Categories Health

Some Eye Diseases You Need to Know

Some eye diseases are more common and reach more specific age groups. Therefore, the correct diagnosis is essential so that the appropriate treatment is applied.

  • Cataract: A cataract occurs when the eye’s lens becomes opaque due to the aging of the eyes. It is a prevalent disease in the elderly and can be genetic or acquired (through infections, medications, eye trauma, or metabolic diseases). Its main symptoms are photophobia, blurred vision, double vision, among others.
  • Glaucoma: Glaucoma is caused by increased intraocular pressure when blood vessels clog and impede blood circulation. The main symptom is a partial loss of vision, which, even if not taken care of, can evolve and lead to blindness. It can be genetic or caused by some diseases, such as diabetes.
  • Retinal displacement: Retinal detachment is an eye disease that causes the retina to separate from our eyeball. The retina is a membrane located in our eye that captures and transmits the image to the optic nerve, through nerve impulses, to our brain. If left untreated, it can cause complete loss of vision. This disease is quite common and can be caused by trauma to the head, face, or eyes, in addition to diseases such as diabetes and high degrees of myopia.
  • Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the lining of the eye called the conjunctiva. This inflammation is infectious, meaning viruses or bacteria can cause it. The most common symptoms are watery eyes, discharge, a feeling of sand in the eyes, red eyes, among others. The doctor must assess conjunctivitis; however, it can be treated with some homemade solutions, medications, or ointments.
  • Keratoconus: The Keratoconus, when there is the curvature of the cornea increases, acquiring cone shape. It can affect different age groups, but it is more common at puberty, from 13 to 18 years old. There are different degrees of keratoconus, and the treatment should be applied after medical evaluation, but it includes prescription glasses, contact lenses, or corneal transplants for severe cases.
  • Dry eye: Dry eye occurs with the lack of lubrication of the eyes when the tears do not fully humidify the eye region. Symptoms according to kraff eye institute include red eyes, itching, irritation, blurred vision, and visual discomfort. The doctor should also evaluate it, but the dry eye is usually treated with a prescription for lubricating eye drops.
  • Refractive errors: Refractive errors also made it onto our list because they made it difficult to see objects at different distances. Below are the main refractive errors that may appear in our eyes.
  • Myopia: Myopia is challenging to see from a distance due to a refractive error where the light rays from the focus before the retina. It can reach different age groups as it is a prevalent disease. As there are different degrees of myopia, the doctor must evaluate and, from there, prescribe prescription glasses, contact lens or refractive surgery for correction, in cases of very high degree. It is a disease that can progress, so it is necessary to visit the ophthalmologist periodically.