Common Eye Diseases to Make Yourself Aware Of

If you really sit down to think about it, your sense of sight is one of the most precious things that you have. Many people do not even realize just how important it is to look after their eyesight. However, it is important to remember that good vision is not a guarantee and that many things can cause your eyesight to deteriorate if you are not careful.

This is why it is so important to be proactive about taking care of your eyes. From eating right and using proper sun protection, there are many things that you can do to keep your eyes going strong for as long as possible.

Another important step in maintaining your vision involves educating yourself more about what sort of things can negatively impact your eyes. For example, there are a number of common eye diseases that too many people are unaware of. Unfortunately, such ignorance about your vision can spell disaster for your eyesight down the line.

If you are currently looking to learn more about how you can keep your eyes healthy for as long as possible, here are a few of the more common eye diseases that you should make yourself aware of.

Cataracts

As the eyes age, it is common for the lenses to develop cloudy patches either in certain places or all over. This development is referred to as cataracts and can cause one’s vision to become blurry or misty. If left unchecked, it can also lead to complete blindness.

If you find at some point that your vision is starting to appear misty, even if it is only when you look in a certain direction, you should not hesitate to seek medical advice from an expert like Erik Chotiner. While treatment options for cataracts tend to involve surgery, you might be able to make do with special glasses for a long while yet.

Glaucoma

If you have ever been for an eye test, you are likely familiar with the “puff of air” test meant to help detect the development of glaucoma. This is an eye disease that most commonly affects the optic nerve and involves an increase in eye pressure. There is an increased risk if there is a family history of glaucoma.

The best thing that you can do to avoid complications from glaucoma is to have regular tests to benefit from early detection. Routine exercise is also another great way to keep your eye pressure healthy.

Macular Degeneration

As the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, macular degeneration, specifically related to aging, is nothing to ignore. Macular degeneration is a disease that affects the retina and can disturb your vision regarding finer details. This can make it more difficult to see properly for common tasks like driving.

To avoid developing macular degeneration as you age, you should avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and consume a balanced and healthy diet as part of your overall wellness routine.

Learn about: Keeping Your Eyes Sharp