Common Eye Conditions: Understanding the Symptoms and Treatment Options
By Larry Zunde Optometrist – Updated March 2024
What are the treatment options out there for some of the Common Eye issues optometrists see?
1. Myopia which is also know as nearsightedness:
A condition when patients cant see very far, in other words if objects that are far seem blurry but they are able to see near objects.
Treatment: Your Optometrist will do a thorough eye exam and usually recommend some form of prescription lenses or contact lenses. Glasses for nearsightedness have concave lenses and are bigger at the edges as compared to the middle. Your Optometrist will do an eye exam to determine the degree of nearsightedness and from there, you can select your frame and your prescription lenses will be manufactured.
2. Hyperopia – also called farsightedness:
Unlike the first eye condition, this one is where near objects appears blurry or unclear but you are able to see better in the distance.
Treatment: Your optometrist will also recommend prescription lenses. Unlike the first condition, the convex lenses here are bigger at the center than the edges.
Once again your optometrists will carry our a comprehensive eye exam to determine the degree of farsightedness.
3. Diabetic retinopathy:
This is when diabetes can cause the blood vessels to your eyes to damage.
Treatment: Depending on the stage of this conditions, there are treatments available. One of first ones is to control your blood sugar levels. Referral to an ophthalmologist is also recommended.
4. Astigmatism:
An irregular shaped cornea or lens can cause this problem. Vision may be distorted and blurry as a result.
Treatment: After a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will prescribe Glasses for astigmatism.
Toric lenses that are designed different and the reason is so that it can correct the cornea and its shape.
Depending on your needs, these lenses have various levels of power to correct astigmatism.
5. Age-related macular degeneration:
A progressive condition that impacts the macula, which is the area of your retina responsible for vision.
Treatment:
- Anti-VEGF therapy is a common solution used and this when a drug will be injected into your eye which will block a certain protein (VEGF). This will prevent unusual muscles to than not grow into the eyes.
- Using Laser therapy for some instances, this is when the laser is used to demolish the abnormal blood vessels in the persons eye.
- Supplementing with vitamin C, E and zinc as well Omegas 3 can help slow down this condition,
6. Presbyopia:
With old age, this condition can arise and usually the individual has a difficulty in focusing on objects that are close.
Treatment: Common prescription lenses can help with this issue.
- Bifocal lenses
- Progressive lenses
- Reading glasses
View all prescription lenses here.
7. Cataracts:
A condition that causes blurry vision by a clouding in the lens. This can cause issues with daily activity as well.
Treatment: Refer to an ophthalmologist and possible surgery is done.
When you go for a cataract surgery, The ophthalmologist will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
8. Glaucoma:
An umbrella term for specific eye conditions that causes damage to the optic nerve, and may at times result in vision loss or blindness at times.
Treatment:
- The use of Eye drops is a treatment for Glaucoma.
- in order to lower intraocular pressure, the ophthalmologist can also use a form of laser therapy. The reason for this laser is that it opens up the drainage channels in the eyes which will limit pressure and allow fluid to move easier.
- If the above 2 options fails to give results, surgery is an option. There are many types of surgeries for this. However, this is out of the scope of this article. Please refer to your ophthalmologist for more info.
9. Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome (or CVS) can be seen as a group of eye and vision-related problems when we spend too much time in front of a digital screen. Some of us may feel eye discomfort and vision related issues during and after viewing a digital screen. For most people, the longer they are in front of their screens, the level of discomfort (digital eye strain) may rise as well.
Treatment:
Better workplace setup
Proper prescription glasses
Anti Glare glasses
Taking breaks
Visit our Optometrists in Bedfordview if you have any of the above eye conditions. Early treatment is key for many of the above conditions.