Eye Health
A Close Look at Eye Disease
Tens of millions of Americans have undetected vision problems that may lead to worsening eyesight. Are you at risk? The eyes are our body's most highly developed sensory organ. A larger part of the brain is dedicated to the functions of vision than to hearing, taste, touch, or smell.
We tend to take our eyesight for granted, but a staggering number of Americans "tens of millions", have uncorrected eye and vision problems. These problems may lead to vision loss
Because some problems often have no symptoms, eye diseases can go undetected for years. Regular eye exams are the first step in detecting eye disease and ensuring healthy vision. The most common problems are described here:
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S., affecting approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older. This includes an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people who do not even know that they have glaucoma. Glaucoma is caused by an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye. This build-up of fluid may be the result of too much fluid being produced or not enough fluid being drained. This increase in pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause vision to fade.
Glaucoma most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and the risk increases with age.
Besides age, other risk factors for developing glaucoma are being African-American, having a family history of glaucoma, nearsightedness and diabetes.
The most common type of glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly, often without symptoms.
The most common type of glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly, often without symptoms.
Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, laser surgery or in some cases both. These treatments work by helping to drain excess fluid from the eye and/or decreasing the amount of internal fluid the eye produces.
While glaucoma is not preventable or curable, it usually can be controlled. The earlier glaucoma is detected, the less damage it can cause and the longer you will have your vision.
Cataracts
A cataract is the gradual clouding of the normally clear lens within your eye. This clouding is usually due to the cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Beginning in childhood, wearing sunglasses that block UV rays is the best way to reduce this exposure and the clouding process. More that 20.5 Million Americans over the age of 40 are affected with this disease. This clouding results in blurred or distorted vision.
Symptoms
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Colors that seem faded
- Poor night vision with increased glare disability
Treatment
When cataracts are not too cloudy you can often improve your vision by using different eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, or stronger lighting. Cataracts are not really treated until your lifestyle is affected. Glare disability while driving at night or poor detail vision while reading are the main reasons the decision to treat cataracts is made. You and Dr. Rosengarten make that decision together. Surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear lens is an outpatient procedure. Dr. Rosengarten will refer you to a trusted surgeon for cataract surgery.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) currently afflicts 1.6 Million Americans. It is the leading cause of legal blindness in people over the age of fifty-five. The macula is our "sight center" where our sharp, detailed and color vision is located. Those with AMD experience blurred vision and the inability to clearly see images in front of them.
Symptoms
- A gradual loss of the ability to see objects clearly
- Distorted vision
- A gradual loss of color vision
- Dark or empty areas appearing in the center of vision
Treatments
Unfortunately, most patients have "dry" AMD which is not repairable at this time. "Wet" AMD is less common but more visually devestating. Successful laser surgery may prevent central vision loss from becoming worse, even though normal vision may not be restored. Non-surgical treatment maximizes the remaining vision through the use of low vision aids such as magnifiers and telescopes. Nutritional therapy has been shown to be the best way to slow the progression of AMD.
Focus on Comprehensive Eye Exams
We have only mentioned some of the most common eye diseases. These and others can often be found early by an eye care professional. That is why we recommend regular comprehensive eye exams for good eye health. Check Yearly See Clearly.