Our eyes are essential for experiencing the world around us, but they are also susceptible to a variety of conditions that can affect vision and overall eye health. Understanding common eye conditions can help in recognizing symptoms early, seeking appropriate treatment and maintaining optimal eye health. This article provides an overview of some of the most prevalent eye conditions, their symptoms, and potential treatments.
1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that attacks the macula, which is the center of the retina. The macula is the section of the eye that provides our most acute vision that aids in tasks such as reading and driving.
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Typically, AMD causes gradual changes in the macula and rarely results in total blindness because it is the center of vision that is affected by this disease.
There are two types of AMD: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Approximately 90% of AMD patients have dry AMD, which is characterized by the formation of small yellow deposits known as drusen below the retina. This eye condition develops due to aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula.
Wet AMD, on the other hand, affects approximately 10% of people diagnosed with AMD, but it accounts for 90% of serious vision loss caused by AMD. This condition develops due to the formation of delicate, unusual blood vessels beneath the retina. Symptoms of wet AMD include retina injury or wound due to the presence of blood and fluid under the retina.
2. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a collection of eye diseases that arise because of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) inside the eye. The elevated pressure may lead to vision loss, as it damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma is highly prevalent among the elderly and individuals with a family history of the disease.
Glaucoma falls into two categories: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. The former is the more common type that is typically painless, while the latter occurs abruptly and is accompanied by eye redness and pain.
Research has found that up to half of individuals with glaucoma do not know that they have it.
3. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
DME is a diabetic complication triggered by fluid buildup in the macula, causing it to swell. The macula features cells that facilitate clear vision and are instrumental for reading and driving. Fluid accumulation and swelling of the macula impede the capability of those cells to function, resulting in blurred vision that can sometimes become severe.
Diabetic patients are at higher risk of getting DME over time, so it is important to schedule routine eye checkups to help detect any eye health problem in its early stages. Symptoms of DME range from wavy and blurred vision to changes in colors.
4. Cataracts
This eye condition is known as presbyopia, and it is a natural effect of aging for most people.
The natural crystalline lens inside the eyes enables the eye to focus on people and objects at different distances. Over time, this lens usually thickens and toughens; with its youthful flexibility gone, its focus capability diminishes, resulting in vision issues.
Symptoms of cataracts may be extremely slight or even unnoticeable in some cases. Often those affected by cataracts will report halos around objects.
Other common symptoms include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision.
- Double vision in one eye.
- Poor night vision.
- Changes in color vision.
- Increased sensitivity to glare and light.
- Recurrent prescription adjustments for contact lenses or glasses.
5. Sty
A sty is a contamination of the oil gland at the foot of an eyelash. It looks like a red, elevated pimple on the periphery of the eyelid. Symptoms of a sty include pain, redness, swelling with a tiny pustule, tenderness and eyeball irritation.
A sty can go away after a short duration of continuous treatment involving applying warm compresses to the affected area for 10 minutes, at least six times per day. However, if the sty is large, painful, or disrupts vision, medical treatment may be necessary.
6. Corneal Ulcers
A corneal ulcer is a tiny pustule on the front section of the eye, often due to infection from viruses, bacteria, or fungus. Corneal ulcers are common in individuals who wear contact lenses due to the increased possibility of infection. A corneal ulcer can manifest symptoms, such as extreme redness, blurry vision, pain and sensitivity to light.
7. Eye Allergies
Serious eye allergies pose a significant threat to eyesight due to the damage they cause to the eye. Allergies are responsible for chronic inflammation that can result in irreversible damage to the cornea. Some of the triggers of allergies include dust, reactivity to medicines or cosmetics and seasonal allergies.
8. Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a prevalent eye condition that affects vision. The main symptom of astigmatism is blurred vision. It develops due to the irregularly shaped cornea or lens that inhibits light from focusing correctly on the retina. For this reason, vision becomes cloudy or distorted at any distance, which results in headaches and eye distress.
In Conclusion
By being aware of vision changes and visiting your eye doctor for routine eye exams, you can help to detect eye disease early and get appropriate treatment before your eye health is seriously affected.
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