Optical Disorders and Ways to Prevent Them

 

Most people experience eye problems from time to time, and vision problems tend to increase with age. While many of these problems are short-lived and minor, some serious eye problems can cause major damage to the eyes, including a permanent loss of vision. Luckily most eye problems, including those that are very serious, can be prevented. Here is a list of some common preventable eye problems.

Dry eyes can cause significant eye discomfort and impaired vision, usually in both eyes. Symptoms include:

●        Eye redness

●        Mucus in the eyes

●        A scratchy sensation in the eyes

●        Watery eyes, blurry vision, or eye fatigue

●        Feeling like there is something in your eye

The cause of dry eyes is a lack of tears, which are necessary to keeping your eyes moist, healthy, and free from infection. You may lack tears due to decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. Decreased tear production stems from unavoidable circumstances such as aging, use of certain medications, and medical procedures.

Because increased tear evaporation can result from exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air, it can be prevented by protecting your eyes. Sunglasses can be worn on a sunny, windy day and goggles can be worn if you’re outdoors when there are windy, dry, or smoky conditions. Not blinking enough can also cause dry eyes, so it is important to take breaks when reading, driving, or working for long periods of time. Eye drops are also efficient in preventing dry eye. Vitamin A and cyclosporine drops can lead to great improvement in the symptoms of dry eye. While dry eye itself isn’t a harmful condition, it can lead to serious conditions that can cause harm, including eye infections and eye damage.

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the outer part of the eye becomes swollen or irritated in a reaction to pollen, dander, mold, or other allergy triggering substances. These substances release a chemical called histamine into the eyes, causing the blood vessels in the eye’s outer layer to become swollen. The eyes may quickly become red, itchy, and watery. Other symptoms include:

●        Burning eyes

●        Puffy eyelids, especially in the morning

●        Stringy discharge in the eyes

●        Widened blood vessels in the outer layer of the eye

The best way to combat allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid the substances that trigger your symptoms. Researchers have also found eye drops to be helpful in preventing allergic conjunctivitis in those who are prone to allergic reactions. Additionally, the antihistamines emedastine and levocabastine are helpful in preventing the condition. These are to be used after exposure to a trigger, such as a day with high pollen air levels.

Glaucoma is a set of eye conditions that conjunctively damage the optic nerve, which is important for good vision. The damage is often caused by unusually high pressure in the eyes. Over time, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness. Glaucoma tends to be hereditary, but can also be caused by diabetes, eye injuries, and lack of exercise. Symptoms can include:

●        Patchy blind spots in your peripheral or central vision

●        Tunnel vision

●        Bad headaches

●        Eye pain

●        Nausea

●        Vomiting

●        Blurry vision

●        Seeing halos around lights

●        Eye redness

Not all cases of glaucoma can be prevented. However, there are steps that can be taken to prevent your glaucoma from worsening. Treatments are most effective when given early. Experts agree that the best preventative step for glaucoma is to get frequent eye care and eye screening, especially if you have diabetes. Exercising regularly and safely can prevent glaucoma because it reduces eye pressure. Additionally, wearing protective eye gear when working with tools or playing sports protects your eyes from further damage.

Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye condition among people aged 50 and older. It damages the back of the eye, leading to problems with seeing objects that are straight ahead. As the condition progresses, vision loss will occur in one or both eyes, causing a blurry area at the center of vision that grows larger over time. While it cannot cause complete blindness by itself, this condition can interfere with a person’s ability to navigate everyday life. Blurry vision can make it hard to:

●        Recognize faces

●        Drive

●        Read

●        Write

●        Do chores around the house

The condition is caused by age-related changes in the eye, but some people are more prone to age-related macular degeneration than others. These include smokers, Caucasians, and those with a family history of the condition. Researchers have found connections between this condition and some lifestyle choices. You can decrease your risk of age-related macular degeneration by not smoking, exercising regularly, and eating healthy.

Visual impairment and blindness impact the lives of people everywhere. Making regular visits to the eye doctor is the best way to prevent these problems. If you experience a sudden change in vision, you should immediately contact your eye doctor.

At Elder Law of Omaha our passion for seniors and their care is top priority. If you have questions about adult guardianship, estate planning or how to plan for long term care and the future, then please give us a call to set up your complimentary 30-minute consultation at 402-614-6400.