Which 3 eye diseases will your eye doctor check for in your next eye exam?
According to the AOA, healthy adults that are less than 65 years old should be getting their comprehensive eye exam done every two years, and healthy adults that are 65 years or older should be getting an eye exam every year.
For those of us who depend on some form of vision correction, whether it be glasses or contact lenses, it is easy to see the need to get an eye exam done every year because, well, we can’t see. Whether it be because your vision has gotten more blurry, or your prescription is about to expire, or you have run out of contact lenses, your eyes will find a way to remind you that it’s time for your next eye exam.
However, for those of us who naturally have 20/20 vision, it may be harder to understand the importance of getting an eye exam done every one to two years. After all, it’s not like we need glasses or contact lenses, right? Technically, yes. However, refraction (the process of correcting your eye’s blurry vision, if you have any) is only one part of a comprehensive eye exam. The other part is a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health to ensure you are not at risk for any eye diseases that could alter or damage your vision.
Here are 3 eye diseases that our eye doctors check for in every eye exam:
1. Glaucoma
What is it?
The optic nerve, which is responsible for sending signals from your eye to your brain, is damaged.
Effects on vision
As glaucoma progresses, the field of view you have starts to decrease more and more. This worsens your ability to see and navigate through the world.
Main cause
Your eye is unable to drain fluid out efficiently, causing a build-up of fluid in your eyes. This build-up increases the pressure of your eye, which causes damage to your optic nerve.
Other potential causes
● Diabetes
● High blood pressure
● Long-term steroid eye drop usage
● Family history of glaucoma
● Eye injury
2. Cataracts
What is it?
The crystalline lens inside of your eye starts to become more cloudy and less clear.
Effects on vision
As cataracts progress, your vision starts to become more blurry, even when wearing glasses or contact lenses. For some people, they may start to see double of everything, feel more sensitive to light, or struggle to see in dim lighting.
Main cause
Most cataracts naturally happen as a result of aging. These cataracts are called “Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts”. They start to present at around 50 years old.
Other potential causes
● Diabetes
● Older age
● Smoking
● Alcohol consumption
● Steroid usage
● Excess sun and UV exposure
● Eye injury
3. Macular Degeneration
What is it?
The macula, which allows you to see your central vision, becomes damaged.
Effects on vision
Your central vision will appear to be missing, distorted, or blurry. Straight lines may now appear wavy. Despite this, your peripheral (side) vision will appear normal.
Main cause
It depends on the type. While most people have dry macular degeneration, the effect it has on vision is less devastating. On the other hand, wet macular degeneration is more rare, but it has more devastating impacts on vision.
Other potential causes
● High blood pressure
● Older age
● Smoking
● Overweight
The impacts that these 3 eye diseases have on vision tend to occur gradually, not suddenly. However, once these conditions noticeably impact your vision, it is often too late to treat it, leaving you with permanently damaged vision. Getting an eye exam done every one to two years allows for these problems to be detected early on. As a result, these problems may be managed and treated before it is too late, allowing your vision to be as least compromised as possible.
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the content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. please seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding your medical or vision conditions.
Bright Vision Optometry is a family-owned & operated optometry office located in Chino Hills, CA 91709