Very few people have perfect vision their entire lives. Unfortunately, while eye issues are common and often minor, some can cause a loss of vision if the proper steps aren’t taken. While an eye doctor can give you an official diagnosis for any problems you’re experiencing, this guide will point you in the right direction.

How Do Common Vision Problems Affect Your Sight?

1. Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are more commonly known as nearsightedness and farsightedness. The former causes blurred vision when viewing faraway objects, while the latter causes blurriness when viewing objects up close. Both errors occur when light hits the eye incorrectly due to the shape of the cornea or lens.

2. Cataracts

Cataracts, or the clouding of the eye lens, cause increasingly blurred vision, faded colors, and difficulty seeing at night. When the effects are severe, lens replacement surgery is often recommended to restore vision. However, you can reduce your risk by not smoking and wearing sun protection over your eyes to prevent damage by UV rays.

3. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes causes damages to blood vessels all over your body, including your eyes. If left untreated, blurred vision and vision loss will eventually occur. Proper diabetes management reduces the risk of this condition, but you should also get a comprehensive exam from your eye doctor at least once per year.

4. Macular Degeneration

The macula, which sits at the center of your retina, focuses your central vision. This allows you to see in fine detail, which is useful for reading and similar tasks. With macular degeneration, the macula breaks down and is no longer able to focus correctly. Leading a healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising, and not smoking reduces your risk of developing this condition.

In addition to making healthy choices, it’s also important to visit your eye doctor regularly. The Whitefish Eye Center in Flathead County, MT, provides comprehensive eye exams and offers a great selection of designer eyeglasses. They’re also equipped to treat a wide range of eye issues and conditions, and they can perform pre and post operative procedures for laser surgery right in their office. Call (406) 862-2020 today to schedule an exam, or visit their website for helpful patient information.