One of a person’s most valuable assets is his/her eyesight. Maintaining the health of one’s eyes is very important.
Below are 10 of the most common eye issues. If any of these apply to you, it is pertinent that you immediately consult with an ophthalmologist.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs as a result of prolonged high blood sugar associated with types 1 and two diabetes and can cause blindness if left untreated.
Developing diabetic retinopathy is more probable when a person has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, the kind of diabetes a person has, how often their blood glucose fluctuates, how well they control their sugars, and how long they have had diabetes all affects his/her risk.
Cataracts
Most cataracts are characterized by a milky, cloudy white lens in the eye. It is age-related and is more common in people over 50, but can develop at any age.
Cataracts can be the result of UV exposure, injury or protein deterioration over time. Cataracts can ultimately cause severe vision loss if left untreated.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that worsens over time. It causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve and is associated with a buildup of pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma may not show up until later in life and tends to be inherited.
The intraocular pressure or the increased pressure can damage the optic nerve which transmits images to the brain. Glaucoma will cause permanent loss of vision if damage to the optic nerve from high eye pressure continues.
Floaters
Floaters are tiny spots or specks that float across the field of vision which is common among people over 50. Formed by a deposit of protein drifting about in the vitreous, floaters seem to drift in front of the eye but do not block the view.
Usually benign, floaters sometimes can indicate a more serious eye problem such as retinal detachment, especially if light flashes accompany them.
Dry eyes
The condition is known as “dry eyes” happens when tear glands cannot make enough tears or produce poor quality tears. Dry eyes can be uncomfortable, burn, itch, and in rare cases, some loss of vision.
Tearing
If your eyes produce too many tears, this may be an indication that your eyes are particularly sensitive to wind, temperature or light changes. Protecting your eyes by wearing or shielding them with sunglasses can sometimes solve the problem.
Tearing may also mean that you have a more severe problem, such as an eye infection or a blocked tear duct. Your eye doctor can correct or treat both of these conditions.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the loss of the ability to see small print or close objects. Presbyopia is often confused with farsightedness due to being part of the natural aging process of the eye, but the two are not the same.
Presbyopia occurs when the natural lens in the eye loses flexibility, while farsightedness occurs as a result of the physical shape of the eyeball, which causes light rays to bend incorrectly once they have entered the eye.
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are the most common cause of vision problems according to the National Eye Institute. When light passes through the cornea and the lens, refraction in the eye occurs. Errors can occur as a result of the natural aging of the lens, the length of the eyeball or changes in the shape of the cornea. Refractive errors categorize astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
Keratoconus
Typically, the shape of the cornea (the clear outer lens of the eye) is similar to a dome, like a ball. Sometimes, however, the cornea becomes cone-shaped because the collagen which holds the cornea in place becomes weak. Keratoconus can cause severe loss of vision if not treated early and quickly. A lot of people will need a cornea transplant when the leave it untreated.
Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of blindness which is characterized by damage to the area of the retina that perceives light – the macula. Risk factors include age, smoking, family history, and female gender.
Takeaway
Never underestimate the importance of your eyes. Whether you’re steering your car down a curvy road or gazing into the eyes of a loved one, your eyes allow you to experience each moment – it is your window to the world.
Don’t wait for the problem to worsen if you suspect you may need a new prescription or new glasses. If you are delaying treatments due to financial constraints, various eye health drug coupons can lessen your burden. Always take the proper steps to ensure you see every instant at its very best.
