Common eye diseases include age-related macular degeneration, amblyopia, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, and glaucoma. Over time, tissue damage in different parts of the eye can lead to clouded, blurry, distorted, or reduced vision in one or both eyes, as well as other symptoms of irritation and discomfort, depending on the condition. These problems can be age-related, but some may also develop due to underlying conditions like diabetes, and treatments range from corrective lenses and medicated eye drops to injections or surgery, depending on the condition and its severity. Lifestyle factors, such as eating healthy foods, limiting screen time, wearing sunglasses, and getting regular checkups, may help protect your eye health and prevent many eye problems.
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FAQ
What are some common vision problems that warrant a trip to the eye doctor?
Visit an eye doctor about dry, red, or painful eyes, blurred vision, or discomfort due to contact lenses or particles in the eye. Sudden vision loss, flashes, and floaters are also common eye symptoms that need a checkup.
How often should I get an eye exam?
The recommended frequency of eye exams varies depending on which eye conditions you have or are at higher risk of. However, exams every year or two are often recommended, especially after age 60. Ask your doctor what they recommend.
What causes nearsightedness?
If an eyeball is too long, it may prevent light from focusing sharply on the retina. Instead, the light focuses in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry. This is known as nearsightedness.
Can diet affect eye health?
One of the best ways to protect your eyes is through diet. This means eating plenty of foods that provide vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. Various fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish are good sources of these.
What are some common eye diseases?
Cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are common eye diseases during aging, as are dry eye syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, and farsightedness. Amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes) are more common during childhood.
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Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, a...
Michael W. Stewart, MD, is professor and chairman of ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Professor of Ophthalmology Resear...
Ghazala O'Keefe, MD, is an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, where she also serves as the section director for uveitis and as ...
Daniel S. Casper, MD, PhD, is a professor emeritus of ophthalmology and a senior lecturer in ophthalmology at Columbia University. He teaches medical students at Columbia's Vagelos...
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