Eye Diseases

Whether inherited or caused by an accident, eye disease can result in an impairment or permanent loss of seeing. Know the facts and see your eye doctor regularly to avoid these problems and keep your eyes seeing as long as you can.

Cataracts

Characterized by a clouding of the lens in your eye, cataracts are almost always brought about by aging, and will make it gradually harder to see. In age-related conditions, the cause is either conglomerations of proteins or a tinting of the lens. Your risk factors can increase with conditions like diabetes, exposure to sunlight, smoking, or excessive alcohol abuse.

Glaucoma

Associated with increased pressure, glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve, which eventually results in a permanent loss of vision, if not treated promptly. Because this increase pressure comes with almost no symptoms, it often is left unchecked. Caused by genetic disease or blunt force trauma, it is always important to get regular checkups to make sure that your eyes are functioning as they should be.

Macular Degeneration

Most commonly diagnosed as age-related macular degeneration, AMD is one of the most common causes for loss of vision in adults over 50 and manifests itself differently in each patient. The part of the eye which receives light signals, damage to the macula results in black, blurry or distorted vision, which, as the name suggests, continues to degenerate until vision is completely gone. While this is an inherited disease, lifestyle habits such as smoking, not exercising, not maintaining a healthy diet or normal blood pressure can all led to an increase of risk.

Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and these diseases are no different. Contact us today if you are worried about the health of your eyes.