While most patients aren't aware of eye diseases until they are diagnosed with them, it's beneficial to learn about some of the most common ones in case you start experiencing vision problems. The eye doctor team at Colorado River Eye Care in Bullhead City, AZ, explains some common eye diseases.

Common Eye Diseases to Know

1. Refractive Errors

These occur when light is not able to bend properly due to the shape of the eye lens. Common types are nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism—most of which can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

2. Cataracts

Cataracts are clouded lenses that cause people to experience blurred vision. Fortunately, this can be fixed through a surgery in which the eye doctor removes the damage and inserts an artificial lens. 

3. Optic Nerve Disorders

There are many optic nerve disorders, such as glaucoma or optic neuritis. Both can lead to vision loss because they're problems in the fibers that make up the main nerve in the eye.

4. Macular Degeneration

A disease that affects the sharpness of vision and results in blurred or complete vision loss in the center of the eye, macular degeneration mostly occurs in older patients.

5. Diabetic Eye Problems

People suffering from diabetes are at risk for eye conditions that can lead to blindness. Specifically, diabetic retinopathy can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, causing the retina to swell. Unfortunately, symptoms are not usually common during onset of the disease, so early detection is difficult.

6. Conjunctivitis

This is an infection of the eyelid or outer membrane, and it is most commonly known as pinkeye. It can be treated with antibiotics but can spread easily from person to person.  

If you think you might be experiencing one of these eye diseases, it may be time to visit your local eye doctor for a closer look. Colorado River Eye Care has been providing the Bullhead City, AZ, area with premier eye care for more than 30 years, helping the community with everything from same-day glasses to comprehensive eye exams. They are dedicated to helping preserve the health of your eyes. To learn more about the services that they provide, visit them online, or call (928) 758-2020 to speak with a specialist today.