There are several different eye defects. Some are present at birth while others develop over time due to aging or disease. In some cases, these problems can be easily corrected. If left untreated, however, some eye defects might lead to loss of vision. Knowing the symptoms of these conditions can lead to earlier treatment and preservation of your vision.
Amblyopia
Commonly referred to as lazy eye, this defect typically affects one eye and occurs during childhood, according to the American Foundation for the Blind. When vision does not develop properly in childhood, it often results in blurriness in the affected eye. Many children accept this deficiency as normal and do not complain. A thorough eye examination, however, can effectively identify these kind of eye defects.
Treatment options include eyeglasses and exercises to help strengthen the eye. In some cases, a patch is worn over the healthy eye, forcing the lazy eye to work more which gradually strengthens it.
Astigmatism
Prevalent from birth, astigmatism causes eye strain, headaches and blurred vision. It is the result of an abnormally curved cornea or lens, and may be treated with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. In more serious cases, corrective eye surgery may be required.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a condition that develop over a period of time, affecting one or both of the eyes painlessly. Having a cataract can cause a clear lens to become cloudy, according to the Mayo Clinic, and is comparable to trying to look through a window that is foggy or frosted. This condition makes it difficult for patients to read, see facial expressions and drive a car, especially at night. The American Foundation for the Blind states that this defect is most often related to aging, affecting more than 50 percent of all adults by the time they reach the age of 80.
This defect can cause vision to become blurry, making images appear fuzzy and colors to appear faded. When detected in its early stages, people with this defect may find stronger prescription eyeglasses, anti-glare sunglasses and brighter lighting to be helpful. In most cases, however, surgery is required and entails replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial lens.
In cases that are severe or left untreated, cataracts can still lead to loss of vision. They are, in fact, the No. 1 reason people age 55 and older lose their sight completely.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes a buildup of fluid inside the eye, which results in a loss of peripheral vision due to the extreme pressure. This is a defect that progresses subtly, often rendering no signs or symptoms. The only way it can be detected is through regular eye examinations. If these preventative measures are not taken, the pressure buildup can damage the optic nerve, thus resulting in complete and irreversible blindness. If detected in its early stages, however, vision can be preserved with prescription eye drops, surgery or a combination of both.
