Eye Disease Symptoms

Though you might think vision loss is one of the first things you'd notice if you had an eye disease, that's not always the case. In the early stages, many eye diseases have no symptoms. And unfortunately by the time you notice that you have eye disease symptoms, some permanent vision may be already be lost. Your best defense is to get a yearly eye exam and see an eye care doctor promptly if you suddenly have changes in your vision.

Cataracts

• If you begin noticing that sunlight and headlights seem brighter than usual, you may be in the early stages of cataracts. Cataracts is a clouding of the eye lens. Early on, your eye sight may not be bothered by it. But as the clouding continues, it will interfere with your vision. You may experience halos around headlights when driving at night, or poor night vision in general. Colors may begin to fade or yellow. You may also have double vision in one eye.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

• Glaucoma in general is a disease that causes optic nerve damage, which can lead to blindness. Even though open-angle is the most common form of glaucoma, the exact cause of it is unknown. There are no symptoms in the early stages of open-angle glaucoma. By the time you notice that you have it, you may have already experienced vision loss. In the latter stages of the disease, you may notice that side vision---also known as tunnel vision---may be diminished.

Dry Macular Degeneration

• Macular degeneration is primarily an age-related disease that affects adults in the 50-plus range. It's caused by a deterioration of the macula, which is the tissue that's responsible for central vision. While dry macular degeneration won't cause complete blindness, it will produce blurring or blind spots within your central vision range. You may notice blurriness when reading words or need brighter light when reading close. Colors may lose their intensity and you may find it difficult to recognize faces.

Stargardt Disease

• While most macular degeneration diseases are age-related, Stargardt's isn't. Stargardt is a genetic disease that's passed on to children when both parents have the gene mutation. In the early stages, you may be able to see images sharply---which is known as visual acuity. However, you may have trouble seeing things in dim light or when reading. Color vision may be lost in the later stages of Stargardt disease.

Diabetic Retinopathy

• Diabetic retinopathy is the number one cause of adult blindness in the United States. It occurs with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and generates damage to the blood vessels in the retina. There usually aren't any early stage symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, which is why you should have a yearly dilated eye exam. As it progresses you may notice blurred or poor night vision. There may also be spots and dark or red colored streaks blocking your vision.