Frames ~ Lenses ~ Eye Infections ~ Eye Diseases

Eye Diseases
Diabetic Retinopathy
Over time, diabetes can weaken the small blood vessels that nourish the retina, resulting in diabetic retinopathy. Changes may include blood leakage, development of brush-like branches of the vessels and enlargement of parts of the vessels. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can seriously affect vision and even cause blindness.

If you are diabetic, early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy is essential. Annual, and sometimes even more frequent, eye exams are important if you are diabetic or have a family history of diabetes.

Early symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include blurriness in the central or peripheral (side) vision, but one may experience no symptoms depending on the location of blood vessel changes. As it progresses, visual cloudiness, blind spots or floaters may occur. This is usually caused by leakage from blood vessels which blocks light from reaching the retina.

Not every diabetic patient develops retinopathy, but the chances of getting it increase after having diabetes for several years.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes blindness by damaging the optic nerve. It usually results from elevated pressure in the eye, but even people with normal pressure can lose vision to glaucoma.

Glaucoma often develops gradually and painlessly. Symptoms of glaucoma may include blurred vision, loss of side vision, appearance of colored rings around lights and pain or redness in the eye. With early detection and prompt treatment, glaucoma can be controlled with little or no vision loss.

People of all ages can develop glaucoma, but it occurs most often in people who are:

over age 40

very nearsighted

diabetic

of African-American descent

have a family history of glaucoma

Cataracts
Cataracts usually occur after age 55. A cataract is a clouding or darkening that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye, resulting in a loss of vision.

Symptoms include:

increasing haziness causing blurred or distorted vision?colors may seem yellowed

an increased need for additional light to see clearly

increased nearsightedness

gradual loss of color vision

a stage where it is easier to see without glasses referred to as "second sight"

difficulty driving at night due to glare from headlights

Changes in your eyeglass prescription may help you see more clearly as your cataract develops. If your cataract impairs your daily activities, surgical removal of the lens by an ophthalmologist may be recommended. The natural lens can be replaced with an intraocular lens implant.

According to the American Optometric Association, cataract surgery is relatively uncomplicated and has a 95 percent success rate.

Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of central vision loss among older people. It results from changes to the macula, a portion of the retina that is responsible for clear, sharp vision.

The most common symptoms of macular degeneration include:

gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly

distorted vision--objects appear to be the wrong size or shape or straight lines appear wavy or crooked

gradual loss of clear color vision

dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your optometrist immediately. They may indicate macular degeneration or other eye health problems.

Macular degeneration is not reversible; however, dietary changes and vitamins may help to slow down the degenerative changes. Low vision aids can be prescribed to help make the most of remaining vision. A new treatment for "wet" macular degeneration is injection of medication, which may recover some lost vision. Early detection is the most important factor in determining if you can be treated effectively.

Dry Eyes
This is one of the most common ailments affecting the eyes. Symptoms include: irritated, dry, scratchy or uncomfortable eyes; eye redness; burning sensation of the eyes; a feeling of a foreign body in the eye; blurred vision; watery eyes; loss of normal, clear, glassy luster.

Common causes are aging; problems with blinking; medications-such as antihistamines, oral contraceptives and antidepressants; environmental factors-such as a dry climate and wind; computer use; autoimmune diseases and even contact lenses.

Excessive dry eye can damage eye tissue and possibly scar the cornea, resulting in impaired vision. Dry eye is the most common reason why people must switch from wearing contact lenses to wearing glasses full-time.

Dry eye cannot be cured, but sensitivity may be lessened with frequent blinking, avoiding wind and dust, using a humidifier, using artificial tears or using moisturizing ointment or gel--especially at bedtime.

Your optometrist may also insert small plugs in the corner of your eyes to slow drainage and loss of tears. Another new treatment is Restasis?, which may be useful for dry eye conditions.