Eyes are highly complex organs that help us see. A 6/6 eyesight requires all the anatomy within the eyes to function correctly. But unfortunately, taking care of the eyes is the most overlooked aspect.
When eye diseases are early, they may not produce noticeable symptoms. For example, you might not notice blurred vision or pain until the disease progresses to a certain point and you start looking for a cure.
Nevertheless, modern technologies such as electronic have allow many eyes to be treated more effectively. These can reduce the need for lengthy procedures and surgeries.
Here Are Some Common Eye Diseases and How To Escape Them:
1 – Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is the most prevalent eye disease that is more likely to occur once you hit your 50s. AMD makes it hard to recognize faces, drive, read, write, and do close work such as fixing things.
The research shows AMD as the leading cause of vision loss as it affects the central portion of the retina responsible for originating clear, sharp views of objects straight ahead.
People with AMD might see straight lines appear distorted, black dots or streaks in vision, feel uncomfortable in bright lights, see faded colors, and objects may appear to change shape, size, or even more.
Even though AMD does not result in complete blindness, it increases the challenges in daily life activities.
Currently, no treatment lives for AMD that could completely fix the disease, but a few technological advancements have proven effective.
2 – Cataract
Cataracts are another eye condition that primarily occurs due to aging. It’s a common sight among older people. However, it does not necessarily mean that only seniors suffer from this condition. The symptoms might emerge in middle age but not show up until one’s 40s or 50s.
Cataracts result from the overcasting of the lens, causing glare and blurred vision. As the cataract grows, it becomes difficult to see which can result in loss of vision if not treated on time. It happens in two ways; protein clumps behind the eye reduce image sharpness, and a yellowish tint intrudes and makes images appear blurry.
Cataracts are associated with diseases like diabetes and smoking. In addition, prolonged exposure to the sun can also lead to cataracts.
Cataracts at their chronic stages can be helped using anti-glare glasses or magnifiers, but acute Cataracts need to be surgically operated on. However, cataract removal surgeries can result in even better vision afterward.
3- Glaucoma
According to the World Health Organization, Glaucoma is a common eye condition and a second leading cause of blindness worldwide. It directly damages the optic nerve affecting the side or peripheral vision.
Glaucoma causes increased eye pressure. However, this is not necessarily a sign that you have the disease. Instead, it could simply mean you’re at a higher risk of developing it.
Other symptoms include severe eye pain, reddening, blurred vision, and halos around the eyes. In addition, glaucoma increases the common challenges for people. For example, having blurred vision and light sensitivity during the day could leave a person unable to do their work. The cure to glaucoma is still a topic of research for many.
Depending on the situation, treatment options may include prescription eyedrops, oral medications, laser treatment, surgery or a combination of any of these for patients who are at risk of vision loss.
4 – Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a degenerative disease that occurs due to gene mutation. When a patient has RP, cells in the retina known as photoreceptors do not function at their routine, and over time, they lose vision. RP strikes the rods and cones in your retina which causes progressive damage to the night vision and peripheral loss of vision; the ability to see at night and side sideways, respectively.
It may show up during childhood, but its intensity and progression later vary from person to person. In most cases, people with RP become legally blind (visual acuity of 20/200 or less) by the age of 40.
Night blindness, faded colors, sensitivity to light tunnel vision, black or dark spots in the central part of the field of vision and photopsia are characteristic symptoms of RP. RP can make life challenging with intense symptoms, ultimately proceeding to complete vision loss.
Research shows that consuming specific vitamins, such as vitamin A palmitate, can be helpful to people with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Still, for that, one must consult an ophthalmologist to know the right amounts to consume. On the other hand, devices and wearable technologies promise a better living.
5- Diabetic Retinopathy
The longer you have diabetes type 1 or 2, the greater your chance of falling victim to diabetic Retinopathy. It’s a complication of diabetes where the blood vessel inside your retina swells and bleeds, eventually leading to complete blindness and vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy occurs in both eyes simultaneously, but you might not feel its symptoms until the disease intensifies. As it becomes serious, you might notice the loss of central vision, hindering your routine work, faded colors, and blurry vision. The factors responsible for this visual impairment are high blood pressure, smoking, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
Once Diabetic Retinopathy takes birth in one’s eyes, it undergoes four stages; mild, moderate, severe, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which is permanent blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy is treated using multiple surgical procedures such as focal macular laser surgery or Scatter laser surgery.
BOTTOM LINE
A person with these visual impairments might find it difficult to cope. Many of these conditions can be treated with wearable advanced technology like protective eyewear, but others may require lengthy costly procedures.
It’s therefore wise to make regular sessions with your eye care professional every once in a while. That way, you might diagnose the disease early and avoid further complications.
