Adult Eye Disorders
The eye is a complex organ that requires regular examinations to make sure it is healthy. Many eye diseases have no symptoms and can progress rather slowly. This picture features two (2) boys. This is what a person with normal vision would see.
The same pictures as seen by someone with:
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that has no symptoms. Everyone is at risk to get and there is no known cure. However, if caught early enough through regular eye examinations treatment can be started to help reduce the risk of further vision loss. This chronic eye disease can be treated using eye drops or pills. Surgery may also be done to help decrease the pressure inside the eye. and prevent further visual loss. Eye drops are usually the first step, followed by surgery to drain the fluid that has backed up in the eye.
Diabetic Retinopathy – this disease occurs with long term diabetes and effects the retina. Individuals with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at risk. Your eye care professional will dilate your pupils to carefully examine the retina and look for any changes. If you have diabetes it is crucial you have a yearly exam (or as often as recommended by your eye care professional) to watch for this disease.
This video looks at diabetic retinopathy, the most common eye disease among working-age adults in the U.S. and a leading cause of blindness in people with diabetes.
Aged Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) – This disease is a common eye condition among those 50 and older. This disease destroys the macula. The macula is the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. ARMD is a slow progressive disease that can lead to limited vision. One way to detect a possible vision disorder is by looking at an Amsler Grid. When looking at the black circle in the center of the grid – lines surrounding the dot should be nice and straight. If looking at the Grid they appear wavy or windy you should call your eye care provider right away.
Cataracts are a common ailment that effects many older individuals. A cataract is a clouding of the lens that affects vision. Cataract surgery is a common and simple operation where the eye’s clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial, intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is usually performed on an out-patient basis and takes only 15-30 minutes. Most patients experience little to no pain and can return to their normal activities the day after surgery.
