The eyes are the most important sensory organs of the human being and our sight should never be taken for granted. Thus, eye health should be a priority. It is best to take precautions and seek immediate medical attention, especially if you exhibit symptoms of eye diseases or disorders which could lead to vision loss.

COMMON EYE DISORDERS

Refractive Errors

Vision gets affected when the light rays that land on the retina do not land where they should due to the shape of eyeball, cornea and lens of the eye.

• Nearsightedness
  • Problem on focusing on distant objects
• Farsightedness
  • Problem on focusing on objects up-close
• Astigmatism
  • Blurry vision
• Presbyopia
  • Loss of the ability to focus mainly associated with aging.

Treatment: These refractive errors can usually be treated with prescription glasses, prescription contact lenses or refractive laser eye surgery.

Cataract

Vision gets affected by the clouding of the lens which affects the light that passes through resulting to a hazy, blurred or fogged vision. It may also cause any of the following:

• sensitivity to light
• seeing ‘halo’ around lights
• needing brighter lights to see clearer
• having difficulty seeing at night
• fading or yellowing of colors
• needing new prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses frequently
• double vision in one eye

Treatment: Cataracts are usually treated by surgery.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Vision gets affected when the blood vessels of the retina gets damaged. It may cause black spots or black strings that float, dark or empty areas, impaired color, or blurred or fluctuating vision.

Controlling your blood sugar is a crucial factor in developing diabetic retinopathy. You are more likely to develop this eye disease if you are not regulating your blood sugar well.

Early diagnosis and treatment for diabetic retinopathy can prevent or slow vision loss.

Glaucoma

Vision gets affected due to damaged optic nerves. This damage is usually caused by increased eye pressure but in some cases, it can happen even with normal eye pressure.

Vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible, so regular eye check-up is important to keep track of your eye condition. Early detection can slow and prevent the progression to loss of vision.

Macular Degeneration

Vision gets affected when blood vessels grow or tissues break down in the central part of the retina. This condition is often called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) because it is associated with aging.

There are two types of Macular Degeneration:

• Wet AMD
  • Abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula, leading to blood and fluid leakage. This can lead to rapid vision loss.

• Dry AMD
  • It associated with the gradual thinning of the macula. This type progresses slower than wet AMD.

How can we take care of our eyes?

• Use eye protection.
  • Use sunglasses that block UVA and UVB lights.
  • Wear proper protective glasses or goggles based on your line of work.
• Eat healthy.
  • Eat yellow and green vegetables.
  • Eat fish high in Omega-3.
• Exercise regularly.
  • Exercising regularly helps in managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
• Manage blood pressure and blood sugar.
  • Blood pressure and blood sugar are crucial factors in eye health. Uncontrolled levels may lead to eye or vision problems.
• Quit smoking.
  • Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases.
• Have regular eye check-ups.
  • Early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss.
  • Getting eye exams is important because some eye diseases may not have symptoms.

How can our Eye Center help you?

Our Eye Center has state-of-the-art equipment for your eye health needs:

• A-scan biometry ultrasound
• Fluorescein angiography
• Focal laser treatment
• Fundus photography
• Iridoplasty
• Laser indirect ophthalmoscope
• Panretinal Photocoagulation
• Visual field examination
• YAG laser capsulotomy
• YAG laser iridotomy

For inquiries on our Eye Center services, you may contact (046) 481-8000 or (02) 8988-3100 local 1370.

References:

1. Center for Diseases Control and Prevention
   • https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/index.html
2. Cleveland Clinic
   • https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-5-most-common-vision-problems-and-how-to-prevent-them/
3. Medline Plus
   • https://medlineplus.gov/eyecare.html
4. Mayo Clinic
   • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790
   • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611
   • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839
5. National Eye Institute
   • https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/refractive-errors

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Disclaimer:

All content found on the DLSUMC website, including text, graphics, images, audio or other formats were created for general informational purposes only and are not intended or implied to be substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call your local emergency hotline immediately.