Did you know that approximately 12 million people in the US over age 40 have a vision impairment?
Checking up on your eyes can improve your overall wellness, by taking care of any problems you might have with your eyes, you can reduce your risk of developing further conditions that could lead to a temporary or permanent loss of vision.
Eye conditions are as varied as the people who have them. To learn more about the most common eye conditions that exist today, keep reading this article.
Refractive Errors
The most common types of eye conditions that affect our vision health are refractive errors. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the most common type of refractive error. People with myopia can see objects up close but have difficulty seeing objects that are far away.
Those who are Hyperopia or farsighted can see objects that are far away but have difficulty seeing objects that are up close. While people with astigmatism have difficulty seeing objects that are both up close and far away.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a condition that causes deterioration of the macula, which is the central area of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. As the macula deteriorates, central vision is lost, and objects appear increasingly blurry. Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are treatments available that can help to slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes clouded, making it difficult to see clearly. This cloudiness can occur gradually or suddenly. This condition can often be treated by the best ophthalmologist with medication, surgery, or other medical interventions, click here to know more.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is another common eye conditions in which the optic nerve becomes damaged, causing vision loss. This damage can be caused by increased pressure in the eye and can be treated with medication or surgery.
Age-related Muscular Degeneration
Age-related muscular degeneration affects older adults. This condition causes the muscles in the eye to weaken and lead to a loss of vision. In some cases, this condition can be reversed with treatment, but in many cases, it can lead to blindness.
Dry Eye
A dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears do not have the correct composition to lubricate the eyes properly. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, redness, and light sensitivity.
Conjunctivitis
The most common types of conjunctivitis are bacterial and viral. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually caused by a streptococcal infection and is treated with antibiotics. Viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by a virus and is treated with antiviral medications.
Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction to an allergen such as dust, pollen, and animal dander and is treated with antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Preventing Common Eye Conditions
Taking good care of our eyes is important for maintaining good vision and eye health. Many things can be done to prevent these conditions, such as getting regular eye exams from the best eye doctor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and wearing sunglasses.
If you’d like more information about maintaining good eye health, check out more articles on health and wellness on this site.