There are many common eye diseases that people are suffering from.
- Currently, there are more than 15 million people in our country who are suffering from eye diseases with 80% of the cases either preventable or treatable.
- Eyecare is crucial to restoring good eyesight so be proactive in maintaining healthy eyes.
In this article, we have put together a brief overview of some of the common eye diseases to increase your knowledge about these issues and create awareness.
15 Common Eye Diseases
- A cataract is an age-related eye disorder in which the eye lens becomes cloudy and vision blurs as well as sensitivity to light increase
- Glaucoma is the leading cause of age-related blindness with damage to the optic nerve due to increased fluid pressure in the eye. Optic nerves carry signals to the brain and as they are damaged vision loss occurs gradually.
- Macular degeneration is an age-related painless condition affecting those above 60 years of age. The macula which is a small central portion of the retina deteriorates with age and fails to function properly. Distorted and wavy details, difficulty in distinguishing colors, and blurry central vision are the main symptoms.
- Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from where it is attached to the underlying layer of supportive tissues. People suffering from retinal detachment experience flashes of light, darkening side vision and seeing small flecks or threads.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis or pink eye is the inflammation of eye membranes that appears as redness of the white portion and area near to eyelids.
- A sty is a tender painful condition in which a red bump appears at the base of an eyelash or inside part of the eyelid. It occurs due to clogging and subsequent infection of oil glands in the eyelid.
- Keratoconus is the condition in which the cornea of the eye becomes distorted and bulges outwards causing alteration of vision.
- Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids which causes a burning sensation and excessive itching around the eyelids.
- Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina.
- Strabismus or crossed eyes is characterized by misalignment of eyes which appears to don't look together at the same object and one eye either drifts inwards or outwards.
- Astigmatism is imperfect curvature of the front surface of the eyes which makes an image appear blurred.
- Hyperopia or farsightedness is difficulty in focusing on nearby objects.
- Myopia or nearsightedness is difficulty in focusing on faraway objects.
- Color blindness is the inability of the eyes to spot certain colors.
- Eye allergies occur due to various indoor or outdoor allergens that trigger itchy, red, burning, or tearing eyes. Sometimes eye allergies come with existing nasal allergies or sinusitis.
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