Technology truly makes our lives easier every single day. However, bright screens are also causing our eyes to suffer more than ever. In light of that, we all need to pay more attention to our eye health. So, here are some of the most common eye problems and the ways you can deal with them.
Macular degeneration
There are over 10 million people suffering from macular degeneration in the US alone. This eye condition (also known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD) affects more people than glaucoma and cataracts combine which says something about its dangers. What happens when this disease strikes is that you suffer damage to the retina and lose the ability to focus the central vision in the eye. Your retina helps you read, view details, recognize faces and colors and drive, so macular degeneration really affects every part of your life. While AMD is still not curable, there are ways you can prevent this disease. For instance, smokers are at greater risk of developing AMD, so make sure to ditch cigarettes.
Myopia and hyperopia
Nearsightedness and farsightedness are some of the most common eye problems people have. Millions of people, from teens to seniors, suffer from these conditions (for instance, one in two Australians needs glasses or contacts to correct their vision). While nearsightedness and farsightedness are corrected with visual aids, there are also procedures that can fix your vision permanently. Today, you can get laser eye surgery in Sydney and either lower your prescription or completely eliminate it. This will increase your quality of life and allow you to live your best life every day!
Cataracts
Another common eye issue in people all over the world is cataracts or the formation of cloudy areas in the lens of an eye. The way your eye works is similar to the camera: the light passes through the lens and reaches the retina. When your lens is cloudy, the light can’t pass through smoothly and you develop vision issues. As soon as you notice any vision problems, blurriness or halos around objects, it’s best to see your doctor. Regular eye exams are also recommended since early diagnosis means better corrective results.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is essentially the damage of the optic nerve in the eye (it usually gets worse and worse over time). Mostly it starts because of the pressure buildup within the eye that can damage the nerve that transmits images to your brain. The increase in eye pressure (intraocular pressure) can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated for a long period of time. Some people even experience permanent blindness that’s very fast-progressing (in a matter of years). The treatment depends on the damage and it can range from prescription eye drops to surgery.
Dry eyes
The most important function of tears is to keep your eyeballs wet and well-lubricated. When your eye fails to provide enough tears to lubricate the organ, you might start suffering from a dry eye syndrome. Tears that exist but are low-quality can also cause eye dryness that you can experience as a stinging or burning sensation. Some people notice this under certain conditions like when they step into an air-conditioned room, sit on a plane or spend too much time in front of a computer screen. In severe cases, dry eyes can lead to some loss of vision. Luckily, this condition can be managed pretty easily with prescription drops and environment control. You might benefit from a humidifier in your home, but testosterone eye creams, tear duct plugs and lipiflow also work.
Pink eye
Pink eye or conjunctivitis is a condition that’s caused by an inflammation in the tissues that line the back of your eyelid. When this tissue gets inflamed, it can result in itchy, red, blurry, teary and discharging eyes. Sometimes, people also have a feeling like there’s something in their eye. This common eye problem is highly contagious (mostly affects children) but it’s very rarely dangerous. It’s very unlikely that you’ll suffer any vision damage, especially when identified and treated in time. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments usually take care of the issue, but sometimes it just needs time to pass on its own.
Eyes are the windows to the soul, but they also serve as your window to the world. So, make sure to practice good eye health to keep your peepers strong and beautiful for many years to come.