How will you know when you should see an optometrist? Vision problems can take many different forms, and it’s crucial to have them diagnosed and treated as soon as possible if you don’t want them to grow worse. It’s important to be aware of issues that can occur with your eyes; as such, here are 5 of the most common eye defects that warrant attention from a professional.
1. Cataracts
The lens of the eye normally remains clear and makes it possible for you to focus on objects at different distances. But with cataracts, the lens can become clouded, stopping light from passing through. Over time, cataracts can grow more severe and eventually result in vision loss. The only solution for cataracts is to have the lens surgically removed and replaced with an artificial one.
2. Refractive Errors
When light enters your eyes, it is naturally refracted (meaning it’s bent). However, certain eye diseases can result in the light being refracted incorrectly. For example, if you have astigmatism, the way the light is bent can result in wavy vision. Fortunately, correcting refractive errors can be as simple as wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
3. Glaucoma
You rely on your optic nerve to send information from your eyes to your brain. This nerve can potentially be damaged by a group of eye conditions collectively known as glaucoma. Usually, the issue lies with an inordinate amount of pressure on the eyes. Glaucoma can be dangerous because by the time you notice anything wrong with your eyes, oftentimes severe damage has already been done. In many cases, glaucoma can be treated with prescription eye drops that help lower eye pressure.
4. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can result in a number of eye problems, but the most common one is diabetic retinopathy. This condition is the consequence of the blood vessels in the retina suffering damage due to elevated blood sugar. If the condition isn’t treated in time, it could ultimately lead to vision loss. Thus, it’s important for individuals with diabetes to be screened for diabetic retinopathy regularly so that they can take steps to deal with it as early as possible.
5. Macular Degeneration
The macula at the center of the retina is what provides you with central vision as well as your ability to discern fine details. As you grow older, the macula can start to degenerate, which can make reading, driving, and other tasks that rely on central vision more difficult. The good news is that if macular degeneration is diagnosed early, it’s often possible to slow down its progress.
About the Author
Dr. Nayiri Ajoian graduated from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, and she learned about ocular disease and low vision at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Portland, OR. At EyeSmile Dentistry and Optometry of Belmont, she’s able to help her patients find solutions for a wide variety of vision issues. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ajoian, visit her website or call (617) 484-7869.