Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining
the health of your eyes by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases, such as glaucoma, often develop gradually without causing pain or vision loss - so you may not notice anything wrong until significant and irreversible damage has been done. Early detection of any problems can allow for a choice of treatment options and a reduced risk of further harm.
One of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises high enough to damage the optic nerve. It cannot be prevented, and vision lost to it cannot be restored. The high eye pressure associated with glaucoma is caused by blockages in the eye's fluid drains. No one knows yet why the blockages form. People at the greatest risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.
Glaucoma often develops over many years without causing pain - so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed. Symptoms are occasionally present and should be taken as warning signs that glaucoma may be developing; these include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights and painful or reddened eyes.
Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery.
Macular degeneration is the number-one cause of blindness in the United States. It occurs when the macula -- a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our vision is clear and sharp -- degrades or "degenerates," causing a progressive loss of vision.
Yes. They include:
- A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
- A gradual loss of color vision
- Distorted vision
- A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision
The "dry" form of macular degeneration has no treatment, but the "wet" form may be helped by laser procedures if it is detected early. Certain vitamins and minerals may also aid in slowing or preventing vision loss.
A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and cause blurred or distorted vision. People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications.
There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:
- Blurred/hazy vision
- Sensitivity to glare
- A feeling of “film” over the eye(s)
- A temporary improvement in near vision
Early vision loss from cataracts can often be corrected with a change of prescription glasses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, replacement surgery may be the preferred method of treatment.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina (the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused). When these weak vessels leak, swell or develop thin branches, vision loss occurs. In its advanced stages, the disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters and blind spots - and, eventually, blindness. This damage is irreversible. However, with routine exams and early diagnosis, appropriate treatment can prevent vision loss.
Floaters are a common visual symptom that may develop during middle age or later. They represent the liquefying or shrinking vitreous gel in the center cavity of the eye. They may be accompanied by the brief sensation of flashes of light particularly in low illumination. The normally clear vitreous gel now has some imperfections that cast small shadows on the retina. Patients variably report seeing dots, circles, lines, clouds, or cobwebs that move through their vision when moving the eye.
New onset floaters can be associated with torn or detached retinas, the layer of cells lining the back of the eye that senses light and allows you to see.
A tear in the retina occurs in some 5 to 10 percent of cases of new floaters. These are serious, vision threatening developments. For this reason it is important that all individuals noticing newly developed floaters with or without flashes of light have a dilated exam with an ophthalmologist promptly.
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