Common Eye Diseases That Progress Without Any Symptoms
Many eye conditions develop silently and show little or no symptoms until significant damage has been done. Some of them include:
- Glaucoma: Increases eye pressure, leading to optic nerve damage and irreversible blindness if untreated.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels in the eye and causes vision impairment.
- Macular Degeneration: Affects central vision, making daily tasks like reading or driving difficult.
The Role Of Eye Specialists In Early Diagnosis
Eye specialists play a significant role in detecting diseases before they cause significant vision loss. They use advanced techniques such as:
- Retinal imaging: high-resolution scans that detect changes in the retina.
- Tonometry: measures eye pressure to identify glaucoma.
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): provides a detailed cross-section of the retina helping in early detection of diseases.
- Visual field tests: identify blind spots that might indicate underlying conditions.
How Often Should You Visit An Eye Specialist?
The frequency of eye check-ups depends on factors like age, existing medical conditions, and family history. Generally, it is:
- Children: First exam before school starts, then every 1-2 years.
- Adults under 40: Every 2-4 years if no vision problems exist.
- Adults over 40: Every 2 years due to increased risk of age-related problems.
- People with diabetes or a family history of eye diseases should get checked at least once a year.
Chandigarh has become a preferred destination for quality eye care, thanks to its well-equipped hospitals, experienced specialists, and access to advanced technology. Patients can find quality and expertise in the best eye hospital in Chandigarh. With a combination of skilled professionals and new facilities, they offer quality ophthalmic care.
The Connection Between Eye Health And Systemic Diseases
An eye examination can reveal more than just vision problems as it can also indicate any underlying health issues as they tend to also impact one’s vision. A few include:
- Diabetes: Leads to diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of blindness.
- Hypertension: Can cause damage to retinal blood vessels, affecting vision.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause eye inflammation.
Everyday Habits To Maintain Healthy Eyes
- Eating a diet rich in omega-3s, vitamins A, C and E, and antioxidants.
- Eat carrots as it has beta-carotenes that get converted to vitamin A
- Wearing sunglasses to protect against harmful UV rays.
- Taking screen breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule (looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).
- Keeping contact lenses clean to prevent infections.
- Seeking professional advice when needed.
The Psychological Impact Of Vision Loss
Losing vision can be emotionally distressing, leading to anxiety, depression, and a reduced sense of independence. People with vision impairment may struggle with:
- Difficulty in daily tasks like reading and driving.
- A loss of confidence and social withdrawal.
- Increased dependency on others.
Eye health is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in overall well-being. Routine visits to an eye specialist can help detect diseases early, ensuring better outcomes and preserving vision for the future. Whether it’s for preventive care or managing an existing condition, investing proper time in eye health can prevent serious complications.
References:
- https://riverheightseyecare.com/how-often-should-you-visit-your-eye-doctor/
- https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/index.html
- https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/nei-for-kids/healthy-vision-tips
- https://www.pvri.org/eye-health/everyday-routine-to-take-care-of-your-eyes-following-these-tips-every-day-for-good-eye-health/#:~:text=Adopt%20a%20balanced%20diet,to%20stay%20healthy%20as%20well.
- https://www.mentalhealthjournal.org/articles/psychological-impact-of-vision-loss.html
