Common Eye Diseases
Everything in our bodies seems to deteriorate as we get older. Some things can’t be treated very well, but many things, like most eye diseases, can be cured or ameliorated. Two of the eye diseases that people commonly develop as they age are cataracts and glaucoma.
A cataract is formed when cells within the eye die and accumulate on the natural lens. This natural lens, which located within the eye, focuses the light that enters the eye to produce clear, sharp images. As cataracts form, this lens becomes cloudier and cloudier making it harder to see things clearly whether they are up close or far away.
Because cataracts form slowly over time, some people don’t even realize they have them until they are well-developed. Fortunately, they can be removed though. During surgery, a doctor can remove your natural, clouded lens and replace it with a clear, plastic intraocular lens. The procedure is simple, relatively painless and well practiced since cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in the United States.
Glaucoma is another common eye disease, but it isn’t as curable as cataracts. There are actually several different kinds of Glaucoma and all of them slowly steal eyesight by causing damage to the eye’s optic nerve. Glaucoma sets in so gradually that it has earned the nickname “sneak thief of sight.” Surgery and medicated eye drops can help alleviate symptoms or stop progression of the disease, but doctors have not found a cure for regaining lost vision yet. Consequently, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world.
Whether your vision is affected by cataracts or glaucoma, regular trips to the eye doctor will ensure early detection of either disease. Personally, I would hate to miss out on reading and enjoying all the beautiful things around me that I like to see. So keep your eyes healthy and give them the care that they need.