Introduction
What are Eye Diseases?
Eyes are among the most important organs of the human body. They are our gateway to the world, enabling us to see and experience it. However, they are also vulnerable to several eye conditions, known as eye diseases. These diseases affect the eye and adjacent areas. The commonly affected areas include the retina, cornea, lens, and optic nerve. In case such diseases are left ignored, they can lead to detrimental consequences like permanent blindness. In light of this, this blog will discuss the common eye problems and how to prevent them.
How common are Eye Diseases?
If viewed through a global lens, eye diseases are a widespread phenomenon. As per the estimates made by the World Health Organisation (WHO), every year, more than 2.2 billion people fall victim to a plethora of eye conditions. One reason for this is the fact that the eye cannot be divorced from the rest of the body. This is why certain conditions that affect the other parts of the body affect the eye as well. Roughly 40% of eye conditions are interrelated with other conditions/diseases affecting some other part of the body. Therefore, for your eyes to stay healthy, you must take care of your whole body.
Common Eye Diseases
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are among the most common eye problems. They occur when the shape of the eye limits light from entering the retina. Considering this, the most common refractive errors are:
Types of Errors
- Myopia: Myopia is a condition where an individual has difficulty viewing objects located at a distance with clarity.
- Hyperopia: Hyperopia is a condition where an individual struggles to see an object located near them.
- Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a condition where an individual suffers from blurry vision due to an unevenly shaped cornea.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
- Genetics and family history play a key role in influencing refractive errors
- Being exposed to digital screens for a long period is a leading cause of numerous eye conditions
- Poor lifestyle practices also significantly influence eye diseases
Symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Eye Strain
- Struggle to read
Prevention and Management
Refractive errors can be managed by:
- Following the 20-20 Rule
- Going through eye-checkups and examinations regularly
- Taking eye protection measures seriously
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a condition where the surface of the eyes lacks moisture, due to the eyes not producing sufficient tears. If left untreated or ignored, this condition can lead to inflammation and damage the ocular surface.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
- Aging
- Prolonged exposure to screens
- Changes in hormones
- Certain environmental factors, like air conditioning or pollution
Symptoms
- Redness around the eyes
- Gritty feeling
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
Prevention and Management
The most common ways to prevent Dry Eye Syndrome are to:
- Using artificial tears to moisturise the surface of the eye
- Blinking when in front of screens
- Maintaining proper humidity levels
- Staying hydrated
Cataracts
A cataract is an eye condition where there is clouding in front of the natural lens of the eye. This condition is most commonly seen among older adults, diabetics, and even newborns.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
- Aging
- Excessive exposure to UV rays
- Practising poor lifestyle practices like drinking and smoking
- Pre-existing conditions like diabetes
Symptoms
- Foggy vision
- Struggles with night vision
- Sensitivity to faded colours and light
Prevention and Management
Common ways to prevent or manage cataracts are through:
- Ensuring sun protection outdoors
- Engaging in effective diabetes management practices
- Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, such as carrots and leafy vegetables
- Opting for surgery is the best treatment option
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease where the optic nerve of the eye is damaged by intraocular pressure. In severe cases, it can lead to lifetime blindness.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
- Family history and genetic factors
- Pre-existing conditions such as hypertension and diabetes can be significant contributors
Symptoms
- During the initial stages, glaucoma is symptomless
- Advanced glaucoma causes tunnel vision
Prevention and Management
Glaucoma can be managed or prevented by:
- Regular eye check-up for individuals above the age of 40
- Taking the doctor-prescribed eyedrops regularly
- In case of severe glaucoma, going through a LASIK surgery is the only option
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a critical eye condition that affects the retinal blood vessels. As suggested by its name, it is caused by diabetes and can lead to permanent blindness.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
- Ineffective diabetes management
- Alarmingly high levels of blood sugar
- Swelling in the eye area
Symptoms
- Foggy vision
- Dark patches in vision
- Floaters
- Gradual loss of vision
Prevention and Management
Diabetic Retinopathy can be prevented or managed by:
- Practising blood sugar control through effective dieting practices, medication, and exercise
- Going through regular eye exams
- In case of severe circumstances, opting for Laser therapy is the best way to go
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a condition in which the retina and the macula undergo a process of degeneration. Over time, it leads to the loss of central vision. This condition is commonly seen in older adults.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
- Ageing
- A combination of genes and environmental factors
- Bad lifestyle practices such as smoking and drinking
Symptoms
- Blurry vision
- Empty spot in the central vision field
- Struggle in recognising faces
Prevention and Management
Age-Related Macular Degeneration can be managed effectively by:
- Common treatment of this condition includes anti-VEGF injections
- Vision rehabilitation
- Making positive lifestyle changes
- Eating a nutrient rich diet
Common Prevention Measures for Eye Diseases
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Making healthy lifestyle choices in your daily life will help you against a multitude of eye diseases. Considering this, following a balanced diet containing foods rich in omega 3s, and vitamins A, C, and E can be a very wise decision. This should be accompanied by regular exercise, drinking sufficient amounts of water, and refraining from damaging practices like drinking and smoking.
Screen Time Management
Excessive exposure to digital screens is a huge issue in modern times. Given the rapid advancement in technology, such a thing is expected. However, such a circumstance is straining the eyes. Therefore, to reduce eye strain, you can follow the 20-20 rule. This should be done along with short work breaks, good posture, and simple eye exercises.
Using Eye Protection
The simplest way to protect your eyes from eye conditions is to use appropriate eye protection. Considering this, while outdoors, you can use safety glasses, sunglasses, goggles, and sunglass shields to protect your eyes from the Sun, pollution, and natural elements. Using these protections regularly will protect you from eye conditions to a significant extent.
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Conclusion
Eye conditions are very common, and when you are affected by them, you will be in a constant state of discomfort. Although the majority of these conditions are temporary and treatable, in severe stages, they can cause irreversible damage. Therefore, whenever you feel even the slightest unpleasantness in your eye and adjacent areas, consult with your ophthalmologist as soon as possible!
