Unfortunately, vision loss is common. Our eyes are vulnerable to a range of different conditions and diseases, some of which become more prevalent as we age. Vision loss can have a devastating impact and can leave people feeling isolated and unable to live their daily lives in a normal fashion.
Knowing what the most common eye conditions are is incredibly important. It can allow you to spot the signs early and take steps to rectify the problem and mitigate the damage. We’ve put together a list of three of the most common eye conditions. Keep reading to check it out.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AGM) is a condition that affects the middle of your vision. As the name suggests, AGM is more common in older people, usually beginning to develop among people aged 50 and above. The symptoms of AGM usually begin with difficulty seeing things right in front of you, with blurred or distorted vision. Sometimes, things can appear smaller than normal, colours can seem brighter, and hallucinations can occur in rare cases.
Without treatment, AGM can worsen considerably, so if you are exhibiting symptoms it’s vital that you book to see as specialist, such as those at London Medical, straight away. At this ophthalmology clinic London, you will be seen by a team of trained experts who know exactly how to treat conditions such as AGM.
Cataracts
Cataracts develop when proteins in the lens of the eye begin to break down. This causes the lens to become cloudy, which can seriously impact the ability to see. These cloudy patches can become larger over time and cause further vision loss. Generally, cataracts appear in both eyes. However, they may develop at different rates and worsen to different extents.
In the early stages of cataracts, the symptoms may be managed through the use of stronger glasses or bright reading lights. However, as the cataracts get worse, surgery will be required to remove them. Thankfully, cataract surgery is highly effective, and will work to significantly improve the quality of your vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an umbrella term given to a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. This can result in vision loss and eventually blindness. Glaucoma usually develops when the pressure in the eye is too high. It is more common in older people, and is currently the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60. As well as vision loss, symptoms of glaucoma can include pain and nausea. The damage caused to the eye by glaucoma can’t be repaired, but the condition can be prevented and managed through treatments including medicines, eye drops, and surgery.
Conclusion
Vision loss can have a devastating affect on sufferers. It can stop them from living their lives and can cause extreme mental and emotional trauma. Knowing the signs and symptoms of some of the leading causes of vision loss can help you quickly identify problems should they arise and take steps to limit any potential damage to your eyes.
