Our eyes are one of the most important parts of our body, yet it often gets overlooked when it comes to assessing our health. So many medical conditions can affect the eyes in various ways, from causing vision problems to more serious issues. That’s why it’s so important to understand what medical conditions can affect your eyes and how they can be treated or managed. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common medical conditions that can cause vision issues and other eye-related health problems. We’ll also cover what you should do if you experience any of these symptoms and how to best care for your eyes if you have a pre-existing condition.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness and vision impairment among older adults. According to the National Eye Institute, AMD affects more than 10 million Americans age 50 and older.
There are two types of AMD: “dry” and “wet.” In dry AMD, the central part of the retina slowly deteriorates. Wet AMD is more serious and occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. Both types of AMD can cause vision loss.
There is no cure for AMD, but treatments are available to slow its progression and help preserve vision. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to protecting your vision from AMD.
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Cataracts
Cataracts are a common age-related condition that occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. This can cause blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light. Cataracts typically develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts, and it is a safe and effective way to improve vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 60. Glaucoma is caused by an increase in pressure inside the eye, which damages the optic nerve. This can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type, and usually has no symptoms in the early stages. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but more serious, and can cause symptoms like headaches, eye pain, and nausea. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see an eye doctor right away.
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Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among adults in the United States. It occurs when diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Diabetic Retinopathy usually affects both eyes.
If you have diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugar level and manage your diabetes with medication as prescribed by your doctor. You should also have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year so that your eye care professional can look for signs of Diabetic Retinopathy and other vision problems.
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in your retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.
If you have diabetes, even if it’s well controlled, you’re at risk for diabetic retinopathy. The longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk becomes. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. Eventually, it can lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in adults 20 to 74 years old.
There are two types of diabetic retinopathy: non proliferative and proliferative.
Non proliferative Retinopathy: In this early stage of diabetic retinopathy, tiny arteries in your retina become blocked. This slows the flow of blood to your retina and starves it of oxygen. Non proliferative means that new blood vessels haven’t started to grow yet.
Proliferative Retinopathy: This is a more advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. In response to being starved of oxygen, new blood vessels begin to grow on the surface of your retina — a process called neovascularization — in an attempt to bring more blood flow to that area and get rid of built-up fluid pressure. But these new blood vessels are abnormal and fragile.
Eye Infections
Eye infections are a common occurrence, and they can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The most common type of eye infection is conjunctivitis, which is also known as pink eye. Other types of eye infections include stye, blepharitis, and keratitis.
There are many different types of eye infections, and each one can have different symptoms and treatment options. Some common eye infections include conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), and keratitis (corneal inflammation).
pink eye is a viral or bacterial infection that affects the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. Symptoms include redness, itching, watering eyes, and sometimes a discharge from the affected eye. Treatment usually involves using over-the-counter eye drops or ointments to help relieve symptoms.
Bacterial pink eye is often caused by Staphylococcus aurous bacteria. This type of bacteria is commonly found on the skin and in the nose. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, makeup brushes, or contact lenses. Viral pink eye is most often caused by adenoviruses. These viruses are also responsible for causing colds and respiratory infections. They can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or through close contact with someone who has an infection.
Allergies can also cause Pink Eye Allergic reactions happen when your body overreacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander. Normally harmless substances cause your body to release chemicals that make your eyes itch, water, and swell.
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Eyestrain
While most people experience some level of eyestrain after extended periods of reading or staring at digital screens, some people may experience more severe symptoms. Common symptoms of eyestrain include headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and neck pain.
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity of eyestrain symptoms. For example, if you spend a lot of time looking at digital screens, try taking regular breaks to look at something else in the room or go outside for a few minutes. You can also try adjusting the lighting in your environment and using artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.
