Age-related eye diseases are the #1 cause of poor vision and blindness in the United States. While not all eye diseases are curable, most are preventable. A top defense against eye disease is scheduling routine eye exams. Your doctor will run tests to treat any eye problems you have and offer the peace of mind you need.
Want to learn more about common eye diseases and how you can take control of your eye health? Read on.
Schedule an Eye Exam or Consultation
4 Types of Eye Disease
Below are four of the most common eye diseases:
1. Cataracts
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens that helps us focus on objects at various distances. Cataracts can cause blindness if left untreated. In fact, cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide and vision loss in the United States.
2. Glaucoma
Good vision requires a healthy optic nerve. Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve as well as cause vision loss and even blindness. Glaucoma occurs when fluid accumulates between the cornea and the iris, creating excess pressure and damaging the optic nerve. While the pressure increases your risk of glaucoma, you only have glaucoma if the optic nerve has been damaged.
3. Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disease in which the macula—a part of the retina that helps your eyes focus on images—gets damaged. This damage causes blurry vision. For Americans aged 65 and older, macular degeneration is the leading cause of permanent loss of vision focus.
4. Cancers of the eye
Cancers of the eye are also known as ocular cancers. The most common ocular cancers in adults are lymphoma and melanoma, whereas the top eye cancer in children is retinoblastoma.
How to Protect Your Eyes
You can protect your eyes by following these four simple steps:
1. Maintain a healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet can strengthen your eyes and protect them from various diseases. Foods and drinks that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins C and E can help prevent age-related vision problems.
- Leafy greens
- Fish (or an omega-3/fish oil supplement)
- Nuts
- Beans
- Eggs
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Green tea
2. Reduce screen time
Too much screen time can cause problems such as dry eyes, blurry vision, and eyestrain. If you can, limit screen time whenever possible to lower your risk of developing these eye problems.
You can also wear blue light glasses while using electronic devices as another line of defense. Blue light forces our eyes to work harder to focus, putting unnecessary strain on our eyes. Blue light glasses reduce eye strain by increasing the screen’s contrast, helping our eyes focus.
3. Wear sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses while outside protects your eyes from harmful UV rays, thus reducing your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. We recommend wearing sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays.
4. Schedule routine checkups
You should schedule at least one eye exam per year to keep your eyes in check. These appointments help doctors:
- Perform vision tests to determine if you’re nearsighted or farsighted or if you have an astigmatism or presbyopia
- Check for eye diseases, especially those with no associated symptoms
- Provide eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions
- Address any concerns you may have
Reach Your Full Vision Potential With Cleveland Eye Clinic
Whether you’re seeking vision improvement or want to schedule a routine eye exam, the doctors at Cleveland Eye Clinic will help you reach your full vision potential. As leaders in eye care since 1943, they use the latest technology and treatments to provide the best solution for every patient. Follow the link below to schedule an exam or consultation.
