Are These 4 Common Eye Problems Affecting Your Health?

Do you ever wonder if you are prone to certain eye diseases? Perhaps you have been feeling strange sensations, or seeing things differently than before?

It is always good to have regular check-ups with your eye doctor or healthcare specialists. Getting your symptoms checked as early as possible can be vital in avoiding common eye illnesses and problems.

4 Common Eye Disease Symptoms to Watch Out For

One eye problem many people have is with the retina, the tissue behind the eye which translates light and sends important messages to your brain. This function is important for anything that requires laser sharp vision: activities such as driving, reading, or seeing things at a far distance.

If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, we recommend you get both eyes checked as soon as possible.

1. Symptoms: Dark Specs or flashes of Light

Possible Cause: PVD

Not only do your eyes feel sore, but you experience seeing dark spots in your vision, even in stark daylight.

An eye problem known as “posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)”, which commonly affects older people. When the vitreous gel inside your eye begins to shrink, it can detach itself from your retina. If you have this problem, you will not be able to focus well on images that your eye sees.

2. Symptoms: An increase in the little floaters that you sometimes see in your vision.

Possible Cause: Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachments usually require a delicate surgery. During the procedure, called a vitrectomy, the doctor will have to make a tiny incision in the whites of your eyes. Next, he or she will remove the vitreous, then use a special type of gas to push the retina back against the wall of the eye, fixing it back into place.

3. Symptoms: Double or Blurred Vision

Possible cause: Diabetic Disease
People who suffer from diabetes, have problems with high blood sugar levels. If not kept in check, this can lead to a problem known as diabetic retinopathy. This is a very common cause for blindness.

4. Symptoms: Having to often change your glasses or contact lens prescription

Possible Cause: Cataracts

You may have seen people with a cloudy layer over their eye. For them, their vision is constantly clouded. Imagine looking through a foggy window for your entire life. This is what it is like for those who have cataracts, and are unable to basic things such as driving, or recognizing their loved one’s faces.

Tips for taking care of your retina

Here are some practical ways you can ensure good eye health and avoid common eye conditions:

• 1. Check your eyes at least every six months. Visit a Kansas City Ophthalmologist who can attend to you as soon as you notice any strange symptoms.
• 2. Use sunglasses when under direct sunlight, and safety glasses when working
• 3. Maintain a healthy diet so that your blood sugar keeps within the ideal range, as recommended by your doctor.
• 4. Avoid stressful situations which increase your blood pressure and can lead to Hypertensive retinopathy and blood clots.
• 5. Get daily exercise, avoid smoking or drinking too much alcohol. Think of your body parts as all vital pieces of one machine–when one part stops working well, so do the others.
• 6. Follow the Silverstein Eye Centers blog to keep reminded of the importance of eye health and care.

Interested to know more? Contact us to schedule a consultation in our eye care clinic at the soonest possible time. We love helping people maintain their eyesight and prioritize eye health.