Diabetic Retinopathy
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Seeing spots or floating strings
- Blurred vision
- Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
- Difficulty seeing well at night
Often there are no visual symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. That is why it is recommended that everyone with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. Early detection and treatment can limit the potential for significant vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
Cataracts
A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens of the eye. The lens is located behind the iris, the colored part of the eye. The lens focuses light on the back of the eye, the retina, which sends the image through the optic nerve to the brain. If a cataract clouds the lens, the lens can no longer focus it properly. Depending upon its size and location, a cataract can interfere with normal vision.
Signs and symptoms of a cataract may include:
- Blurred or dim vision
- Increased sensitivity to glare from lights, particularly when driving at night
- Increased difficulty seeing at night or in dim light
- Most cataracts are due to age-related changes in the lens
Other factors that can contribute to their development include:
- Extensive exposure to sunlight
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Steroid medicines
- Previous eye trauma, swelling or surgery
If you have any of these risks factors for cataract, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.
The treatment of cataracts is based on the level of visual impairment they cause. If a cataract affects vision only minimally or not at all, you may be advised to follow a regular check-up schedule. In some cases, a change in eyeglass prescription may improve your vision. The use of non-glare lenses can help reduce glare for night driving. When a cataract progresses to the point that it affects your ability to do normal everyday tasks, surgery may be recommended.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States and is the leading cause of blindness in Hispanics. It is a group of eye disorders, sometimes related to increased pressure inside the eye, leading to progressive damage to the optic nerve resulting in permanent vision loss. Since there is usually no symptom, many people do not become aware they have the condition until significant vision loss has occurred.
Medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. However, vision already lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. That is why an annual dilated eye examination is recommended for people at risk for glaucoma. Depending on your specific condition, your doctor may recommend more frequent examinations.
Certain factors can increase the risk for developing glaucoma, including:
- Family history of glaucoma
- Medical conditions – Some studies indicate that diabetes may increase the risk of developing glaucoma, as do high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Age – People over age 60 are at increased risk for the disease. For African Americans, the increase in risk begins after age 40.
- Race – African Americans are significantly more likely to get glaucoma than are Caucasians, and they are much more likely to suffer permanent vision loss as a result. People of Asian descent are at higher risk of certain types of glaucoma.
- Physical injuries to the eye – Severe trauma, such as being hit in the eye, can result in immediate increased eye pressure and future increases in pressure due to internal damage. Injury can also dislocate the lens, closing the drainage angle, and increasing pressure.
- Other eye-related risk factors – Eye anatomy, namely corneal thickness and optic nerve appearance indicate risk for development of glaucoma. Conditions such as retinal detachment, eye tumors, and eye inflammations may also induce glaucoma. Some studies suggest that high amounts of nearsightedness may also be a risk factor for the development of glaucoma.
- Use of steroid-containing medication
- Previous eye trauma, swelling or surgery
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 50. This eye disease occurs when the macula deteriorates. The macula is the small part of the inside back layer of the eye that is responsible for your central vision and allows you to see fine details clearly. Although there may be no symptoms in the early stages, symptoms may occur as the disease progresses, which may include:
- Blurriness
- Dark or blank areas or distortion in your central vision
- Need for increasing bright light to see up close
- Colors appear less bright
- Difficulty seeing when going from bright light to low light
- Trouble recognizing people’s faces
Treatment may include sunglasses, special vitamins, medications, laser surgery, low vision aids, and vision rehabilitation. Any vision loss cannot be restored.
The following individuals who are at risk should be examined at least yearly:
- Age 50 or over
- Family history of macular degeneration or blindness of unknown cause
- High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels
- Smoker
