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5 Things You Need To Know About Common Eye Ailments

Our eyes are one of the most important organs of our bodies, but people give minimal care regarding regular health checkups to them. Most individuals do not take an eye problem seriously until it starts showing symptoms like blurry vision, discomfort, or pain. Its prevention and care at the earliest stage of symptoms can avoid severe complications later on. In this article, we will discuss five common eye conditions. First, what are they, and second, what causes them, and what you can do to prevent them from affecting your vision.

Dry Eye Syndrome: Causes and Prevention

When you have dry eye syndrome, either not enough water is produced by your eyes, or the tears that are produced evaporate too soon. This leads to a gritty or burning sensation, and one might find it uncomfortable to even read or work on the computer. Some of the reasons behind the dry eye are old age, environmental factors such as wind or smoke, being glued to the screen for extended periods, and certain medications. Treatments of dry eyes start with artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. If the condition persists, an eye doctor can even prescribe medications or insert a tear duct plug to address the issue. Simple lifestyle modifications, such as less screen time or the presence of a humidifier, may also help reduce symptoms.

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Your Vision

 Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” because it often begins with little noticeable symptoms until a lot of damage has occurred. This is because it leads to increased intraocular pressure, which then causes damage to the optic nerve and permanently leads to loss of vision. In that case, a patient with a family history of the disease should visit for a routine eye examination. The treatment options for glaucoma depend on the type of condition and include medicated eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery. Early detection is the best way to prevent glaucoma-induced vision loss; regular checkups with an eye doctor, particularly after 40 years.

Cataracts: Know Your Enemy

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions, more so in older persons. They are characterized by the cloudiness of the clear lens found inside the eye, hence causing poor vision, night blindness, and photophobia. The common causes of cataracts include aging, exposure to UV rays for a long period, smoking, and diabetes mellitus. The only known treatment for this is surgical replacement with an artificial clear lens. In addition to having regular eye exams so that the development of cataracts can be closely monitored, their progression may be slowed with protective sunglasses, which provide a filter of UV light. Early diagnosis and prompt surgery can render clear vision again and greatly enhance the quality of your life.

Conjunctivitis: Contagious but Treatable

Conjunctivitis, sometimes called pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that covers the white portion of the eye. Caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergic reactions, and highly contagious, particularly in its viral and bacterial forms. Symptoms include redness, itching, tearing, and discharge from the eyes. The best news: conjunctivitis is very treatable with medicated eye drops, and in some cases, it resolves on its own. When you have pink eye, you should be very careful with hygiene practices, one of which is washing your hands frequently to prevent it from spreading among many people. Do not touch your face, and always remember that these simple things should be observed.

Macular Degeneration: The Leading Cause of Vision Loss

The primary cause of blindness among people over 50 years of age is macular degeneration. Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is the area in the retina that is involved in central vision. It plays a key role in reading, driving, and identifying faces. There are two types: dry and wet macular degeneration. Wet progresses more slowly but is far less common than the dry type, which occurs more frequently but tends to be less severe. There is a significant risk factor of aging, smoking, and the fact that one has had family members with such a condition. There is no known cure, but anti-VEGF injections, for example, can slow the wet type of macular degeneration; laser therapy treatment can also slow the progression of wet macular degeneration.

Conclusion

While people rarely tend to think about their eye care, issues such as dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, and macular degeneration really can ruin life if they are left untreated. Regular checkups with the help of early detection, together with proactive steps in preserving one’s vision, help keep healthy eyes for longer as a person ages. Knowing which common eye problems can go awry will be all the difference in keeping your vision sharp. Armed with knowledge and a watchful eye, you’ll know just what to do and be sure of saving your vision for decades to come.

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