Having healthy eyes and good vision can help you enjoy a good quality of life. Most adults today have a certain degree of vision loss. Millions of people over the age of 40 have low vision or are legally blind. 

 

The leading causes of vision loss and poor vision among adults are eye diseases. Many disorders and diseases can affect the eyes. It is necessary to identify the most common ocular diseases. 

 

Macular Degeneration

A leading cause of loss of vision among people over the age of 60 is AMD or age-related macular degeneration. The condition occurs due to thinning of the macula, which is a part of the eye retina. 

 

The condition impacts the central vision, reducing the patient’s ability to see clearly. The ability to see fine details decreases, and over time, an individual can lose central vision completely. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help slow the progression of AMD. 

 

Diabetic Retinopathy

People who have diabetes have a high risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. This is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the eye retina. The damage allows fluid to leak inside the eye. 

 

Over time, swelling and scar tissue can detach the retina, causing irreversible vision loss. Regular diabetic eye exams can help detect early warning signs. People with diabetes need to make healthy life choices, including ones that consider their eye health.

 

Cataracts

Cataracts or clouding of the eye lens is a condition that often affects the elderly. Cataracts can either develop in one eye or both, and they cause the vision to gradually deteriorate. Symptoms of cataracts include cloudy or blurry vision, double vision, light sensitivity, lens discoloration, halos, and glare. 

 

During the early stages, cataracts do not cause problems, but over time, they affect the vision. Cataract surgery can correct the condition.

 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that occurs due to elevated eye pressure that causes damage to the optic nerve. The damage affects the proper transmission of visual information between the eye and the brain. 

 

Symptoms of the condition will depend on the type of glaucoma that the patient has. They include: 

 

• Loss of peripheral vision
   

• Severe eye pain
   

• Red eyes
   

• Tunnel vision
   

• Blurred vision
   

• Halos
   

• Nausea
   

• Vomiting
  
   

Early diagnosis is vital for effective treatment.

 

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is not as common as the diseases discussed above. It is a condition that occurs when the retina becomes detached from its position in the eye. The condition usually occurs gradually, with small areas getting torn before the retina detaches completely. 

 

The condition affects the patient’s vision, and if it goes on untreated, it can result in complete vision loss. In most cases, patients do not feel any pain as the retina begins to detach. Warning signs are blurry vision and light flashes.

 

Other common ocular disorders are refractive errors and dry eye syndrome that can affect people of all ages. If you have any symptoms of eye conditions, it is vital to visit an eye specialist immediately. In most cases, early treatment will help prevent vision loss. 

To find out more about the most common ocular diseases or to schedule an appointment for an eye exam, contact Clarity Vision in Williamston, North Carolina, at (252) 792-2250.