From newborn babies to the elderly, the eyes are a person's way of taking in the faces and the beauty of the world around them. When an eye disorder interrupts this process, it can be devastating. In some cases, these conditions can be treated, and in others, permanent loss of vision may occur. Recognizing the symptoms of various disorders may help prevent this from happening, as early treatment is typically necessary.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye disorder in the United States and are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, according to Merck. They most frequently affect the elderly, as nearly one in five people between the ages of 65 and 74 are diagnosed with them.
St. Luke's states that cataracts form slowly on the lens of the eye. As the cells of the lens begin to die, they clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy--this is a cataract.
Additional symptoms include blurred vision, glare from lights that makes night driving difficult, double vision, faded colors and frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses.
Cataracts can usually be treated by replacing the old lens with an artificial lens through cataract surgery.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health, affecting nearly 3 million Americans. This disorder occurs when the optic nerve of the eye becomes damaged due to a buildup of fluid pressure. While in the beginning it is asymptomatic (displays no symptoms), it can be detected through regular eye exams. If left untreated however, it can and will cause irreversible blindness.
Those at greatest risk for developing glaucoma include African Americans over the age of 40, those with a family history of the disorder and those over the age of 60, especially if of Mexican American descent. Should you fall into one of these groups, it is imperative to receive an eye exam every two years. Once detected, the usual course of treatment includes prescription eyedrops that may be accompanied by surgery.
Retinal Disorders
The retina plays an important part in your ability to see. It is a tissue located in the back of your eye, and its job is to sense light and and send images to your brain. In the center of this all important tissue lies the macula, a small and highly sensitive area of the retina. The macula enables you to read, see fine details and drive.
A disorder of the retina encompasses many disorders that includes retinal detachment, a macular hole and pucker, floaters and macular degeneration. All of these disorders can be treated when detected; however, if neglected they can also cause loss of vision.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, better known as pink eye, is a painful condition that results in discharge and swelling of the eye during the course of infection.
The most common cause of this infection is a bacterial or viral infection, a substance that causes irritation, allergies and contact lens products or eye drops and ointments. Highly contagious, it easily recognized by the swelling, itching, burning, and redness of the protective membrane of the eyelids and exposed white areas of the infected eye.
The National Institutes of Health states that in most cases, medical care is not needed to treat this condition; however, pink eye caused by a bacterial infection does require antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
