More than half a million Australians are affected by cataracts, but this eye disorder does not always have to spell doom and gloom. Whether you are affected by cataracts yourself, or it has been diagnosed in a loved one, this is the place to learn more about cataracts to raise awareness about this issue. From the reason for cataracts to treatment options, there is plenty to read up on here. A cataract diagnosis is not an automatic blindness diagnosis, so take the time to educate yourself about this medical problem so that any diagnosis is met head-on with positivity and optimism.
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Optometrists are specialists charged with eye care. It is recommended that you visit an eye doctor every two years. If you wear corrective lenses or you are a senior citizen, you should visit an eye specialist at least once a year. You probably have an eye infection or disorder or are genuinely concerned about suffering from an eye condition in future. Here are some of the common eye conditions you should look out for.
Macular Degeneration
Optometrists often deal with testing, diagnosing and treating patients for AMD. Advanced macular degeneration is an eye condition which causes vision loss, especially among senior citizens. AMD damages the macula, the part of your eye that promotes sharp vision, allowing you to see objects. In some cases, AMD is gradual, and vision loss takes longer to kick in. In other cases, the condition progresses faster and may lead to poor vision in both eyes. AMD is characterised by a blurred vision that gradually causes blank spots in the central vision of your eye. The compromised central vision is what causes blindness in the long term.
Corneal Swelling
Corneal swelling is also called edema. A patient with this condition has excess fluid in their cornea. Edema may or may not cause reduced vision. The patient may also experience corneal swelling due to trauma, intraocular pressure or inflammation of the cornea. For corneal swelling, the doctor will prescribe hyperosmotic drops.
Cataracts
A cataract is characterised by cloudy eye lenses. This condition is one of the common causes of impaired vision. Cataracts are mostly age-related; however, there are other forms of cataracts. If left to progress, cataracts can cause total vision loss.
Glaucoma
Eye specialists also treat glaucoma. Glaucoma damages the patient's optic nerve, leading to poor vision. In most cases, damage to the optic nerve is caused by high pressure in the eye. While glaucoma can affect anyone, it is common among senior citizens. It is possible to slow down or prevent vision loss if glaucoma is detected early. If you are suffering from this eye condition, you may continue receiving treatment for the rest of your life.
Summing It Up
Losing your vision can be frustrating, especially if you are young, and it disrupts your daily routines. Optometry is a wide field that involves the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye conditions. If you suspect you have any of the above conditions or have particularly alarming sensitivity or pain in your eyes, you need to consult an eye doctor to address the problem promptly.
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