Understanding Common Eye Conditions- A Comprehensive Guide

While a yearly checkup should be part of your normal health care routine, many people only visit the eye doctor in response to changes in vision or discomfort in the eyes. With an increase in computer and smartphone usage digital strain that results in headaches, blurred vision and pain in the eyes are common reasons people visit the eye doctor. But serious conditions can develop that produce no symptoms or don’t present symptoms until the condition worsens. Understanding common eye conditions helps patients to realize the importance of comprehensive eye exams and why even minor symptoms should not be overlooked. 

Many common eye conditions develop slowly over time making early detection extra important to maintain and preserve vision. Changes in your ability to see objects near or far is usually attributed to a refractive error. This occurs when the shape of the eye keeps light from focusing correctly on the retina, the part of the eye responsible for alerting the brain to the images you see. Refractive errors include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) and astigmatism. These common eye conditions bring on symptoms of blurry vision, squinting, eye strain, burning eyes, headaches when reading, fatigue and difficulty distinguishing letters or numbers. In most cases, refractive errors can be corrected with new or updated prescription lenses or laser eye surgery. 

Visiting Skyline Vision Clinic at least once a year will help detect, prevent, and in some cases, reverse damage to the eyes. In addition to refractive errors, other common eye conditions include cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, macular degeneration, eye allergies and eye infections. Cataracts are caused by the clouding of the lens of the eye and always results in surgery to remove the cataract. Although many people can go years before needing surgery. Glaucoma indicates a quick rise in eye pressure that if left untreated can lead to permanent vision loss. Both dry eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction can cause irritation of the eyes as well as burning eyes or watery eyes. While neither will cause blindness, the conditions can become very uncomfortable and require intervention to ensure the eyes are producing sufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eyes. Blepharitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation to the eyelids. It can be difficult to treat so having an appointment with your ophthalmologist is necessary to narrow down the best course of treatment. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness that develops as a natural part of aging, Early detection is key to aid in preserving vision and supplementing vision with various aid therapies. Eye allergies and infections can be varied and numerous so proper testing is essential to receive whatever medical remedy may be necessary to soothe the eyes and provide clarity of vision. 
Call 719-630-3937 today to book your exam or WEBSITE for a more detailed comprehensive guide that includes resources and information provided by Skyline Vision Clinic.