Your eyesight is one of your most important senses, and 80% of what you perceive comes through it. By protecting your eyes, you can prevent blindness and the development of eye diseases. Eye care is essential, and we have compiled a list of common eye issues and how to treat them.
1. Cataracts
Cataracts are the clouding of a normally clear lens of the eye. The main signs of cataracts include blurry vision. Cataracts can be caused by injury, UV exposure, or protein disorders, if left untreated. It can result in severe blindness.
Prevention: There are ways to prevent cataracts, including:
- Having regular eye examinations,
- Quit smoking
- Manage other health problems
- Choose a healthy diet
- Wear Sunglasses
- Reduce alcohol use.
Treatment: The cloudy lens can be replaced with a clear, artificial lens.
2.Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an eye condition where one’s cornea begins to bulge outwards and forms a cone shape. This causes blurry vision and light sensitivity and can lead to severe blindness if not treated correctly.
Treatment: The treatment usually starts with eyeglasses and contact lenses. Therapies such as corneal collagen crosslinking help slow the progression of the disease. A last solution is a cornea surgery, where the damaged cornea is replaced by donor tissue.
3. Refractive Errors.
Refractive errors are the most common eye issues and occur when light passes through the cornea and the lens. The length of the eyeball causes errors, changes in the shape of the cornea and the ageing of the lens. These errors include near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and distorted vision from all distances.
Treatment: The most common treatments are eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery.
4. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve- the bundle of nerve fibres that serve as a communication line between the eyes and brain. If left untreated, Glaucoma can worsen over time. This condition can cause a build-up of pressure inside the eye, is commonly inherited, and may only show up later in life. Glaucoma can lead to permanent loss of vision.
Treatment: Once the condition is identified, it can be treated with surgery, lasers, or eye drops.
5. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy takes place because of prolonged high blood sugar associated with types 1 and 2 diabetes and can cause blindness. Too much blood sugar can alter the blood vessels in the back of the eye, preventing the retina from receiving the nutrients it needs to maintain vision.
Treatment: This is commonly treated with laser surgery. A procedure called laser photocoagulation can seal or destroy growing or leaking blood vessels.
These are just some common eye problems, ways to prevent them and treatments. It is important to identify these common eye issues and treat them immediately. Make eye care an essential part of your everyday life.
