Our eyes are invaluable assets we have to interact with the world. However, various reasons like age, lifestyle, or environmental changes can compromise our vision, causing refractive errors and leading to multiple eye diseases affecting our daily lives.
However, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help manage damage to our vision. So, in this blog, we are going to discuss the most common vision problems and eye diseases. Keep reading!
- Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are the most common vision problems, affecting millions worldwide. Refractive errors occur when the light doesn’t focus on the retina as it enters the eye, because of the change in the length or shape of the eye, resulting in blurry vision. There are three common types of refractive errors:
- Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when the eyeball is longer and the light focuses in front of the retina, seeing distant objects blurry.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness) occurs when the eyeball is smaller and the light focuses behind the retina, seeing closer objects blurry.
- Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregular, leading to distorted or blurred vision at any distance.
So, could you treat these refractive errors? Yes, several treatment options are available to correct these errors, including contact lenses, eyeglasses, or refractive surgery like LASIK.
- Cataracts
Cataracts are an age-related eye disease that can develop in one or both eyes. You might be wondering what a cataract does. Cataracts cause cloudiness in the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. While age is the primary reason for the development of cataracts, other factors like diabetes, smoking, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can also contribute.
Treatment? Cataract surgery is the only treatment option where the cloudy lens is removed, and an intraocular lens is placed to restore the vision.
- Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” as it progresses without noticeable symptoms and causes significant damage to vision if left untreated.
So, is there any treatment for this serious condition? Early detection is the ultimate solution to manage glaucoma. Your eye doctor in Delhi may prescribe eye drops, oral medications, or surgery to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The macula, a central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision, starts deteriorating with age. This condition, called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), causes blurry central vision, difficulty reading, and even blindness. There are two forms, dry AMD and wet AMD.
While there is no cure, early detection and intraocular injections of anti-VEGF medications can slow its progression and preserve vision.
- Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. As a result, the retina may swell, leak fluids, or develop abnormal blood vessels. Diabetic retinopathy progresses gradually and causes significant vision loss or even blindness if left untreated.
While diabetic retinopathy is irreversible, early diagnosis of the condition and treatment with intravitreal injections and lasers, along with diabetes control can prevent further vision loss and preserve vision up to a certain extent.
Your eyes are precious, and caring for them is essential for a lifetime of clear vision. By understanding common eye diseases and vision problems like refractive errors, practising preventive measures, and seeking regular eye care, you can keep your windows to the world open and vibrant for years to come.