5 Common Disorders that Affect Your Eyesight
Loss of Vision: 5 Disorders that Affect your Eyesight
Our eyes are our windows into the world so when we cannot see properly, it can be a serious problem. Fortunately, many of the problems that can affect your vision can either be cured or at least mitigated. Here is look at some of the most common causes of eyesight issues. Please note, however, that if you are experiencing any sudden loss of vision, you should contact a doctor immediately.
1) Cataracts
Cataracts are commonly seen in elderly patients and they occur when the lens of the eye grows increasingly cloudy and sometimes even completely opaque. They are actually one of the most common causes of blindness and there are different strategies on how to treat them. Cataracts can be caused by many bad habits, so it’s best to know what they are to prevent future vision problems.
Depending on the severity of the issue, your doctor may recommend anything from stronger prescription lenses to surgery, which is often the most effective way of treating the problem.
2) Glaucoma
This is another problem that tends to be age-related. Glaucoma occurs when increased pressure occurs within the eyeball. Our eyes are a balanced environment and changes in pressure impact your vision.
Unfortunately, it occurs gradually over time, so most people do not even realize they have it. This is why it very important to get regular eye examinations because if caught early, glaucoma can be treated so that the effects of it are largely minimized.
3) Retinal Vessel Occlusion
A retinal vessel occlusion is a blockage of the blood that is supposed to go to the eye. They are caused by the same sorts of things that create other circulatory system problems primarily atherosclerosis.
Risk factors generally include diabetes, high blood pressure and those already suffering from glaucoma. There are limited treatment options so the best course of action is to generally improve to a healthier lifestyle and follow the course of action as prescribed by your doctor.
4) Optic Neuritis
Our nerves are our body’s control system and when they come damaged, this can cause a host of issues including vision loss. Optic neuritis can be caused by a range of different problems from infections to damage to nutritional deficiencies.
Fortunately, treatment options have improved recently and those suffering from the condition are generally put on a course of oral steroid treatment and can see improvements in as little as one week.
5) Infections
Just like any other part of our body, the eyes can be prone to infection. Infection and inflammation can cause vision problems and without the right treatment can lead to permanent vision loss. One example is keratoconjunctivitis which is a highly contagious virus, that in some cases can resolve it, but may take weeks.
Nonetheless, people suffering from it experience dry, itchy eyes and urged to seek treatment immediately particularly to limit spreading it to other individuals.
Addressing Loss of Vision
Having problems with our eyesight can be a very scary thing. Fortunately, there have been advancements both in research and treatment so if you are experiencing any issues with your vision be sure to contact the experts who can put your on the right track to seeing things clearly.
