Impaired vision can have a damaging effect on your daily life and ability to carry out simple tasks. From driving to reading, to doing your job—you rely on your eyesight for nearly everything. It’s important to take care of your eyes by seeing an optometrist for annual checkups. In addition to checking your visual acuity, they’ll also screen for the following common but serious eye diseases.

4 Common Eye Diseases To Be Aware Of

1. Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is common in older adults and is often an inherited disorder. It’s prevalent in people with diabetes or a family history of eye disease. The disorder occurs as a result of pressure that builds inside your eye over time, causing damage to the optic nerve. Most people don’t have any pain or outward symptoms until they begin to lose their vision. A glaucoma test is typically included as a standard part of your yearly eye exam, and early detection by your optometrist can make a significant difference in preventing extensive vision loss.

2. Cataracts

Also common in older people, cataracts progress slowly over time. A buildup of protein in your eye’s lens causes clouding that blocks light from entering the back of your eye. The result is blurry or foggy vision. Your risk increases if you smoke, take medications such as steroids, or suffered an eye injury in the past. Eyeglasses or contact lenses correct mild cases, but as the disease progresses, you’ll likely require surgery.

3. Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the result of retinal deterioration associated with aging, especially in people over 60. The main symptoms are impairment of the center of your visual field and reduced perception of colors. It can come on slowly or suddenly, but eye exams detect early signs. Vitamins, supplements, medications, and laser therapy can help slow the progression of the disease and protect your eyesight.

4. Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have diabetes, you should regularly get screened for diabetic retinopathy, a serious condition that can cause black spots, vision and color perception loss, and blurred vision. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, causing them to swell and leak, and your retina may even detach. Because the damage from this disease is permanent, let your eye doctor know that you have diabetes so that they can be vigilant for symptoms of eye problems.
 

Eye diseases are dangerous and can have lasting effects on your vision, but the good news is that if caught early, they’re very treatable. To protect your visual health, schedule a checkup today with the experienced optometrists at EyeOptics Optometry Center in Elk Grove, CA. This eye clinic dedicates to helping you achieve your best possible eyesight using state-of-the-art technologies, including retinal mapping and vision therapy services. To make an appointment, call (916) 684-6688, or visit them online to learn more.