Blog

The eyes are the windows through which you see the world around you. They are crucial for daily activities like working, driving, and reading. Unfortunately, various eye diseases and conditions can impact your vision and overall eye health. Here are common eye diseases and conditions, symptoms, and treatments.

Cataracts

Cataracts are an eye disease that affects people, especially older adults. They occur when the eye becomes cloudy. With its onset, you begin to experience blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and halos around lights. 

A cataract can develop due to age, genetics, and medical conditions like diabetes. Surgery is often the best treatment for cataracts. It entails removing the cloudy lens. The surgeon then replaces it with a clear artificial one.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve responsible for transferring visual information to the brain from your eye. The damage leads to vision loss and blindness. There are different types of glaucoma.

The most common one is open-angle glaucoma. It occurs when fluid in your eye does not drain correctly and causes increased eye pressure. Glaucoma symptoms can include eye pain, loss of peripheral vision, and blurry vision. Treatment entails using eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a common eye condition that affects older adults and develops when the central part of your retina, called the macula, starts deteriorating. The condition leads to vision loss in the center of your vision field. It makes recognizing faces, driving, and reading difficult. 

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration—dry and wet AMD. Dry AMD is more common and often treated using dietary supplements and lifestyle changes. In contrast, the less common wet AMD is more severe and may require laser treatment or injections.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that affects individuals with diabetes. It develops when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in your retina. The damage causes vision loss. 

The symptoms of this condition include difficulty seeing at night, blurry vision, and string or dark spots in your field vision. Treatment can entail a surgery or laser treatment. It also involves careful management of blood sugar levels.

Conjunctivitis

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection caused by allergens, viruses, or bacteria. The symptoms include discharge from the eye, itching, and redness. It often goes away in most cases. However, you can also treat it with eye drops or ointments to reduce the symptoms and prevent the spread of infection.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes cannot produce adequate or quality tears. The result is an eye surface lacking moisture and lubrication. The condition leads to blurry vision, itching, discomfort, and other symptoms. Dry eye syndrome can occur due to age, some medical conditions, and medications. Treatment includes eye drops, lifestyle changes, and surgery in some cases.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a severe condition that occurs when the retina detaches from the back of the eye. It can lead to vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly. Its symptoms include the sudden appearance of floaters, light flashes, and a curtain-like shadow in your field of vision. Treatment entails surgery to reattach the retina and restore vision.

For more about common eye diseases and conditions, visit Super Optical Express at our office in Gainesville, Florida. Call 352-702-9700 to book an appointment today.