Eye Diseases: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Although some of us are born with less than perfect vision, others experience a deterioration of their eyesight because they have contracted a disease that afflicts their eyes. While some of these diseases specifically target the eyes, damage to sight may also be a byproduct or symptom of some more serious medical condition.
One of the reasons that getting annual eye exams is so important is that optometrists can identify and treat eye diseases in their early stages before they do serious, permanent damage to your vision. In the most severe cases, early detection of eye diseases can even prevent blindness.
In this section, we will outline and explain some of the causes and symptoms of some of the most common eye diseases. Our articles will detail the various treatment options for each disease, as well as give you tips on preventative measures you can take to avoid suffering from each condition.
Macular Degeneration
Most commonly affecting the elderly, macular degeneration is an eye disease characterized by a thinning, weakening and/or hemorrhage of the retina in the inner layer of the eye. Those suffering from macular degeneration experience blurry vision and/or an inability to detect detail.
While this eye disease can be mild, serious cases of macular degeneration result in an individual’s inability to read, recognize people and/or identify locations.
Preventing macular degeneration requires that you appropriately care for your eyes throughout your life. One of the best things you can do to strengthen your sight is to take vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene and zinc, each of which keeps your eyes healthy. Keep reading for more on the symptoms of and treatments for
macular degeneration.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a set of eye diseases related to defects or incurred damage of the optical nerve. In general, intraocular pressure (the fluid pressure of your eye) causes glaucoma. However, the level of pressure needed to cause glaucoma on any given person is highly individual and not necessarily predictable. As a result, doctors will take steps to immediately treat glaucoma as soon as they detect a threatening measure of intraocular pressure.
Along with diabetics and African Americans, those with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to suffer from this eye disease. Although it has yet to be confirmed, some researchers speculate that the presence of glaucoma is correlated to hypertension.
Prescription drugs and/or surgery are the primary treatments for glaucoma. Read on to learn more about the treatments, as well as preventative measures, for
glaucoma.
Conjunctivitis
Commonly known as "pink eye," conjunctivitis is an eye condition that generally arises as an allergic reaction to some irritant. Conjunctivitis may also result from a viral or bacterial infection. Those suffering from pink eye tend to know immediately, as this condition has easily identifiable symptoms that include redness, wateriness, irritation and, at times, itchiness.
Because conjunctivitis is infectious, avoid contact with those who suffer from this condition. If you should come down with a mild case of pink eye, use eye drops and apply cold compresses to your eyes. For more serious cases of conjunctivitis, seek immediate medical attention. Doctors generally prescribe antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medications. Keep reading for more on the causes of and treatments for conjunctivitis.
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