It’s believed that millions of people around the world suffer from serious eye conditions, and these can really be debilitating.
From pain in this vital body part to partial or total loss of sight, eye problems can cause serious trouble and severely impact the quality of life of those who suffer.
In this article, we’ll consider some of the most common eye problems adults can experience and take a look at how they can be rectified, managed or looked after.
Macular Degeneration
The macula is a crucial component of the retina, the part of your eye which converts the light around you into what you see – or know as your vision.
As a result, any problems with the macula are not to be ignored. They can cause trouble with what’s known as the “central vision”, and while it’s unlikely macular degeneration patients will go blind, it can cause severe quality of life problems because it restricts the ability of the patient to carry out activities like driving.
People who suffer from this debilitating eye condition tend to be older, and both types of the disease – “wet” and “dry” macular degeneration – are largely incurable. However, for those patients who suffer from the wet variety, laser photocoagulation can help to obliterate unusual blood vessels.
Glaucoma
Without the optic nerve, seeing would be a lot harder – if not impossible.
That’s why glaucoma is such a dangerous disease. By damaging the optic nerve, glaucoma causes gradual sight problems and eventual sight loss, and it’s believed to be one of the major causes of going blind in America today.
Glaucoma is often thought of as a particularly sinister eye disease because in some cases it does not present any symptoms whatsoever. This often happens in the early stages, but can also happen in the later stages.
One form of treatment for this condition is laser surgery. In this case, it’s known as a selective laser trabeculoplasty. A trabeculoplasty is designed to reduce the amount of fluids present in your eye as a result of glaucoma. Other methods, such as eye drops, can help reduce the pressure on the eye glaucoma causes.
Astigmatism
Ideally, the lens or cornea in our eyes will form a perfectly formed curve. However, in many patients the cornea does not curve in the way it’s supposed to, and this causes astigmatism.
This condition is technically a member of a category of problems known as “refractive errors”. Often, you’ll have had your astigmatism since you were born – although this isn’t always the case, and if you ever suffer an injury to your face which involves your eye then you may be at risk of developing the condition.
There are lots of problems associated with this condition. Not only can you develop difficulties with your vision, you can also experience headaches and pain in the aftermath of activities like reading.
One form of treatment for this condition is laser surgery, and patients looking for LASIK laser vision correction in Des Moines have plenty of options when it comes to astigmatism.
Development of Cataracts
Cataracts are one of the most well known eye conditions, and many people have a relative or friend who suffers from the problem.
When a person suffers from cataracts, what’s known as a “clouding” has often emerged on the lens of their eye. This means that the protein (which, along with water, forms the lens) has grouped together and created a blotch – meaning it’s harder for the patient to see clearly.
In the case of cataracts, it’s only surgery which can rectify the problem – meaning a visit to the doctor or optician is in order if you experience any of the tell-tale possible symptoms, such as fuzzy vision.
Ultimately, there are a lot of eye conditions afflicting the American population. Whether it’s the nerve damage of glaucoma or issues with the retina such as macular degeneration, there’s plenty to keep opticians busy.
Luckily, however, there are lots of options for those who suffer from problems with these vital body parts. From eye drops to laser treatment and everything in between, you’ll be able to find a treatment option which suits your needs.
If you’re suffering from problems with your eyesight or experiencing pain in your eyes, it doesn’t hurt to speak to your doctor or optician. You should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to find out more, and to talk through your options for treatment. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry!