There are many eye conditions but these are the 5 common eye conditions. Our eyes are delicate and complex, and various conditions can affect vision as we age or due to health issues. Understanding these conditions can help with early detection and better care.
1. Cataracts
What it is:
Clouding of the eye’s natural lens, often related to aging.
Symptoms:
- Blurry or foggy vision
- Colors appear faded or yellowed
- Sensitivity to light
- Poor night vision
- Halos around lights
Treatment Options:
- Mild cases: Stronger eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, brighter lighting
- Advanced cases: Cataract surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one
Vision Correction:
Post-surgery, most people enjoy improved vision without needing glasses. Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) can correct astigmatism or presbyopia.
Prevention Tips:
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods
- Avoid smoking
- Manage diabetes and blood pressure
2. Dry Eyes
What it is:
The eyes either don’t produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears, causing discomfort.
Symptoms:
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Feeling of something in the eye
- Redness
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Light sensitivity
Treatment Options:
- Artificial tears or prescription eye drops
- Punctal plugs (to retain natural tears)
- Omega-3 fatty acids in diet
- Adjusting screen time or environment
Vision Correction:
Dry eyes can affect contact lens comfort. Specialized lenses like scleral lenses or daily disposables can help.
Prevention Tips:
- Take breaks during screen use (20-20-20 rule)
- Use a humidifier
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid smoke and wind exposure
3. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
What it is:
Deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision.
Symptoms:
- Blurred or reduced central vision
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- Straight lines appear wavy
- Dark or empty areas in central vision
Treatment Options:
- No cure, but progression can be slowed
- Anti-VEGF injections (for wet AMD)
- AREDS supplements (vitamins)
- Low vision aids
Vision Correction:
Specialty low vision devices such as magnifiers and digital readers. Some eyewear can enhance contrast and brightness.
Prevention Tips:
- Don’t smoke
- Eat leafy greens and fish
- Manage cholesterol and blood pressure
- Get regular eye exams
4. Glaucoma
What it is:
A group of eye conditions causing damage to the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure.
Symptoms:
- Often no early symptoms
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Eye pain or nausea (in acute angle-closure)
Treatment Options:
- Prescription eye drops
- Oral medications
- Laser treatments or surgery
- Regular monitoring to slow progression
Vision Correction:
Glasses may help with residual vision, but cannot restore lost vision. Early detection is key.
Prevention Tips:
- Regular comprehensive eye exams
- Exercise regularly
- Know your family history
- Use prescribed drops consistently
5. Diabetic Retinopathy
What it is:
Damage to the retinal blood vessels caused by diabetes, leading to leakage or abnormal growth.
Symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Floaters
- Dark or empty spots in vision
- Vision loss (in advanced stages)
Treatment Options:
- Better blood sugar management
- Laser surgery (to seal leaks)
- Injections (to reduce swelling)
- Vitrectomy (for severe bleeding)
Vision Correction:
Eyeglasses or contact lenses may improve vision if the retina isn’t too damaged. Low vision aids may help in advanced cases.
Prevention Tips:
- Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
- Get a yearly diabetic eye exam
- Follow your diabetes care plan closely
Vision Health Starts with You
Whether you’re managing a diagnosed condition or just want to protect your vision, the best step is early detection and expert guidance.
Want to Know More?
Let the experienced optometrists at Malaya Optical guide you with thorough eye exams and tailored advice for your eye health.
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