Having healthy eyes is something that is often overlooked by those of us who have good enough vision to not think twice about it. For some people however, eye health is as much a concern as heart health or any other vital part of the body. Though we may overlook eye issues, it is important to be aware of eye disorders that can affect your window to the world, your eyes.
This list outlines our top 5 eye disorders to watch out for today. As with any part of the body, if you are experiencing great discomfort or just have a general feeling of something being wrong, always make an appointment with your doctor, your health depends on you and the actions you take.
Glaucoma
One of the more serious eye disorders of today affecting an estimated 1-2% of adults over the age of 40, glaucoma can lead to blindness if it is left untreated. Feeling a fast stabbing pressure or a gradually built up pressure to the eye can be a sign of Glaucoma and it is suggested to see your doctor if you have any pain in the eye area. The pressure is felt because there is an interruption in the flow of fluid so the result is feeling the pressure being pushed through the optic nerve in the eye. Medication or surgery to alleviate the pressure in the eye and fix the blockage of fluid will usually help and seeing your doctor early on can avert loss of vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
An eye disorder with a variation linked directly to having Diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy affects a staggering 80% of people with diabetes who have had diabetes for a period of 10 years or more. It is specific damage caused to the retina of the eye by complications of diabetes. Spikes in blood sugar directly affect the nerves in the eyes, causing them to bleed. For those who have diabetes, it is very important to pay attention to their eye health as doing so can help to prevent Retinopathy, which can lead to blindness.
Cataracts
One of the most common eye disorders of today that can lead to blindness, cataracts is caused by the crystalline lens of the eye being clouded. There are many factors that can stimulate the growth such as having diabetes, being a smoker, age related, extended exposure to ultra violet radiation or trauma to the eye. Cataract in its late forms can be treated surgically and this is usually a great way to remove it and prevent blindness or blurred vision in extreme cases.
Conjunctivitis
More commonly known as “Pink Eye”, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the protective thin layer around the eye that can be brought on by an infection, whether bacterial or viral or something as common as chlorine in pool water. If it is brought on with a more serious infection such as Herpes or Chlamydia, a specialist should be seen immediately. In any case of suspected pink eye, treatment should be sought out right away as it could go from something simple to a deeper infection that spreads to the cornea, causing vision impairment.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
This is when bleeding occurs under the protective layer of the eye, usually when a blood vessel in the eye ruptures. Generally a mild case requires no medical treatment and will clear itself up within two weeks. The best thing to do is allow the eye to rest without applying any eye drops or taking any medications which have blood thinning agents in them such as aspirin. They can be brought on by something simple as coughing too hard or something as serious as trauma to the eyes. This is a very common condition of the eye however, it can be a scary one as when a blood vessel ruptures, it causes a bloody look around the white part of the eye. If you have more symptoms or are worried it can be something more serious, always visit your doctor.
Disorders of the eyes can come in many forms and will often either affect the way your eye looks from the outside or your vision. Vision is a crucial part of our lives, so keeping our eyes healthy and in top form is of great importance.
This article was written by Missy Diaz who works from home as a freelance writer; she enjoys biking, taking a good jog, walking lakeside and generally anything outdoorsy.
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