Our eyes are essential to perceive the world around us. However, with the passing days, we become more prone to developing various eye problems that adversely affect our vision and overall eye health. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from near or distant vision impairment.
In such a scenario, understanding the symptoms and causes of common eye problems is crucial for early detection, prevention, and appropriate treatment.
Read this blog till the end to understand several prevalent eye conditions along with their symptoms and underlying causes.
(Source: who)
Common Refractive Errors:
Refractive errors are the most common eye issues people suffer from worldwide. According to reports, there are more than 150 million Americans who suffer from refractive error. These optical issues occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, leading to blurry vision.
(Source: nei)
Some common types of refractive errors are-
Myopia (Nearsightedness):
In myopia, distant objects appear blurry, while close objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball of an individual is very long, or the cornea is too curved than usual, causing light to focus in front of the retina. Some most common symptoms of myopia include difficulty in seeing distant objects, eye squinting, eye strain, headaches, etc. One of the most important eye care tips for people suffering from myopia is, that they should wear prescribed glasses or lenses always.
The eye problem can occur because of genetics or environmental factors. Limited outdoor activities may also lead to myopia. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must go to an eye care centre for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness):
Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia. In this condition, close objects appear blurry, while distant objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball of an individual is shorter, or the cornea is flatter than usual, causing light to focus behind the retina. In hyperopia, one can face difficulty in focusing on nearby objects. Certain health conditions, genetic problems, and age-related changes can lead to hyperopia.
Astigmatism:
Astigmatism is another refractive error that causes distorted or blurry vision at all distances. Most people with astigmatism face difficulties with their night vision. It occurs due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, preventing light from focusing evenly on the retina. In such cases, one may experience blurred or distorted vision, eye strain, headaches, etc. Certain eye problems, such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, and genetic problems, can cause astigmatism. People having astigmatism should intake high servings of zinc foods for healthy eyes.
Presbyopia:
Presbyopia is an age-related refractive error that affects near vision. It generally occurs when the lens of the eye loses its natural elasticity and faces difficulties to focus on close objects. People with presbyopia suffer from eyestrain, need brighter light when reading, and often struggle to read small prints.
Dry Eye Disease:
Dry eye disease is an eye condition when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. It leads to dryness, discomfort, and potential damage to the surface of the eyes. Some common symptoms of dry eye disease are experiencing eye dryness, itching and burning sensation, eye redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, etc. Several different situations, including aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, environmental factors, and underlying medical conditions, can lead to dry eyes. One of the best eye care tips for people struggling with dry eyes is that they should take eye breaks during long working hours to heal their eyes from dryness.
Cataracts:
Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to vision impairment. According to reports, more than 24.4 million Americans by the age of 40 have cataracts, and approximately half of the people by the age of 75 have cataracts. It commonly occurs with age, but you can also develop this due to other environmental and lifestyle factors such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, excessive smoking, consumption of certain medications, diabetes, eye injuries, etc. Some common symptoms of cataracts include blurred or hazy vision, increased sensitivity to glare, difficulty seeing at night, fading or yellowing of colours, etc.
(Source: aao)
Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, primarily because of high intraocular pressure (fluid pressure inside the eye). If left untreated, it can result in permanent vision loss. One can experience blurred vision, gradual loss of peripheral vision, tunnel vision (in advanced stages), eye pain, and halos around lights as symptoms of glaucoma. According to research, family genes, age, and certain medical conditions are some critical risk factors for glaucoma. People who are at risk of having glaucoma should eat high-magnesium foods for healthy eyes.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD):
Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is a progressive eye problem that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults. According to statistics, Over 200 million individuals suffer from neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) worldwide. Some common symptoms of AMD are experiencing blurred or distorted central vision, dark or empty areas in the central vision, difficulty recognizing faces or reading, etc.
(Source: ncbi)
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be caused by allergies, viruses, or bacteria. Some common symptoms of conjunctivitis are- eye redness, itching, watering, discharge, grittiness, and light sensitivity.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes):
Strabismus is an eye problem in which the eyes do not align properly, causing them to point in different directions. It can occur at any age and may lead to amblyopia if left untreated. Strabismus generally happens due to nerve abnormalities and weak eye muscles. Some common symptoms of strabismus include misaligned eyes, double vision, poor depth perception, etc. People at risk of developing strabismus should consume beta-carotene foods for healthy eyes.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye):
Amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye, which can not be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. It typically occurs in early childhood when the brain favors one eye over the other. Because of nerve abnormalities and muscular imbalances, eyes fail to work together. Individuals with amblyopia experience poor vision in one eye, reduced depth perception, squinting, etc.
Diabetic Retinopathy:
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication affecting the blood vessels in the retina. Due to prolonged high blood sugar and high blood pressure, one can experience diabetic retinopathy. It can lead to permanent vision loss if not managed properly. Some common symptoms include blurred or fluctuating vision, floaters, and dark or empty areas in the visual field.
Wrapping It Up
Awareness of common eye problems, their symptoms, and their causes is essential for maintaining healthy vision. Regular eye examinations, adopting preventive measures, and seeking timely medical attention can help preserve your eyesight and prevent potential complications. Salisbury Optometrist is one of the most popular eye care centres, helping thousands of people with proper diagnosis and treatment plans. If you experience any persistent or concerning eye symptoms, contact us for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.