There are a variety of eye problems that can affect the eye health of a person. These include Glaucoma, Age-related macular degeneration, Astigmatism, and Presbyopia. If you are concerned about these conditions, it is best to consult an eye doctor. This article covers some of the more common eye problems and their symptoms.
Glaucoma
The first step in treating glaucoma is to reduce eye pressure. This helps slow the damage to the optic nerve and preserve the eye’s vision. Your doctor may use different procedures and medications to achieve the right goal. For example, gonioscopy, a technique that involves placing a lens in front of the eye, can measure eye pressure and see if there’s a blocked drainage angle. Other procedures, like pachymetry, measure the thickness of the cornea.
Another important step is to have your vision tested every year. This is because many people don’t notice the symptoms of glaucoma until they’ve lost most of their vision. The test is quick and painless, and your eye doctor will examine your eyes‘ optic nerve for signs of glaucoma. The doctor may also take photographs of your vision, so that they can spot changes on your next visit.
Age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration affects both the central and peripheral vision, and can cause a range of problems. The early stages of AMD don’t affect vision at all, but later stages can lead to severe vision loss. If you have this disease, see your eye doctor regularly for an examination.
Symptoms of age-related macular degeneration can be hard to notice in early stages, so make sure to take precautions. Early signs can go unnoticed until the disease has progressed to the point that the eye cannot focus clearly. Symptoms may include distorted vision, a dark spot in the center of vision, or a cloudy or empty area. A comprehensive eye examination can detect macular degeneration and other eye conditions before they progress to severe ones. A simple screening tool called the AmsLer grid can help you find out if macular degeneration is a problem. Low vision devices can also help you make the most of your existing vision.
Astigmatism
If you’re concerned about your vision, you should schedule a regular eye exam. People under 65 should go every two years for an examination, while those over 65 should have one every year. You should also schedule a visit if you’ve experienced any sudden changes in your vision. Astigmatism can be treated through glasses, contact lenses, or high-tech lens implants.
Astigmatism affects the front surface of your eye (the cornea). The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped part of your eye that helps focus light rays on the retina, a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue. Astigmatism affects the way light reaches the retina, which results in blurred or fuzzy images. It can also cause glare and halos around objects.
Presbyopia
Symptoms of presbyopia include difficulty reading small print, having to hold reading materials out of reach and blurry vision when viewing objects in close range. Presbyopia can also lead to eye strain and headaches. People with this condition should see an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. They may also need eyeglasses, contact lenses or eye surgery. However, it is important to remember that presbyopia can be corrected.
Presbyopia is caused by an issue with the lens of the eye. The lens is the part of the eye that sits behind the pupil and iris. When you are younger, the lens is flexible and has plenty of elasticity, allowing you to focus on close objects. However, as you age, the elasticity of the lens decreases, making it increasingly difficult to focus on close objects.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes occur when your eye doesn’t produce enough tears. Tears are secreted by special glands in the eyelids. A lack of tear production may be a side effect of certain medications. Also, dry climates and wind can reduce the amount of tears. Tear volume is also affected by the evaporation of tears. Either way, dry eyes are a sign of an underlying problem.
If you suspect you have dry eyes, it is important to visit an eye care professional. You can also ask your eye doctor about wearing contact lenses for your eyes. You should choose a comfortable lens that doesn’t cause too much dryness.
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is a serious eye problem that can result in permanent vision loss or even blindness. This condition develops when a tear forms in the retina, which allows fluid to pool behind it and loosen the retina. This tear is most often caused by normal changes in the aging eye.
There are several ways to repair this eye problem. Laser surgery is one method. Freezing is another option. Either of these procedures can repair a tear in the retina. The procedure usually doesn’t cause much pain, but some people have reported some discomfort. After the procedure, the patient is usually given an eye patch and is advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
