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Dry eyes affect millions of people in the United States. It is estimated that as many as 4.88 million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from this uncomfortable condition.
What are the common symptoms of dry eye?
Everyone experiences dry eye differently because there are so many potential underlying causes.
Typical symptoms include:
• Redness or eyes that appear irritated and bloodshot
• Consistent burning or tingling sensations in the eyes
• Eyes that feel itchy or as if they have something in them
• Increased sensitivity to bright lights or sunlight
• Excessive tearing, or eyes that always appear watery
What causes dry eye?
There are many potential causes of dry eye. In some cases, the cause is obvious, such as environmental irritants or short-term inflammation.
Some of the other causes of chronic dry eye problems include:
• Disease of the meibomian glands
• Blepharitis
• Allergies
• Defects that affect the eyelid or shape of the eye
• Certain medications
• Abnormal eye pressure
• Deficiency of aqueous fluids
Because the underlying causes vary, treatment methods after diagnosis will also vary according to the patient. It is also not uncommon for there to be more than one cause for dry eye.
How is dry eye diagnosed and treated?
Through imaging of the meibomian glands, measuring osmolarity of the tear film, and screening for certain conditions, the eye care provider is then able to diagnose and provide treatment for the condition.
Some of the typical treatments include:
• Prescription eye drops to combat inflammation
• Treating oil glands
• Blinking exercises or proper eyelid hygiene
If an infection is causing the issue, low-dose antibiotics may also be prescribed.
What are the common symptoms of dry eye?
Everyone experiences dry eye differently because there are so many potential underlying causes.
Typical symptoms include:
• Redness or eyes that appear irritated and bloodshot
• Consistent burning or tingling sensations in the eyes
• Eyes that feel itchy or as if they have something in them
• Increased sensitivity to bright lights or sunlight
• Excessive tearing, or eyes that always appear watery
What causes dry eye?
There are many potential causes of dry eye. In some cases, the cause is obvious, such as environmental irritants or short-term inflammation.
Some of the other causes of chronic dry eye problems include:
• Disease of the meibomian glands
• Blepharitis
• Allergies
• Defects that affect the eyelid or shape of the eye
• Certain medications
• Abnormal eye pressure
• Deficiency of aqueous fluids
Because the underlying causes vary, treatment methods after diagnosis will also vary according to the patient. It is also not uncommon for there to be more than one cause for dry eye.
How is dry eye diagnosed and treated?
Through imaging of the meibomian glands, measuring osmolarity of the tear film, and screening for certain conditions, the eye care provider is then able to diagnose and provide treatment for the condition.
Some of the typical treatments include:
• Prescription eye drops to combat inflammation
• Treating oil glands
• Blinking exercises or proper eyelid hygiene
If an infection is causing the issue, low-dose antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Cataracts are probably the most well-known eye condition associated with age. By the age of 80, more than half of all people living in the US either have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery.
What are cataracts?
Inside the eye, there is a natural lens that is normally clear. Over the years, changes in the eyes lead to the breakdown of the lens’ proteins, causing them to become cloudy. When viewing things through a cataract, items may appear hazy, blurry or less colorful. In general, cataracts develop in both eyes, though not always evenly. Because the cataract in one eye might be more developed than in the other, there could be a marked difference in vision. In addition to the vision changes noted above, other symptoms of cataracts include:
• Greater sensitivity to glare and light
• Yellowing of colors
• Dim vision
• Double vision that’s in just one eye
• Needing more or brighter light for reading and similar activities
• Difficulty with driving, especially at night
• Seeing rings or halos around lights
Who is at risk for developing cataracts?
While cataracts are a common condition associated with aging, there are other risk factors that could increase the chances of developing them or having them appear earlier in life.
Risk factors include:
• Excessive sunlight exposure
• Past eye surgery
• Excessive alcohol use
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Extended use of corticosteroid medications
• Previous eye inflammation and/or injury
• Obesity
There is also a strong genetic factor regarding the development of cataracts. If parents, siblings, or other family members have cataracts, the chances of also getting them increases.
How do I reduce or prevent cataracts?
While cataracts are a part of the natural aging process for many people, there are still several strategies one can implement that could help slow their progression or prevent them from developing earlier in life.
Stick to regular eye exams
Only during a comprehensive eye exam can an optometrist detect early signs that could point to the development of cataracts. During the appointment, the eye care provider may go over some lifestyle changes that could improve the health of the eyes if there are changes to the eye’s lens.
Protection eyes from the sun
The sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays can contribute to the development of cataracts. When out in the sun, make sure to wear sunglasses that block UVB rays as well as a hat.
Make positive lifestyle changes
Eating a healthy diet that consists of lots of vegetables and fruits can help maintain a healthy weight while also providing the eyes with the vitamins and minerals they need. If one drinks alcohol frequently or in excessive amounts, cut back or stop altogether. Smoking can also have a detrimental effect on the eye health. Quitting can help prevent eye diseases.
How are cataracts diagnosed and treated?
The eye care provider is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis of cataracts. There are several tests that can assist in this diagnosis, including a slit-lamp exam, visual acuity test, and retinal exam.
During the early stages of the disease, the changes in vision associated with cataracts can often be addressed by using prescription glasses. When this strategy to clear vision is no longer working, surgery is often the next step.
What are cataracts?
Inside the eye, there is a natural lens that is normally clear. Over the years, changes in the eyes lead to the breakdown of the lens’ proteins, causing them to become cloudy. When viewing things through a cataract, items may appear hazy, blurry or less colorful. In general, cataracts develop in both eyes, though not always evenly. Because the cataract in one eye might be more developed than in the other, there could be a marked difference in vision. In addition to the vision changes noted above, other symptoms of cataracts include:
• Greater sensitivity to glare and light
• Yellowing of colors
• Dim vision
• Double vision that’s in just one eye
• Needing more or brighter light for reading and similar activities
• Difficulty with driving, especially at night
• Seeing rings or halos around lights
Who is at risk for developing cataracts?
While cataracts are a common condition associated with aging, there are other risk factors that could increase the chances of developing them or having them appear earlier in life.
Risk factors include:
• Excessive sunlight exposure
• Past eye surgery
• Excessive alcohol use
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Extended use of corticosteroid medications
• Previous eye inflammation and/or injury
• Obesity
There is also a strong genetic factor regarding the development of cataracts. If parents, siblings, or other family members have cataracts, the chances of also getting them increases.
How do I reduce or prevent cataracts?
While cataracts are a part of the natural aging process for many people, there are still several strategies one can implement that could help slow their progression or prevent them from developing earlier in life.
Stick to regular eye exams
Only during a comprehensive eye exam can an optometrist detect early signs that could point to the development of cataracts. During the appointment, the eye care provider may go over some lifestyle changes that could improve the health of the eyes if there are changes to the eye’s lens.
Protection eyes from the sun
The sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays can contribute to the development of cataracts. When out in the sun, make sure to wear sunglasses that block UVB rays as well as a hat.
Make positive lifestyle changes
Eating a healthy diet that consists of lots of vegetables and fruits can help maintain a healthy weight while also providing the eyes with the vitamins and minerals they need. If one drinks alcohol frequently or in excessive amounts, cut back or stop altogether. Smoking can also have a detrimental effect on the eye health. Quitting can help prevent eye diseases.
How are cataracts diagnosed and treated?
The eye care provider is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis of cataracts. There are several tests that can assist in this diagnosis, including a slit-lamp exam, visual acuity test, and retinal exam.
During the early stages of the disease, the changes in vision associated with cataracts can often be addressed by using prescription glasses. When this strategy to clear vision is no longer working, surgery is often the next step.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in men and women over age 50. People who have AMD require treatments that help slow the progression of the disease, which is why early detection is very important.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration is a disease of the retina, the light-sensitive portion of an eye. The retina is located at the back of the eye, and the macula is a small area near the very center. The macula is responsible for central vision.
In AMD, the macula loses its ability to detect light, resulting in a partial or total loss of central vision. People with late-stage AMD are unable to see objects straight in front of them, making it difficult to perform many activities, like using a computer, reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
AMD typically causes no symptoms until vision begins to fade. Having routine eye exams, especially over age 50, is important for catching AMD as early as possible.
What are the risk factors for AMD?
Age is the biggest risk factor for AMD, followed by having a family history of AMD. People are also at greater risk of developing AMD if:
• Caucasian (white)
• Female
• Have had prolonged sun exposure
• A smoker or past smoker
• Genetic predisposition
Can I reduce my risks of developing AMD?
One of the most important things one can do is have regular eye exams to monitor the health of their retinas.
Taking specific “eye vitamins” may help slow the progression of AMD, and it’s also important to take care of overall health. Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels are important lifestyle changes one should consider.
Wearing sunglasses that protect from UVA and UVB rays and use blue light protection when operating a computer or a cell phone.
How is AMD treated?
AMD occurs in different stages, and there are two types of AMD: dry and wet. The dry type is much more common, but the wet type is more severe and develops more quickly.
The wet form of AMD, medications or laser therapy may help slow vision loss. Otherwise, treatment focuses on monitoring the progression of the disease, along with taking nutritional supplements and incorporating lifestyle changes.
How is AMD detected?
Dilated eye exams and ocular testing allow an eye care providers to look at a patient’s retina to check for changes associated with AMD.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in men and women over age 50. People who have AMD require treatments that help slow the progression of the disease, which is why early detection is very important.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration is a disease of the retina, the light-sensitive portion of an eye. The retina is located at the back of the eye, and the macula is a small area near the very center. The macula is responsible for central vision.
In AMD, the macula loses its ability to detect light, resulting in a partial or total loss of central vision. People with late-stage AMD are unable to see objects straight in front of them, making it difficult to perform many activities, like using a computer, reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
AMD typically causes no symptoms until vision begins to fade. Having routine eye exams, especially over age 50, is important for catching AMD as early as possible.
What are the risk factors for AMD?
Age is the biggest risk factor for AMD, followed by having a family history of AMD. People are also at greater risk of developing AMD if:
• Caucasian (white)
• Female
• Have had prolonged sun exposure
• A smoker or past smoker
• Genetic predisposition
Can I reduce my risks of developing AMD?
One of the most important things one can do is have regular eye exams to monitor the health of their retinas.
Taking specific “eye vitamins” may help slow the progression of AMD, and it’s also important to take care of overall health. Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels are important lifestyle changes one should consider.
Wearing sunglasses that protect from UVA and UVB rays and use blue light protection when operating a computer or a cell phone.
How is AMD treated?
AMD occurs in different stages, and there are two types of AMD: dry and wet. The dry type is much more common, but the wet type is more severe and develops more quickly.
The wet form of AMD, medications or laser therapy may help slow vision loss. Otherwise, treatment focuses on monitoring the progression of the disease, along with taking nutritional supplements and incorporating lifestyle changes.
How is AMD detected?
Dilated eye exams and ocular testing allow an eye care providers to look at a patient’s retina to check for changes associated with AMD.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of adults over the age of 40 with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy. And the rates are even higher among African- and Mexican Americans.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is the number one cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). This causes bleeding, swelling, and abnormal blood vessel growth. The longer one has diabetes, and the less controlled blood sugar is, the more likely they are to develop this eye condition.
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
Like many other eye conditions, diabetic retinopathy often causes few (if any) symptoms in the early stages. One may only notice minor vision issues that could be attributed to other causes. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness.
Due to the fact that anyone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy, it’s important to have regular comprehensive eye exams.
The disease typically affects both eyes. As it gets worse, one may notice symptoms such as:
• Empty or dark areas within the line of vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Dark strings and/or spots (i.e. floaters)
• Loss of vision
• Reduction in color vision
Management of diabetes under the care of a medical professional — with a treatment plan that includes regular visits to the eye doctor — is the best way to prevent loss of vision.
What complications arise from diabetic retinopathy?
Because diabetic retinopathy causes the retina’s blood vessels to bleed and grow abnormally, vision problems are common. One could experience one or more of the following complications:
• Vitreous hemorrhage
The centers of the eyes are filled with a jelly-like substance that’s clear. Blood vessels formed by diabetic retinopathy could leak into this vitreous jelly and cause floaters or even block vision completely.
Retinal detachment
The presence of abnormal blood vessels encourages the growth of scar tissue in the retina. This could pull the retina away from its position at the back of the eye. Common symptoms of a retinal detachment include flashes of light, severe loss of vision and/or spots floating in the vision.
Glaucoma
If the abnormal blood vessels that mark the presence of diabetic retinopathy grow into the eye’s front area, they could block the normal flow of fluid from the eye. The result could be glaucoma which is an increase in the eye’s pressure. One might experience damage to the optic nerve if it’s left untreated.
Blindness
Over time, diabetic retinopathy, or its complications, could cause one to completely lose the ability to see.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is the number one cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). This causes bleeding, swelling, and abnormal blood vessel growth. The longer one has diabetes, and the less controlled blood sugar is, the more likely they are to develop this eye condition.
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
Like many other eye conditions, diabetic retinopathy often causes few (if any) symptoms in the early stages. One may only notice minor vision issues that could be attributed to other causes. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness.
Due to the fact that anyone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy, it’s important to have regular comprehensive eye exams.
The disease typically affects both eyes. As it gets worse, one may notice symptoms such as:
• Empty or dark areas within the line of vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Dark strings and/or spots (i.e. floaters)
• Loss of vision
• Reduction in color vision
Management of diabetes under the care of a medical professional — with a treatment plan that includes regular visits to the eye doctor — is the best way to prevent loss of vision.
What complications arise from diabetic retinopathy?
Because diabetic retinopathy causes the retina’s blood vessels to bleed and grow abnormally, vision problems are common. One could experience one or more of the following complications:
• Vitreous hemorrhage
The centers of the eyes are filled with a jelly-like substance that’s clear. Blood vessels formed by diabetic retinopathy could leak into this vitreous jelly and cause floaters or even block vision completely.
Retinal detachment
The presence of abnormal blood vessels encourages the growth of scar tissue in the retina. This could pull the retina away from its position at the back of the eye. Common symptoms of a retinal detachment include flashes of light, severe loss of vision and/or spots floating in the vision.
Glaucoma
If the abnormal blood vessels that mark the presence of diabetic retinopathy grow into the eye’s front area, they could block the normal flow of fluid from the eye. The result could be glaucoma which is an increase in the eye’s pressure. One might experience damage to the optic nerve if it’s left untreated.
Blindness
Over time, diabetic retinopathy, or its complications, could cause one to completely lose the ability to see.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damages the nerve connecting the eye to the brain. Left untreated, glaucoma can result in permanent blindness in just a few years. The seriousness of this common eye disease emphasizes the importance of having regular eye exams.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to an optic nerve. It typically results from a build-up of fluid in the front part of the eye. The pressure caused by this extra fluid damages the optic nerve, leading to blindness.
There are two primary types of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure.
Open-angle glaucoma or wide-angle glaucoma is the most common. With this type of glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system looks normal, but the fluid doesn’t leave the eye as it’s designed to do.
Angle-closure glaucoma is more common in Asia than in Western countries. It is also sometimes called chronic angle-closure glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is marked by the drain space between the cornea and iris narrowing. This can cause the intraocular pressure to suddenly buildup. Farsightedness and cataracts are also associated with this type of glaucoma.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Glaucoma doesn’t usually display any symptoms in the early stages, which is why early detection during yearly eye exams is essential.
The following are some common symptoms of glaucoma:
• Halos surrounding lights
• Redness in eyes
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Eye pain
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Narrowed, or tunnel, vision
Who is at risk for developing glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma. But in most cases, it affects adults aged 40 and older.
Other risk factors include:
• Diabetes
• Trauma to the eye
• Taking certain medications such as prednisone
• Family history of glaucoma
How is glaucoma diagnosed and treated?
During an eye exam, the eye care provider will check eye pressure and dilate the pupils to examine the back of the eye, including the optic nerve. The patient will likely also undergo tests such as a visual field exam to check the peripheral vision.
If one does have glaucoma, the treatment plan will depend on the severity of the condition. Typical options include eye drops, laser surgery, or microsurgery. The least invasive treatment is preferred, but severe cases may require surgery immediately to alleviate fluid blockages.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to an optic nerve. It typically results from a build-up of fluid in the front part of the eye. The pressure caused by this extra fluid damages the optic nerve, leading to blindness.
There are two primary types of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure.
Open-angle glaucoma or wide-angle glaucoma is the most common. With this type of glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system looks normal, but the fluid doesn’t leave the eye as it’s designed to do.
Angle-closure glaucoma is more common in Asia than in Western countries. It is also sometimes called chronic angle-closure glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is marked by the drain space between the cornea and iris narrowing. This can cause the intraocular pressure to suddenly buildup. Farsightedness and cataracts are also associated with this type of glaucoma.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Glaucoma doesn’t usually display any symptoms in the early stages, which is why early detection during yearly eye exams is essential.
The following are some common symptoms of glaucoma:
• Halos surrounding lights
• Redness in eyes
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Eye pain
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Narrowed, or tunnel, vision
Who is at risk for developing glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma. But in most cases, it affects adults aged 40 and older.
Other risk factors include:
• Diabetes
• Trauma to the eye
• Taking certain medications such as prednisone
• Family history of glaucoma
How is glaucoma diagnosed and treated?
During an eye exam, the eye care provider will check eye pressure and dilate the pupils to examine the back of the eye, including the optic nerve. The patient will likely also undergo tests such as a visual field exam to check the peripheral vision.
If one does have glaucoma, the treatment plan will depend on the severity of the condition. Typical options include eye drops, laser surgery, or microsurgery. The least invasive treatment is preferred, but severe cases may require surgery immediately to alleviate fluid blockages.
