Like other areas of our body, the eyes require care and attention. Whether it’s age, illness, or physical trauma, the eyes are vulnerable to a range of conditions that can greatly affect our sight. While some conditions are common and require nothing more than glasses or corrective lenses, others are more serious and can require immediate medical attention. Below are six common eye conditions and how they can be prevented or treated.
Dry Eye
Perhaps the most basic of all conditions, dry eye is essentially a lack of moisture. This can be due to a problem with the tear ducts or eyelids, or because of medications, too much computer work, or straining the eyes. Dry eye is often not a serious condition and can be remedied with eye relaxation exercises (if it’s due to computer work) and daily eye drops.
Retinal Detachment
The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye. When that tissue separates from its normal position, it is known as retinal detachment. Symptoms can involve:
- Blurred vision
- A sudden appearance of floaters
- Flashes of light
- Partial or complete loss of vision
Causes of a detached retina can vary, but it can be caused by inflammatory disorders, cancer, diabetes, or trauma, and older age. A detached retina is considered an emergency and will often require surgery. See your doctor if you present with any of the above symptoms.
TIP: Cataracts are an issue as well. Find out more about Cataract Surgery.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the eye does not focus light evenly on the retina. This is referred to as a refractive disorder and can cause blurred vision at all distances. While not a serious condition, astigmatism can lead to headaches, distorted vision, squinting, and difficulty with night vision. It is often treated with corrective lenses such as a toric PanOptix trifocal lens, which helps aid refraction.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is usually a hereditary condition where the optic nerve becomes damaged. Over time, glaucoma can lead to blindness, but initially, it presents with the following symptoms:
- Tunnel vision
- Patchy blind spots
- Eye pain
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Seeing halos around lights
As glaucoma is best treated when caught early, it is advisable to visit your eye doctor regularly for check-ups. Treatment usually involves eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a common condition in older people and is often associated with the aging of the eye. Over time, this condition damages the back of the eye, which causes difficulty in seeing objects ahead. While it does not generally lead to complete blindness, it causes an increasingly blurred vision. This condition can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, not smoking, eating healthy, and maintaining optimum blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Diabetic Retinopathy
As its name implies, this condition is caused by diabetes, where high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels of the retina. This leads to dark spots or blurred vision, which can eventually lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy can, therefore, be prevented by maintaining optimum blood sugar levels and seeing your eye doctor regularly for dilated eye exams.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind