How Early Detection and Treatment Can Help to Prevent Blindness

Many people may not be aware of the several changes that occur while aging, and only a visit to an optician could help detect an underlying condition. The good news is that small preventive measures like eating greens and wearing sunglasses can help to protect a person's vision. But it is still necessary to pay a visit to the eye doctor for eye care services.

Commonly Detected Vision Problems

Glaucoma and diabetic eye are some of the problems that could potentially lead to eye blindness if a victim does not seek early treatment. Today, glaucoma affects more than three million Americans and early diagnosis is the key to preventing permanent blindness, as stated by the National Eye Health Education Program. It causes blindness by destroying the optic nerves of the eye. The baseline for regular eye exams is age 40.

Smokers Can Get Help Too

Smokers are exposed to cyanide, which travels through the bloodstream to the eyes where it can destroy cells. This increases the risk of developing cataracts and eye dryness. It also increases the chances for experiencing macular degeneration, which is incurable and destroys one's vision. With regular checkups and treatments by eye doctors, smokers can avoid getting these eye problems.

What is Glaucoma and How Does it Occur?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve. A human eye contains an intraocular fluid, which is created, circulated, and then finally excreted before the process begins again. If an imbalance occurs between the intraocular fluid produced and the amount that drains away, eye diseases such as glaucoma can develop, resulting in a loss of vision.

To get a better understanding of the importance of this fluid in the eye, one can compare the eye to a soccer ball. For a soccer ball to maintain its function, it must be filled with air. Just like a soccer ball, the eye also requires a certain amount of air pressure to keep its shape and to properly function.

There are a variety of issues which can affect an eye's ability to regulate intraocular fluid, including eye injuries, medical reactions, and abnormal blood vessel formation from diseases like diabetes. These issues can lead to a pressure change in the eye. If an eye is unable to regulate this itself, this pressure can push against nerve fibers, which can eventually damage the optic nerve.

However, it is also possible for glaucoma to occur when eye pressure is normal. Poor blood flow to the optic nerve may also be a cause. This happens when there is a narrowing of the blood vessels that nourishes the optic nerve.

Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma. Vision loss through the disease can’t be restored. For this reason, it is important to visit your ophthalmologist for a yearly screening. An early detection and treatment can help delay the progression of the disease.

How Do Cataracts Develop?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, which can cause blurred vision. The development of cataracts is primarily age-related, but other diseases, such as diabetes, and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, can also play a role. Cataracts affect more than half of Americans by age 80, though some people in their 40s and 50s can develop age-related cataracts as well. They can occur in one or both eyes, but they do not spread from one eye to the other.

Patients with cataracts may experience blurry or clouded vision or poor night vision. Colors may seem tinted or faded, and they may notice excessive glare from headlights, lamps, or sunlight. They may also need frequent eyeglass prescription changes. These symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, so patients should consult with an eye care professional if they experience them.

If a patient’s cataracts are advanced enough to interfere with daily life, cataract surgery may be recommended. Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States with 90 percent of patients who undergo the procedure reporting improved vision afterward.

Facts You Should Know About Laser Cataract Surgery

Traditional cataract surgery is safe and effective, and now even more so with the option of laser surgery. There is no urgency to cataract surgery, but anyone with cataracts will not see very well until the cataracts are fixed, so it is a good idea to open up this discussion with your doctor.

The First Step

Discuss your concerns, apprehensions, and expectations about cataract surgery with a skilled cataract surgeon. In addition to answering your questions, he or she can outline a plan of surgery tailored to your specific needs.

Why Laser Cataract Surgery?

This state-of-the-art procedure delivers the best chances for success with minimal undesirable side effects.

Differences Between Traditional and Laser Cataract Surgery

Traditional cataract surgery employs an ultrasonic needle to remove a cataract through a tiny incision in the eye made by tiny blades. Laser cataract surgery uses a laser to create an opening in the lens without blades. Laser surgery increases precision and safety while also decreasing the time a surgeon spends inside the eye.

Cost of Cataract Surgery

Although quality laser cataract surgery is not cheap, it is affordable for most through various payment plans. However, if a quoted price sounds like a bargain, beware. You only have one pair of eyes. Don't place them at risk. Instead, fix them right the first time.