Common Eye Disorders

Common Eye Disorders

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one million Americans get eye infections every year. Most people are at risk of eye diseases due to an increasingly older population that suffers one or more eye infections related to age. When caught early, many eye illnesses can be treated or prevented. Here are common eye disorders that a timely eye checkup can check for.

 

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are the most common eye issue in America. These errors include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), a blurry vision both near and far (astigmatism), and lost ability to focus on close objects (presbyopia). Timely and proper treatment can correct the errors and improve vision.

 

Dry Eye

Dry eye is a frequent and often lingering eye problem, especially among adults. The eyes are not moisturized because not enough tears are produced, making your eyes feel uneasy. In some cases, dry eye can cause vision loss. Lubricating and prescription eye drops can lessen dryness.

 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a common eye disorder, the leading cause of loss of vision for adults over the age of 50. AMD does not cause total blindness, but central vision loss can make it difficult to drive, do close-up chores around the house, or see faces. Treatment for AMD varies. A select combination of minerals and vitamins can help slow the disease’s progression. Also, surgical treatment can be an option.

 

Cataract

Cataracts are very frequent the older you get. Over half of all Americans above the age of 80 have cataracts. Cataracts progress gradually, and they do not show early symptoms. However, cataracts can make your eyesight hazy or less colorful over time. Cataract surgery is a safe procedure that can help improve your eyesight.

 

Glaucoma

Roughly three million people in America have glaucoma. It is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Glaucoma has no early warning signs, which is why 50 percent of people with glaucoma do not know they have the condition. Although it mostly affects the elderly, glaucoma can affect anyone, including newborns. Treatment for glaucoma includes medication, eye drops, and surgery.

 

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

DR is a diabetes complication and the primary cause of blindness in adults in America. It is caused by injury to the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Initially, the disease may show no signs or a person may only experience minor vision issues. Treatment involves cautious diabetes care and diet changes.

 

Amblyopia

Amblyopia, also known as ‘lazy eye,’ is a common eye disorder that affects two percent of all kids. The disorder occurs when the brain is unable to process information from one eye and over time prefers the other eye. As such, the eyes may not seem to be working together and the affected eye will tend to wander. Treatment includes special contact lenses or glasses, eye drops, and occasionally surgery.

 

Strabismus

Strabismus is a common eye condition that affects four percent of kids below the age of six. It is caused by a lack of harmonization between the eyes, making the eyes point in different directions instead of focusing on a single direction. Strabismus can be treated with special eyewear, an eye patch, or surgery.

 

To learn more about common eye disorders, contact Claremore Eye Associates in Claremore, Oklahoma at (918) 233-3319 to book an appointment today.