Vision is one of our most valued assets and when it’s affected in any way, there is a huge impact on the quality of our lives. So many people, especially in their old age, have low vision problems and quite a significant percentage of them suffer from total blindness. Most of these conditions start as primary conditions that would have otherwise been easily treated if they had been discovered earlier.
Some of the eye diseases that we’re going to talk about are dangerous if left untreated. Seek immediate eye care from an optometrist in Burwood before they result in serious eye damage.
Common eye diseases
A lot of people, at one point in their life, experience some problems with their eyes. Some of these problems may be major while others are minor and can go away on their own. The more serious ones require eye care from a specialist.
Here’s a list of common conditions that people experience with their eyes
1. Eyestrain
When our eyes get overused for longer hours than they should, they tend to get tired. Our eyes, just like any other body part, need some rest. If you work at a computer, drive long distances, or read for hours, the eyes will feel strained. This means that you need to give them a break. The strain should go away in a day or two but if it persists, visit a specialist to rule out other conditions.
2. Glaucoma Eye Diseases
This condition causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve and only gets worse over time. It’s believed to be inherited, showing up later in life, and results from the build-up of pressure inside the eye. The problem with glaucoma is that it doesn’t have any symptoms in the early stages. Once detected early, glaucoma is treated using eye drops, laser, or surgery.
The optic nerve is what transmits visual images to the brain for interpretation. If the disease is left untreated, the pressure continues rising and the patient eventually suffers from blindness.
3. Cataracts
Cataracts are characterized by the formation of a cloudy white lens over the eyes. Although this condition is age-related, it can also develop in people who are below 50 years old. It’s believed to result from injury, prolonged UV exposure, or protein deterioration over time.
Fortunately, this condition is easily diagnosed in its early stages and treated through surgery. If left untreated there’s a high risk of severe blindness.
4. Macular degeneration
This is a leading cause and it’s characterized by damage to the macula. This is the area of the retina that perceives light. Macular degeneration risk factors include smoking, age, female gender, and family history. Unfortunately, there’s no known cure but treatment options are available and these prevent blindness or significantly slow the progression of the disease.
5. Keratoconus
Keratoconus is characterized by the weakening of the muscles that hold the cornea in place. As a result, the cornea acquires a cone shape and the result is serious loss of vision if left untreated. Many people end up requiring a cornea transplant (as a last resort) as part of the treatment once the condition is discovered late. If discovered early, treatment includes rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that strengthen the cornea to improve vision.
6. Conjunctivitis
This condition is also referred to as “Pinkeye” and refers to when the tissue that lines the back of the eyelids and covers the sclera gets inflamed. The inflammation causes redness, itching, burning, tearing, discharge, or a feeling that there’s something in your eye while in real sense there isn’t. Conjunctivitis is caused by infection, allergies, exposure to chemicals and irritants.
7. Floaters
This condition in this eye diseases is common among older people. Floaters are tiny specks that are seen floating across your field of vision. They do not block vision and are usually normal but they can be a sign of a more serious eye problem. These are usually seen in brightly lit rooms or outside on a sunny day. They are formed by the deposition of protein drifting in the vitreous.
Conclusion
The above-discussed eye problems can be treated and cured or slowed down if they’re caught early by a qualified eye care specialist. That’s why you should plan regular visits to professionals for an eye check-up.
Seeing your eye doctor regularly is the safest way to ensure healthy vision from childhood, to youth, and into old age. If you don’t see the doctor right away, you risk losing your eyesight permanently.
Also read: Top Things to Do for Your Eyes
