Recognizing the Signs of Eye Disease: When to See an Optometrist

Have you noticed your vision isn’t quite what it used to be? Perhaps you find yourself squinting more often, or maybe there’s a persistent itch that’s hard to ignore. These could be signs of common eye diseases that, if left unchecked, could impact your vision significantly. Understanding when to see an optometrist is key for preserving your eye health. Learning more about the various eye diseases, their symptoms, and when it’s time to seek professional help can help you get the jump on disruptive and dangerous eye diseases.

Common Eye Diseases

Blepharitis

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, often due to blocked oil glands, causing redness, swelling, and itchiness. Common in all ages, it’s usually not a serious threat to vision but can be uncomfortable.

Causes

Causes include bacterial infections, dandruff, and skin conditions like rosacea, which clog the oil glands.

Symptoms

Symptoms may involve red, swollen eyelids, crusty buildup at the eyelashes, and a burning sensation, often with excessive tearing or dry eyes.

Treatment

Treatment generally involves good eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, and over-the-counter eyelid scrubs, with antibiotics or steroid drops prescribed in some cases.

Cataracts

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to decreased vision clarity in one or both eyes.

Causes

While they are common in older adults, cataracts can develop at any age.

Symptoms

Symptoms include blurred vision, night vision difficulties, light sensitivity, and halos around lights.

Treatment

The main treatment is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one, which is typically safe and effective for restoring vision.

Conjunctivitis

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” is the inflammation of the tissue covering the white part of the eye and eyelids. It is highly contagious, especially in schools.

Causes

It can result from bacterial or viral infections, allergens, or irritants like smoke.

Symptoms

Symptoms include redness, itching, tearing, a gritty feeling, and discharge that crusts over during sleep.

Treatment

Treatment varies by cause: bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotics, viral typically resolves on its own, and allergic conjunctivitis can be managed with allergy medications and avoiding triggers.

Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease affecting people with diabetes, damaging retinal blood vessels and potentially causing severe vision loss if not caught early.

Causes

High blood sugar damages tiny retinal blood vessels, leading to leakage or swelling, with poor management speeding up this process.

Symptoms

Initially, there are often no symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms may include floaters, blurred vision, or trouble seeing colors.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on controlling blood sugar to prevent damage. Advanced cases may require laser treatment, injections, or surgery, and regular eye exams are vital for early detection.

Dry Eye Syndrome

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome happens when your eyes can’t produce enough tears or have poor-quality tears, leading to discomfort and potential eye problems.

Causes

Causes include aging, medication side effects, medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and environmental factors such as wind or smoke.

Symptoms

Symptoms include stinging, burning sensations, redness, and a feeling of something in the eye, which can also cause watery eyes from irritation.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves artificial tears, prescription medications, or procedures to close the tear ducts in severe cases.

Eye Allergies

What are Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, occur when the eyes react to allergens and can be seasonal or perennial.

Causes

Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander, which trigger the body’s immune response and lead to symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms include itchy, red, and watery eyes, along with possible swelling and a burning sensation.

Treatment

Treatment involves avoiding allergens, using antihistamine eye drops, and maintaining good eye hygiene.

Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. It is often linked to high pressure in the eye.

Causes

Several factors can increase the risk, including age, family history, and high internal eye pressure.

Symptoms

In the early stages, glaucoma often has no symptoms. Advanced stages might show tunnel vision, blurred vision, or halos around lights.

Treatment

Treatment includes prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, or surgery to lower eye pressure.

Macular Degeneration

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration affects the macula, a part of the retina, leading to vision loss. It is a leading cause of vision loss in seniors.

Causes

Age is a significant risk factor, along with genetics and smoking. It affects central vision, crucial for tasks like reading and driving.

Symptoms

Symptoms include blurry or distorted vision, dark spots, and difficulty recognizing faces.

Treatment

While there’s no cure, treatments like anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and lifestyle changes can slow progression.

Retinal Tears and Detachments

What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from its normal position, potentially leading to blindness if untreated.

Causes

Causes include injury, advanced diabetes, or inflammatory disorders. It can also occur spontaneously in individuals with high myopia.

Symptoms

Symptoms might include sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow over the visual field.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves surgical procedures to reattach the retina, such as laser surgery or cryotherapy.

Schedule an Eye Exam to Avoid Common Eye Diseases

Your vision is precious, and spotting signs of eye diseases can make a big difference.  If you notice any unusual symptoms, reach out to a professional for an eye exam at Spindel Eye Associates in Derry, NH, and surrounding areas at 603-434-4193. Your eyes deserve the best care!