Most humans experience eye problems as they age. Eye problems can be a nuisance because the eye is a vital part of the body and every eye problem is a challenge. Eye problems can be minor or severe. However, ignoring minor eye issues may pose complex problems in the future or lead to blindness. Thus, it would be best to visit a doctor after observing the following signs to prevent eye problems.
Warning Signs of Eye Problems
Anyone can catch an eye problem at a certain point in life. Some symptoms determine how often to get your eyes checked. Below are warning signs to visit an optician immediately.
- Eye pain
- A growing bump on the eyelid
- Redness in the eye
- Wavy appearance to straight lines
- Difficulty focusing on objects
- Change in iris color
- Losing peripheral vision
- Halos
- Excess discharge
- Double vision
- Headache
- Excessive tearing
- Flashes
- Light sensitivity
- Droopy eyelids
What are the Common Eye Problems?
Some eye problems go away on their own, but some are severe and need a doctor’s prescription. Below are some of the common eye problems.
Night Blindness
Some people develop problems when driving at night or when in dark areas. The primary triggers of this problem are glaucoma, cataracts, vitamin A deficiency, macular degeneration, refractive surgeries, congenital conditions, and retinitis pigmentosa. Therefore, people suffering from this eye condition should avoid driving at night and ensure enough lighting in their homes to prevent injuries.
Uveitis
The uvea is a vital part of the eye because it has multiple blood vessels. People experiencing this problem mostly feel a sharp pain in the eye due to inflammation in the uvea. However, this condition may go away quickly or not. Therefore, those experiencing the following symptoms should visit a doctor sooner;
- Eye pain
- Decreased vision
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Floaters
- Eye redness
Dry Eyes
This eye problem causes discomfort because the eye feels a sting or a burning sensation. Some symptoms of dry eyes include eye fatigue, eye redness, stringy mucus in the eyes, and difficulty driving at night. However, there are several ways to treat this problem, including;
- Lipiflow
- Testosterone eyelid cream
- Nutritional supplements such as omega 3
- Eye drops
Cataracts
This is a condition where the eye lens becomes cloudy. Thus, it prevents light from getting into the eye to interpret images. Mostly, surgery is the major treatment of this eye problem. The main symptoms of cataracts are;
- Dim vision
- Fading of colors
- Sensitivity to light
- Double vision
- Poor vision at night
Glaucoma
The most common types of glaucoma are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. This eye problem is severe because it damages the eye’s optic nerve. There is pressure buildup inside the eyes, and it often appears in older adults. This problem can be inherited or caused by a severe eye infection, chemical eye injury, or inflammation in the eye. Some risk factors of this eye disease include diabetes, poor vision, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sickle cell anemia. The main symptoms of this disease include;
- Eye redness
- Upset stomach
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain
- Hazy eyes in infants
Though this eye problem is severe, it’s treatable. However, those suffering from this condition should avoid smoking, eat a balanced diet and live a healthy lifestyle. Some common treatments of this problem include;
Oral medication: The specialist may recommend drugs that improve fluid drainage in the eye. Some of these drugs are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or better blockers.
Eye drops: This treatment improves fluid flow out of the eye or lessens the amount of eye fluid. This helps to lower the pressure in the eye. However, it has various side effects such as irritated eyes, redness, and allergies.
Microsurgery: This treatment involves surgery to drain out the fluid, causing pressure in the eye. However, it has adverse side effects such as eye infection or permanent blindness.
Laser surgery: A specialist uses several procedures, including iridotomy, trabeculoplasty, and cyclophotocoagulation.
Marijuana and glaucoma: In the ’70s, studies reported that smoking marijuana effectively reduced pressure build-up in the eyes. However, modern medicine is more effective, and scientists disapprove of marijuana.
Eye problems can be painful and uncomfortable. Despite the one problem, people should visit a specialist to prevent total blindness. Again, the severity of eye problems should determine how often to get your eyes checked to live a happier life.
