Our eyes are among the most delicate organs in the body, yet they work tirelessly every day to help us experience the world. Unfortunately, many people only visit an eye specialist when they notice serious vision problems. In reality, regular eye check-ups can help detect diseases early — when treatment is most effective.

In this article, we’ll cover five of the most common eye diseases, their causes, warning signs, and ways to protect your vision.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. It can create discomfort, redness, hazy vision, or a feeling of grit in the eyes. Aging, extended computer use, certain medications, or environmental factors might induce the problem.

Although it rarely causes scale loss of vision, if untreated, dry eye can cause discomfort in daily life and pose a threat to sight. Any straightforward step to relieve dry eyes will include the use of artificial tears and taking extra breaks from the computer screen during stenography, having the underlying condition treated for less artificial tear.

Causes

• Prolonged screen time

• Aging

• Contact lens use

• Certain medications

• Dry or windy environments

Symptoms

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Redness

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light

Prevention Tips

• Try to keep the 20-20-20 rule in mind when working on digital devices.

• Use artificial tears as advised by your ophthalmologist.

• Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses when outside.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight,” is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve.In most cases, these conditions set in without obvious symptoms until the patients are confronted with pronounced loss of vision-the earlier diagnosis is thus essential.

Said sufferers will not regain excellent sight, but treating them with eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery may reduce eye pressure and prevent further harm. The best weapon against this sight-threatening condition is regular comprehensive eye examinations.

Causes

• High eye pressure (intraocular pressure)

• Age over 40

• Family history of glaucoma

• Certain medical conditions like diabetes

Symptoms

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision

• Tunnel vision in advanced stages

Prevention Tips

• Get eye tests done regularly, especially if you have risk factors 

• Maintain blood pressure and sugar levels within normal range 

• Avoid prolonged use of steroid eye drops without medical advice.

Cataracts

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, causing vision to become blurry, hazy, or less colorful. It slowly develops with aging, but localized eye injuries, some medicines, or medical conditions such as diabetes may cause it. 

In the early stages, a person may use brighter lights and updated glasses for help, but surgery is the only option for clear vision once cataracts interfere with everyday life. Modern cataract surgery is safe and quick, with a high success rate. 

Causes

• Aging

• UV radiation exposure

• Eye injury

• Long-term use of certain medications

Symptoms

• Blurred or cloudy vision

• Glare and halos around lights

• Difficulty seeing at night

Prevention Tips

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants

• Quit smoking

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) damages the macula, which is responsible for sharp, central vision in the retina. One finds it hard to read, recognize faces, or see fine details. It is a leading cause of vision loss in the age group of more than 50; although not truly causing complete blindness, it does impair one's day-to-day activities

People with diabetes require routine eye examinations because early AMD presents no symptoms. The progression of the disease can be slowed and vision maintained through specific treatments along with lifestyle adjustments and nutritional supplements even though no cure exists.

Causes

• Aging

• Genetics

• Smoking

• High blood pressure

Symptoms

• Blurred central vision

• Straight lines appearing wavy

• Difficulty recognizing faces

Prevention Tips

• Eat leafy greens and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid

• Avoid smoking

• Protect eyes from UV light

Diabetic Eye Disease

High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy — a major cause of vision loss. Blood vessels become weakened and blocked because of high glucose levels which results in fluid leakage and bleeding. The eye may develop abnormal blood vessels that lead to scarring and retinal detachment which creates a permanent blindness risk when the condition reaches its most advanced stage.

The damage begins without any noticeable signs for a long time. People who have diabetes must schedule regular eye exams because the condition damages eyes without visible symptoms. People with diabetes can prevent serious vision loss through proper blood sugar management combined with healthy blood pressure maintenance and receiving laser treatments or injection therapies when needed.

Causes

• Poorly controlled diabetes

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

Symptoms

• Blurred vision

• Floaters or dark spots

• Sudden vision loss

Prevention Tips

• Manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol

• Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year

Protecting Your Vision

Various eye diseases start without visible signs which makes it necessary to schedule routine eye examinations. The specialists at Ikonik Eye Centre use modern diagnostic equipment to detect medical conditions early and provide suitable treatment recommendations.

Don’t wait until symptoms get worse — book your comprehensive eye check-up today.