Four Eye Diseases To Catch Early
We rely on our eyes to function from the moment we wake up until we go to bed at night. Losing your vision significantly impairs your ability to live independently, so make sure you're practicing proper eye care, getting check-ups from your eye doctor, and watching out for signs of these common eye diseases that can impair or ruin your vision.
Glaucoma
During the initial onset of glaucoma, you'll experience few, if any symptoms. Unfortunately, later symptoms can include blindness as well as severe pain. That's why it's so important to see your eye doctor every year so they can test your eye pressure for signs of glaucoma, especially if it runs in your family. Severe glaucoma must be treated with surgery or lasers.
Cataracts
Cataracts, characterized by a milky appearance to the eye, usually form as a result of aging. Even dogs get cataracts! Luckily, they can be cured, but only with surgery. Cataracts are caused by a breakdown in protein in the eye structure, allowing fluids to leak and form a layer over the eye. The corrective surgery removes the damaged lens and replaces it with an implant called an intraocular lens implant. To avoid this problem, wear sunglasses to prevent UV damage to your eyes.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the number one cause of blindness in the elderly and there is no existing cure. It forms as a result of deterioration in the part of the retina that senses light, the macula. Macular Degeneration usually doesn't lead to complete blindness, but it can cause a significant impediment so be sure your eye doctor sees you regularly enough to catch any symptoms.
Keratoconus
Kertatoconus is a condition in which the collagen fibers in your eye breakdown causing the cornea to weaken and bulge forwards. As your eye is exposed to debris and pollution, the antioxidants in your eye prevent damage. However, if you are deficient in antioxidants the collagen fibers are left exposed to outside dangers, leading to keratoconus. Symptoms usually begin in the teenage years, but if keratoconus runs in your family, you should should start having your children checked young. Keratoconus does not usually lead to blindness and can often be fixed with custom contact lenses.
If your eyes are aging or you have a family history of eye disease be sure that you are wearing sunglasses, eating healthy, and visiting your eye doctor. Check with a company like Quality Eye Care for more information.
