4 Common Eye Diseases and How to Prevent Them

If you’ve ever had eye problems, you know it throws you off. It affects everything about your life, whether you can’t see well or your eyes hurt. Common eye problems will sometimes clear up in a few days with eye drops or rest. Other times, you need a doctor’s care. 

Common eye diseases are typically age-related and can steal your vision if left unattended. 

Fortunately, preventive maintenance in the form of regular eye exams can help you retain healthy vision. At Focus Refined Eye Care in Montrose and The Heights neighborhoods of Houston, Texas, our expert team checks your eyes for glaucoma, cataracts, and other common eye diseases. 

These four common eye diseases may be preventable or at least managed with expert care.

Four common eye diseases and their causes

You’ve probably heard of the following eye diseases or know someone who’s had them. Yet, while you may be familiar with the terms, you may not know the symptoms, typical causes, and ways to treat or prevent them.

Cataracts 

Blurred or cloudy vision is a hallmark of cataracts. Usually associated with aging, cataracts start when eye proteins break down and create clumps in the eye. These clumps make it difficult for light to pass through your eye lens and lead to vision loss. You might have seen someone with cataracts because their eyes look like they have a cloudy cast over them. 

Who’s at risk for cataracts? 

Cataracts can develop due to eye injuries, smoking, diabetes, and prolonged exposure to UV light, so wear your sunglasses! 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 

AMD is the leading cause of age-related close vision in the U.S. for people over 65. It can start with difficulty reading small print or in low light and extend to difficulty distinguishing facial features. Many people with AMD reach a point where they can no longer drive or see close-ups. 

Who’s at risk? 

Risk factors include genetics, eating a high-fat diet, smoking, and being over 50 years of age. Race plays a role as well, with AMD affecting a higher percentage of whites than other groups. 

3. Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness. When you have a buildup of fluid in the eye, it can eventually damage the optic nerve. 

The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma, which often doesn’t have early symptoms. If you notice problems with your peripheral vision or have tunnel vision, it’s worth making an appointment with our expert team.

Who’s at risk for glaucoma?

People with diabetes are at greater risk of glaucoma. Additionally, those with a family history of glaucoma, high blood pressure, or past eye injuries can be at greater risk. 

4. Diabetic retinopathy 

Diabetes creates many health complications, including potential eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy. This condition creates new blood vessels on the retina, which can distort your vision and cause vision loss. 

Who’s at risk for diabetic retinopathy? 

If you said anyone with diabetes, you’d be correct. Diabetes is a complicated disease that can impact every aspect of one’s health, including eye health. 

How to prevent these common eye diseases

A healthy lifestyle and regular eye exams can help prevent these common eye diseases. Wear sunglasses when outside, eat a nutritious diet, don’t smoke, and manage your blood pressure. 

If you have a family history of these eye diseases, share that information with Bimal Patel, O.D. He can assess your eye health and run tests specific to your medical history or potential symptoms. Early detection can save your eyesight.

If you’re in the Houston area, make an appointment with Focus Refined Eye Care for your next eye exam. Located in The Heights and Montrose neighborhoods, our expert team can help you maintain your eyesight for years. You can make an appointment here.