What are the most common vision problems? Treatments and prevention
If you're reading this, chances are you're concerned about the health of your eyes. Did you know that most common vision problems can be treated and prevented? In this article, you'll find valuable information about the most common eye conditions and how to treat them.
And if you're interested in prevention, we also offer you some useful tips . Read on to find out what the most common vision problems are and the ideal treatments for each case. Take this opportunity to learn how to protect your eyesight!
What is considered an eye disease?
Eye diseases are any condition that affects the health and function of the eyes . They can arise for a variety of reasons. Some are hereditary and passed down from parents to children. Others, however, can be caused by exposure to environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation or air pollution.
In addition, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can also cause eye diseases , as can traumatic injuries to the eye. Aging is another major factor in the development of eye diseases. Additional risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking , and obesity.
Most common diseases that affect our eyes
Globally, the most common vision problems include refractive errors, such as myopia and astigmatism . However, more serious diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, can lead to complete vision loss.
However, the spectrum of eye conditions is much broader. Learn more about each of them below:
Color-blindness
Color blindness is a condition in which a person has difficulty perceiving certain colors . The severity of color blindness varies, ranging from the inability to distinguish certain shades to the inability to perceive colors at all.
In addition, color blindness is inherited and often affects the ability to differentiate between red and green , being the most common type of color blindness.
Treatments for Color Blindness
There is no definitive treatment for congenital color blindness. However, there are special contact lenses and glasses that can help some people with color blindness better distinguish colors . These devices work by manipulating light to enhance certain colors and improve color perception.
How to prevent color blindness?
Since color blindness is mostly hereditary, prevention is not entirely feasible. However, it is important to take measures such as consultations with specialists . Frequent checkups are helpful in detecting this condition early and providing accommodations for people with color blindness in their daily lives.
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a degenerative eye disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision . It has two forms. The dry form is the most common and progresses slowly, manifesting with symptoms such as blurred vision and loss of clarity in the colors of objects.
On the other hand, wet AMD can cause more rapid and severe vision loss. It is estimated that about 10% of dry AMD cases progress to the wet form. Initial symptoms of wet AMD include perceiving straight lines as wavy and distorted .
Treatments for Macular Degeneration
Depending on the type of DME, your treatment may vary. If it is dry DME, the procedure may include anything from vitamin supplements to surgery to implement a telescopic lens . On the other hand, for wet DME, the treatment ranges from medications to photocoagulation therapies.
How to prevent macular degeneration?
Although it cannot be completely prevented , there are some measures that can reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration:
- Healthy diet : Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish. In particular, foods rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol : Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control can help reduce your risk of developing eye problems, including macular degeneration.
Dry Eye
Dry eyes are a condition in which tears do not provide adequate lubrication and moisture to the surface of the eye . If you have dry eyes, you may experience burning, itching, redness, sensitivity to light, a sensation of having a foreign body in your eye, and blurred vision.
Treatments for Dry Eyes
Treatment for dry eyes may include:
- Using artificial tears : Lubricating drops help relieve dry eyes and provide moisture.
- Tear duct plugs : These small devices are placed in the tear ducts to conserve natural tears and moisturize the eyes.
How to prevent dry eyes?
To prevent dry eyes, you may consider taking visual breaks if you spend long hours in front of screens . Taking regular breaks helps relax your eyes.
Similarly, when we spend a lot of time on the computer, we unconsciously do not blink. So, another useful measure is to place an artificial tear in each eye every 20 minutes and then look at a fixed point away from the computer .
Cataract
Cataracts are an eye condition that develops when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making it difficult for light to enter and causing blurred or cloudy vision . Cataracts usually develop after age 40, as proteins in the lens of the eye begin to break down naturally.
Cataract Treatments
Once you have cataracts , no drug can cure them or stop their progression. The only effective solution is surgery .
How to prevent Cataracts?
To prevent cataracts, it is essential to protect your eyes from excessive exposure to ultraviolet light by wearing sunglasses . It is also important to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Also, avoid tobacco and reduce alcohol consumption . These external catalysts contribute to accelerating the development of cataracts.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects the optic nerve and can cause irreversible damage if left untreated . This damage is usually related to an increase in intraocular pressure, although it can also occur in people with normal eye pressure.
Glaucoma symptoms can develop gradually, so they may go unnoticed. The only way to detect if you have glaucoma is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam .
Treatments for Glaucoma
Treatments for this type of pathology include:
- Prescription eye drops.
- Oral medications.
- Laser treatments.
- Surgeries.
How to prevent Glaucoma?
Some of the prevention strategies include:
- Regular eye exams : Regular eye exams are essential to detect glaucoma in its early stages.
- Maintaining healthy intraocular pressure : High intraocular pressure is a major risk factor for developing glaucoma. Regular exercise and a balanced diet also help keep intraocular pressure at healthy levels.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, clear membrane that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids . Depending on what the underlying cause is, conjunctivitis may be contagious.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by different factors such as viral or bacterial infections, allergies, chemical irritants or reactions to contact lenses.
Treatments for Conjunctivitis
When it comes to conjunctivitis caused by allergens, relief is usually experienced by removing the allergen from the environment . Allergy medications and certain eye drops are often effective.
How to prevent conjunctivitis?
To prevent conjunctivitis, the following recommendations can be followed:
- Don't touch your eyes : Avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands, as this can introduce germs into your eyes and increase your risk of getting conjunctivitis.
- Avoid exposure to irritants or allergens : If you are prone to allergic conjunctivitis, avoid contact with allergens such as pollen, dust, and other known triggers.
Astigmatism
In an eye with astigmatism, the cornea or lens does not have a uniform curvature in all directions. This causes light to not focus correctly on the retina, resulting in distorted vision of both near and far objects .
This eye problem is usually linked to nearsightedness or farsightedness . Astigmatism may also be present from birth or develop over time.
Treatments for Astigmatism
Treatments for astigmatism include:
- Corrective lenses : The most common method of correcting astigmatism is the use of corrective lenses, either prescription glasses or specialized contact lenses.
- Refractive surgery : For more severe cases of astigmatism, refractive surgery is ideal, as it will reshape the curvature of the cornea and improve vision.
How to prevent astigmatism?
There are some measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing this condition:
- Eye care : Maintaining proper eye hygiene and taking visual breaks when working on screens preserves overall eye health. This in turn can help prevent astigmatism.
- Regular eye exams : Having regular eye checkups is essential to detect any changes in vision and address them in a timely manner.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an age-related vision disorder that affects the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects . It occurs when the lens of the eye loses flexibility over time, making it difficult for the eye to focus on nearby objects clearly.
Treatments for presbyopia
Among the treatments available for presbyopia are:
- Prescription glasses : the use of corrective lenses, such as glasses with bifocal or progressive lenses, can correct presbyopia. In addition, there are contact lenses that also offer a similar correction.
- Lens implants : You can opt for the insertion of a multifocal intraocular lens or accommodative lenses , which will imitate the physiological accommodation of the eye.
How to prevent Presbyopia?
To delay Presbyopia, keep in mind the following tips:
- Regular eye exams : Regular check-ups with specialists are crucial to detecting presbyopia in its early stages and addressing it in time.
- Use natural light : When performing any task that requires close vision, it is best to expose yourself to natural light rather than using artificial light.
Farsightedness
Hyperopia is an abnormality of eye refraction that makes it difficult to see close objects . This is because the eyeball is shorter than normal or the cornea has a curvature that is too flat, preventing light from focusing properly. Hyperopia is often associated with astigmatism .
Treatments for Hyperopia
Glasses and contact lenses are an effective option for treating hyperopia . However, if you prefer something more permanent, you can opt for refractive surgery. This surgery uses lasers or incisions to reshape the cornea or lens to correct hyperopia.
How to prevent hyperopia?
Here are some ways to reduce your risk of developing farsightedness:
- Visit your ophthalmologist regularly for eye check-ups : Your ophthalmologist can detect hyperopia in its early stages, when it is easier to correct.
- Avoid smoking : Smoking is one of the main factors that affects eye health.
Myopia
Myopia is a refractive error of the eye that makes it difficult to see distant objects . In people with myopia, the image of distant objects is focused before reaching the retina, resulting in blurred vision. This usually occurs when the eye is longer than normal or when the cornea has too much curvature .
Treatments for Myopia
Treatment options to correct this refractive error include:
- Prescription glasses : The most common way to treat myopia is through the use of corrective lenses, either with glasses or contact lenses. Corrective lenses help focus light on the retina properly, correcting blurry vision.
- Refractive surgery : There are different types of refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK surgery , that can permanently correct this refractive error by changing the shape of the cornea.
- Orthokeratology : This treatment involves wearing rigid contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea and correct vision during the day.
How to prevent myopia?
To prevent myopia, keep in mind the following recommendations:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes : It is important not to touch your eyes without washing your hands first. This way, you avoid introducing foreign particles that can cause irritation and contribute to the development of myopia.
- Regular eye check-ups : It is important to have regular eye check-ups to detect any changes in vision and receive appropriate treatment if necessary.
Do you have any vision problems? Get the best options in prescription glasses at Óptica Bassol. Schedule your appointment with our specialists!
Before assuming any illness or symptom, it is important to consult with an expert to obtain an accurate and precise diagnosis. At Óptica Bassol we have the best eye specialists in Barcelona .
Visit our website to find the nearest branch and schedule an appointment . We offer a complete optometric examination that includes :
- Checking visual acuity.
- Objective refraction test.
- Subjective refraction test.
- Cover test.
- Ishihara test.
- PPC (near point of convergence) test.
- Tear test.
- Amsler grid.
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