Welcome to Eye Diary! In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common eye diseases, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Understanding these conditions can help you take better care of your eyes and seek timely medical advice.
1. Cataract
Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to blurred vision.
Symptoms:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Seeing “halos” around lights
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
Causes:
- Aging
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight
- Previous eye injury or inflammation
Treatment:
- Surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one – This is the most common and best treatment modality currently used.
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses in very selective cases.
2. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure.
Symptoms:
- Patchy blind spots in peripheral or central vision
- Tunnel vision (in advanced stages)
- Severe headache
- Eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
Causes:
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Family history of glaucoma
- Age (more common in older adults)
- Medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Treatment:
- Prescription eye drops
- Oral medications
- Laser treatment
- Surgery
3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
ARMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.
Symptoms:
- Blurred or reduced central vision
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Need for brighter light when reading or doing close work
Causes:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
Treatment:
- Anti-VEGF injections
- Laser therapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking)
4. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels (Microvasculature) of the retina.
Symptoms:
- Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)
- Blurred vision
- Fluctuating vision
- Impaired color vision
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Vision loss
Causes:
High blood sugar levels damaging retinal blood vessels.
Treatment:
- Managing diabetes (blood sugar control)
- Laser treatment
- Vitrectomy surgery
- Anti-VEGF injections
Conclusion
Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of these common eye diseases. If you experience any symptoms, consult an eye care professional promptly.
Stay tuned to Eye Diary for more tips and insights on maintaining healthy vision!