While the eye is one of the most important parts of the body, it is still vulnerable to various eye diseases. Many come forward as you age, but some can still affect you at any point in your life and disrupt your vision. Read on so you can get to know the five most common eye diseases affecting people every day.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the less common eye conditions, but that doesn’t mean it’s not something you should worry about. It is the most common eye problem for people with diabetes. The retina becomes damaged by high blood sugar and will detach, leading to vision loss if not treated right away. Regulate your blood sugar and blood pressure, and if you notice any spots or blurry vision, consult your eye doctor immediately.
Dry Eye
One of the most common eye conditions you can experience is dry eyes. With this condition, your eyes fail to produce tears leading to your eyes becoming inflamed. While the consequences of dry eyes aren’t as severe as some other eye diseases, you should still consult with your doctor. Chronic dry eye can make you feel uncomfortable, especially when reading or using electronics. Doctors typically recommend different medications or treatments that help you produce the tears your eyes need.
Cloudy Lenses or Cataracts
Cataracts are a common condition that people can experience, which is why cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the world. As you age, the lenses in your eyes can become cloudy, turning into cataracts. They’ll disturb your vision and, as they worsen, lead to fading colors, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to bright lights. Regular consultations can help your doctors spot cataracts early; they’ll then decide when to perform the cataract surgery to replace the clouded lens in your eye.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is another eye disease that can cause vision loss. The macula, or center part of the retina, wears down as you grow older, leading to blind spots forming in your vision. The early stages of this disease are hard to notice, but as it progresses, it presents itself in other ways, such as difficulty reading faces or dark areas in the center of your vision. Routine eye examinations can help identify macular degeneration early and start you on the path toward proper treatment.
Fluid Buildup or Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60. Fluid can build up in your eye and damage the optic nerve to the point of vision loss. There are few symptoms in the early stages, so schedule routine eye exams so your doctor can notice the signs and begin treatment before the optic nerve becomes too damaged.
After getting to know the five most common eye diseases, you’re probably wondering how medical professionals can diagnose and treat these diseases. Ophthalmologists use a lot of expensive equipment to conduct these tests and perform treatments, and they typically source their ophthalmic supplies from suppliers like us. At Automated Ophthalmics, our team works around the clock to get these offices the necessary equipment to diagnose and treat these various eye conditions. To learn more about our team and the supplies we offer, visit our website today.