Eye diseases are common and often go unnoticed until they become serious. If you notice symptoms such as eye pain or blurred vision, contact your doctor immediately. Many eye conditions can cause blindness or even death.
These include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Here are seven common eye diseases and their symptoms.
A clouding in the eye lens prevents light from passing through the retina at its back. This causes blurry vision. The most common symptom is difficulty seeing up close due to cloudy lenses.
Other signs include headache, double or blurred vision, nausea, dryness, fatigue, and headaches. Your specialist may recommend surgery to remove the affected lenses to treat cataracts. However, it's not an option for some people because of certain health complications.
Eye pressure increases with age, but it damages the optic nerve when this happens too fast. It usually occurs with increased intraocular pressure caused by fluid buildup in the body. Because of this, glaucoma is also known as "the silent thief."
As more fluid builds up, there will be less space between the cornea and iris, and so the eyeball bulges out, causing a change in the way light enters the eyes. When this happens, you may start noticing problems with your peripheral vision. Other symptoms include pain, black spots on both sides of your field of view, which appear like dots, bright flashes of light, or blind spots.
These may also occur when looking straight ahead. Surgery may be necessary to stop the progression of this disease.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in older adults. AMD can slowly destroy the central part of your retina, including areas responsible for sharp visual acuity and color perception.
At first, people experience a loss of contrast sensitivity and color discrimination. Then, there may be a gradual loss of central vision, resulting in dark spots called drusen surrounding small yellow deposits under the retina. Over time, the person becomes blind.
However, early detection has led to better treatments. For early stages, medications can help slow down progression. But if detected later, laser treatment or surgical removal of subretinal membranes may be necessary.
Diabetes causes changes in the blood vessels around the retina. This can lead to leakage of fluids into the retina and eventually scar tissue forms. This damages nerves and results in irreversible vision loss. Other risks associated with diabetes include heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, poor circulation, and amputation.
Our body produces fewer tears with advancing years, making us more susceptible to dry eyes syndrome. Frequent computer use, air travel, exposure to windy weather, and other risk factors predispose people to dry eyes. In addition, preservatives in many cosmetics can weaken our tear production system.
Many people feel exhausted after spending long periods staring at a screen, especially those who work long hours using computers. Overuse of screens affects the muscles that control eyelid closure. Blurred vision may result. There is no definite cure for eyestrain, but there are ways to ease the pain.
Also referred to as strabismus, crossed eyes syndrome is most often noticed during infancy. Strabismus means "crossed vision" and refers to a problem arising from misalignment of the eyes. It is often the result of uneven development of the eyes. People who have had crossed eyes since birth may suffer problems such as poor depth perception and difficulty focusing near objects.
If you notice any of these symptoms affecting your eyes, make sure to see an eye doctor immediately. A simple test can pinpoint whether you need glasses, contact lenses, or both. If you start having trouble seeing close objects, your eyes will benefit from yearly exams.
Additionally, regular checkups by an ophthalmologist every year will help you monitor the condition of your eyes and prescribe corrective measures as needed. Remember, it's essential to get proper care as soon as possible healthy eyes add to your overall health.
Author: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding health or finances. It is not intended to endorse any individual or company. This article is AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should consult a qualified professional for personal advice.