaxation exercises.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The name can sound scary, but macular degeneration is essentially a common condition in older people and is associated with the aging of the eye. Over time, this condition damages the back of the eye, which makes seeing objects ahead difficult. While macular degeneration doesn’t usually lead to blindness, it can cause incredibly blurred vision. This condition can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, not smoking, eating healthy, and maintaining optimal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Retinal Detachment

When the retina detaches from its normal position at the back of the eye, it is known as retinal detachment. If someone experiences this condition, it is considered an emergency and will often require immediate surgery. The causes of a detached retina can vary, but it can be due to inflammatory disorders, cancer, diabetes, trauma, and older age. See your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

·         Flashes of light

·         Partial or complete loss of vision

·         Blurred vision

·         A sudden appearance of floaters

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is usually a hereditary condition and occurs when the optic nerve becomes damaged. Over time, glaucoma can lead to blindness, but it can usually be treated with the help of an expert optometrist from a reputed optometric clinic like Optica Optometry, if the symptoms are caught early. These include:

·         Tunnel vision

·         Patchy blind spots

·         Eye pain

·         Headaches

·         Blurred vision

·         Nausea

·         Seeing halos around lights

Treatment for glaucoma usually involves eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery. Because this condition can be treated if it’s caught early, it’s a good idea to visit your optician regularly for check-ups. 

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that develops in people with diabetes and occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the retina's blood vessels. This creates dark spots or blurred vision, which, if left untreated, can eventually lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy can easily be prevented by ensuring your blood sugar levels are maintained and if you see your eye doctor regularly for dilated eye exams.