Eye Conditions
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Here are some informative eye education on the various conditions that can affect your eyes.Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that causes irreversible vision loss without warning. It is estimated that 3 million Americans may have it and more than half of those affected by glaucoma may not know it. Vision loss from glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve is like a cable wire with over a million fibers. It is responsible for carrying information from the eye to the brain.There is no cure for glaucoma, however, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is important to slowing the progress of the disease.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working age Americans. It represents a group of eye problems that people with diabetes face. The most common form is diabetic retinopathy. This condition is a result of leaking blood vessels and poor circulation to the retina inside the eye. Diabetic retinopathy has different stages, and not all patients with this disease will have symptoms. The progression of this condition is related to the control of the diabetes as well as blood pressure and cholesterol. It is important that diabetics receive a dilated eye exam atleast once a year.Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It typically affects those over 65 and is rare in younger than 50. As its name implies, it is a degenerative condition of the macula of the eye. The macula is an area of the retina in the back of the eye that is responsible for central vision. Patients with the disease may experience loss of vision in this area. Distortion of objects and "missing" areas are common.There are two forms of this condition, dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular) ARMD. Dry ARMD is the most common, and represents a slow degeneration or atrophy of the retina that, in most cases, results in mild to moderate vision loss. The wet form is the least common but most detrimental to vision. It is characterized by new blood vessels forming behind the retina, that can leak and/or rupture and scar, causing severe vision loss.
There is currently no treatment available for dry macular degeneration, however recent studies have suggested that certain dietary changes and supplementation may help slow the progress or prevent the onset of the disease. For those with the wet form, there are some treatments available that can help slow the progress of the condition and in some cases, improve visual function. Only your eye doctor will know which treatment is best for you, and you should always consult your doctor before starting any supplements or diet changes.
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. It is a common condition that can cause blurring of vision, glare or starbursts around lights. Treatment for cataracts involves the surgical removal of the lens and the implantation of an artificial one in its place. Dry eyes are a common condition that results from an inadequate or dysfunctional tear layer. The front surface of the eye is coated with a tear layer that is responsible for keeping the eye lubricated. It also contains enzymes and antibodies that help protect the eye from irritants and microorganisms. Tear deficiency or dysfunction can result in a miriad of symptoms like blurred vision, dryness, scratchiness, redness, foreign body sensation, itching and/or pain.Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a common condition that results from an inadequate or dysfunctional tear layer. The front surface of the eye is coated with a tear layer that is responsible for keeping the eye lubricated. It also contains enzymes and antibodies that help protect the eye from irritants and microorganisms. Tear deficiency or dysfunction can result in a miriad of symptoms like blurred vision, dryness, scratchiness, redness, foreign body sensation, itching and/or pain.The exact cause of dry eyes is unknown, however it is more common with age, peri-menopausal women and those taking certain medications. It can also be significantly influenced by your environment.
The treatment of dry eye varies with each patient's condition and is best determined by your doctor. It may include tear supplementation, tear-duct occlusion, medications, dietary changes and/or lifestyle changes.
