Most people will experience some eye problems throughout the course of their life, whether they just have minor issues such as allergy irritation or a more serious problem like macular degeneration. Learn about some of the most common eye conditions below, and remember to take care of your own vision by scheduling regular eye exams with an optometrist you trust.
Refractive Errors
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you are one of the many people in the US who have a refractive error. Refractive errors include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), distorted vision at all distances (astigmatism), and age-related difficulty seeing close objects (presbyopia). All these conditions occur due to changes in the shape of the eye which prevent light from properly focusing on the retina. Fortunately, good vision can usually be restored with glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery.
Dry Eyes
Many of us have experienced dry eyes at one time or another, but if your eyes regularly feel dry, it may be because your tear glands aren’t producing enough tears, or the tears that are produced don’t have the correct chemical composition to keep your eyes moist. This can occur for many different reasons, including as a result of certain medications, certain diseases, aging, or physical damage to the tear glands. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include eye inserts that act like artificial tears (e.g. Lacrisert), eye drops to reduce corneal inflammation, or antibiotics to reduce eyelid inflammation.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is the name given to an inflamed cornea, which may be characterized by eye redness, itching, and irritation and may be caused by irritants, allergies, or infections. When caused by an infection, this eye condition is more commonly known as pink eye. In many cases, conjunctivitis will clear up without medication, but for a persistent bacterial eye infection, doctors may prescribe antibiotic eye drugs in the form of drops such as Blephamide or Tobradex.
Cataracts Eye Diagram
Cataracts
Cataracts—cloudy areas that can develop in eye lenses—are the most common cause for blindness in the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This condition mostly affects adults over the age of 55, and cataracts typically develop gradually over time. Smaller cataracts may not affect vision, but if they become too large, they may need to be removed through surgery. Cataract surgery in the US is considered very safe, and the risk of complications is low.
Macular Degeneration
The CDC estimates that approximately 1.8 million Americans have age-related macular generation. This condition affects the macula, the central portion of the retina, and impairs central vision and the ability to see sharp details. It can either occur when the macula thins over time or when blood vessels build up under the macula, eventually leaking blood and fluid. Unfortunately, there are currently no approved treatments that can undo vision damage caused by macular degeneration, but there are some prescription eye medications that can slow down vision loss, such as Lucentis and Macugen.
Glaucoma Eye Diagram
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is a serious condition that affects approximately 3 million Americans. People with this chronic condition experience a gradual buildup of pressure in the eyes, which may not be noticeable at first. If detected early enough, glaucoma can be successfully treated and vision loss can be largely prevented. Treatment involves lowering pressure in the eyes and may include surgery or prescription medications, such as Xalatan.
For more information about eye conditions and for discount on related eye medications, visit our Eye Care Conditions Page.
