Common Eye Defects

Few things have a greater impact on a person's lifestyle than his ability to see. Unfortunately, a vast number of conditions can affect vision. Many eye defects are congenital, while several others occur due to injury, aging or illness. You should be screened for eye defects on a yearly basis.

Astigmatism

• Astigmatism is a common vision condition; those affected are usually born with the condition. Astigmatism is an irregularly curved cornea (lens). This condition causes blurred vision, eyestrain and headaches. Astigmatism is correctable with eyeglasses, contact lenses or corrective surgery.

Cataracts

• A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts affect vision clarity, but are painless. They affect roughly 50 percent of adults by the age of 80. It is also the primary cause of vision loss in people over the age 55. A cataract condition that interferes with daily life can be corrected by surgically removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one.

Color Blindness

• Color blindness is not technically a form of blindness, but rather a deficiency in color perception. This common condition among the male gender is untreatable, but persons with this condition can learn to adapt. This defect is typically congenital, but can also result from an illness or accident.

Glaucoma

• Having glaucoma means the fluid pressure inside the eye is too high, causing a loss in peripheral vision. High fluid pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve, leading to blindness. This disease comes with no warning signs or symptoms, and damage that has already taken place cannot be restored. A regular eye exam includes a simple test for glaucoma. It is important to have your eyes tested regularly. Vision loss can be prevented with early detection and prompt treatment.

Presbyopia

• Many people over the age of forty find it more difficult to read and focus at short distances. As people age, they gradually lose the elasticity of the eye lens. The lens then is no longer adequate for focusing on object that are closer than 40 centimeters away. This condition is called presbyopia. It can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. In cases in which the patient already wears corrective lenses for nearsightedness, bifocals may be prescribed.

Diabetic Retinopathy

• Diabetes can cause severe eye ailments, such as diabetic retinopathy. Many people with diabetes have poor blood circulation throughout the body, including within the eyes. Poor circulation within the retina of the eye causes the blood vessels in the retina to change over time. Even the slightest change can lead to vision loss. Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial to preventing vision loss.