Your vision is one of your most important senses. However, there are many afflictions that can affect the eye. Eye disease develops over time and shows itself in many forms.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness among those in the United States. It decreases your vision because a heavy amount of internal pressure puts stress on the optic nerve. This damages it and visual data is not taken in properly. It is hard to know if you have glaucoma because it often has not symptoms or pain. However, if you seem to be losing periphery vision, that may be the reason. Treatment involves either medicated eye drops or laser surgery.

Cataracts develop slowly, often as we age. It clouds your sight because it blocks the natural lens in your eyes. This lens is what gets stimuli to the retina and helps you see the world around you. If your vision seems like you’re looking at Impressionist art, this is not a good sign. Lights will be brighter and colors duller. Cataract surgery is the only option after glasses stop being helpful.

The leading cause of blindness in senior citizens is Macular Degeneration. This disorder disturbs the part of the retina responsible for sharper vision needed for tasks like reading. Neovascular AMD causes this damage through the growth of new blood vessels where they shouldn’t be. Dry AMD does this by the thinning of tissues in the area and depositing pigments. This type will cause yellowish spots in eyes. Shadowy perception is a symptom of MD. No cure exists as of yet, but a few medicines are available to ease the symptoms of wet macular degeneration.

Eye disease is not a matter to be taken lightly. It can be dangerous not only to your sight but your general health. If you think you might have one of these disorders, go to your ophthalmologist.

Tags: Nutrition

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