Eye diseases and disorders affect millions worldwide, impacting their vision and quality of life. From common refractive errors like nearsightedness(myopia) and farsightedness(hypermetropia) to complex conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, the range of eye disorders affecting eyesight is numerous.
A few common symptoms related to eyesight problems include red eyes, headaches, light sensitivity, floaters (dots, lines, or webs that appear in your field of vision), dry eyes, blurred vision, etc.
According to National Library Of Medicine, in India, a study estimates that there are 4.95 million blind people and 70 million vision-impaired people, of which 0.24 million are blind children.
What are the different types of eye disorders?
Various eye disorders and conditions can affect eye health and functionality. Here are some common eye disorders and conditions:
- Colour blindness: It affects the ability to distinguish between specific colours.
- Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye): In this condition, inflammation occurs in the tissue that lines the back of the eyelids and covers the white part of your eye, known as the sclera.
- Dry eyes: It occurs when the eyes fail to produce good-quality tears to lubricate the eyes.
- Night blindness: It is a condition characterised by difficulty in seeing in low-light conditions or at night.
- Subconjunctival haemorrhage: The condition occurs when a small blood vessel ruptures below the conjunctiva.
What are the various types of serious eye disorders?
Serious eye diseases are conditions that can significantly impact vision and potentially lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Here are some examples of serious eye diseases:
- Refractive errors: They include conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism that result in blurred vision.
- Lazy eye: A lazy eye is a condition where one eye does not develop properly. It rarely affects both eyes.
- Cataract: It is a condition when the natural lens of your eyes becomes cloudy. Cataracts are known to be the leading cause of blindness across the world.
- Glaucoma: It is an eye disease characterised by elevated intraocular pressure (the fluid pressure of the eye) exceeding the normal range. As a result of this increased pressure, the optic nerve is damaged and visual information transmitted to the brain is affected.
- Diabetes-related retinopathy: It occurs when the blood vessels in the retina are continuously harmed due to long-term uncontrolled high blood sugar levels.
- Age-related macular degeneration: The condition affects central vision and damages the macula, which is the centre area of the retina.
- Retinal detachment: It occurs when the retina separates from the underlying tissue.
Can eye problems cause dizziness?
Yes, when the visual system is impacted due to several eyesight problems, dizziness can occur.
The eyes play an important role in maintaining balance. So, when there is a disruption in visual input or coordination between the eyes and the brain, it can lead to dizziness and also imbalance.
Which medical conditions cause eye problems?
The functioning of the eyes can be affected by various medical conditions, leading to a wide range of eye problems. Some medical conditions that cause eye problems include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Autoimmune conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
- Liver diseases (such as cirrhosis, jaundice, etc.)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Sickle cell disease
Can eye diseases be inherited?
Yes, many eye disorders can be inherited. Eye conditions have a genetic component, meaning they can be passed down from parents to their children.
A few examples of inherited eye diseases include congenital glaucoma, retinal degeneration, eye malformations, etc.
What precautions can I take to avoid eye problems?
Whether you have noticed a decline in your vision or have always struggled with poor eyesight, there are steps you can take to improve and maintain good eye health.
Here are a few precautions to follow:
- Regular eye check-ups
- Protect your eyes from UV rays
- Use proper safety eyewear
- Take regular screen breaks
- Know your risk factors and family history
- Consume a balanced diet
- Avoid smoking
Having optimal vision is crucial for effectively interacting with the world around you. While certain vision problems can be easily corrected, others lack a definitive cure. However, with appropriate regular eye exams to detect issues, treatments, and management, individuals can improve their visual health and overall quality of life.
Conclusion
If you suspect any vision problems or have concerns about your eye health, it is crucial to consult with an eye specialist right away for proper diagnosis, evaluation, and management.
AllCure Super Speciality Hospital’s experienced eye specialists will support all your eye-related concerns.