There are a handful of eye injuries and conditions that are so common, most of us have experienced them at some point in our lives.
Luckily, this means these conditions are relatively easy to spot and treat.
Here are seven of the most common eye conditions and how to to identity them so you can seek treatment:
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Glaucoma
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Diabetic retinopathy
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Cataracts
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Macular degeneration
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Styes
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Dry Eyes
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Pink Eye (conjunctivitis)
Signs of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often asymptomatic until it causes significant damage, but early detection and glaucoma treatment can prevent vision loss. So how can you identify it in time for proper treatment?
Think of your eye like a basketball: There should be pressure inside, but not too much. Excessive pressure in the eye can cause nerve damage and vision loss.
Common signs to look out for are the feeling of painful pressure in the eyes, headaches, sudden decreased vision, reduced peripheral vision, seeing halos around lights, and even nausea.
Talk to your eye doctor right away if you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms.
Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy
This condition is a complication from diabetes that causes damage to the blood vessels in your retinas.
The most common signs are vision being affected in some way. Diabetics experiencing these symptoms should consult an eye doctor:
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Blurry or changing vision
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Sudden vision loss, dark spots, or “floaters” appearing in your field of vision
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Sudden color blindness
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Poor night vision
Signs of Cataracts
Cataracts are the most common vision condition; they affect millions and millions of people every year. They can be caused by a myriad of factors from smoking cigarettes to steroid usage to family genetics and much more.
The telltale signs of cataracts are seeing halos around light, double vision, and colors appearing less vivid. Appearance-wise, cataracts bring a cloudy, white fog to the eyes as well.
Read more here about all the different causes and symptoms of cataracts to find out if treatment is right for you.
Signs of Macular Degeneration
There are two forms of macular degeneration (dry and wet) and each comes with its own set of telltale signs.
The good news is that like cataracts, this condition is very treatable. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s worth talking to an eye doctor about possibly treating dry or wet macular degeneration.
One of the most distinct signs of this condition is distortion of the vision. Commonly, this takes the form of straight lines looking wavy or askew. You might also notice blurry patches in your field of vision.
Difficulty with contrast is another common sign of macular degeneration. This commonly presents itself as difficulty reading print, adjusting to low light, or discerning colors.
For a full breakdown of the causes, symptoms, and treatments of macular degeneration, click here.
Signs of Styes
A stye is painful red swelling near the edge of the eyelid caused by blockage of an oil gland. The blocked glands can become infected, causing an uncomfortable pus-filled bump near your eye.
The most common sign of a stye is a sudden red inflammation that looks like a large pimple or boil on the eyelid. You might also have a stye coming on if you’re experiencing general swelling, tenderness, or pain around your eyelid.
If you have redness or swelling on or around the eyelid that doesn’t improve within 48 hours, talk to your doctor about treating a stye!
Signs of Dry Eyes
The most common sign of Dry Eye Syndrome is obvious—dry eyes! However, there are differences between symptoms of general eye dryness and symptoms of chronic dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye syndrome is commonly categorized by a distinct, almost sand-like feeling of graininess in your eyes. You may feel extra sensitive to light, have difficulty putting in contacts, or the constant sensation of a foreign object touching your eye.
Redness, excessive eye watering, and the buildup of a stringy, mucus-like fluid are other common signs. If you have any of these symptoms that persist, talk to your eye doctor about dry eye treatment!
Signs of Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as Pink Eye, occurs when a virus, bacteria, or allergies cause inflammation of the eyelid or eyeball lining, known as conjunctiva.
The most common sign to look for is a pink or red hue in the whites of your eye.
Along with this redness, excessive tear production or watery eyes could mean Pink Eye. Much like dry eyes, you might have the constant sensation of a foreign object in your eye, which causes a constant urge to rub or itch them.
Some of the more uncomfortable signs of pink eye include mucus-like discharge or a crusting on your eyelids or eyelashes.
Treatment for Pink Eye is typically focused on relieving symptoms, but it’s always good to talk to your eye doctor about any condition in or near your eyes!
Don’t risk your vision.
While these conditions are common and treatable, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry—especially when it comes to your vision.
If you have any symptoms, or you’re simply due for a checkup on your eyes, give us a call to schedule an appointment at 402.933.6600 or request an appointment online.
