What Are the Main Causes of Eye Diseases and Vision Loss

Have you been experiencing some problems with your eyesight? If so, you are most likely suffering from a complete or temporary vision loss. These issues might occur gradually or happen suddenly, depending on the root of the problem.

Eye disease and vision loss usually result from eye inflammation, injuries to the organ, or genetic conditions. Inflammation usually stems from infections, whereas genetic disorders are inherent and linked to aging. Ophthalmological issues require timely treatment in order for them not to result in even more severe symptoms.

These are the main causes of eye diseases and vision loss in individuals.

Eye inflammation

Eye disease and vision loss are often induced by the inflammation of this organ and its surrounding structure, originating from a viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection. It’s common for infections to occur in various parts of the eye, manifested with swelling, itching, redness, discharge, pain, and vision problems. Some of the most common infections include conjunctivitis, keratitis, iritis, scleritis, optic neuritis, etc.

For instance, conjunctivitis is characterized by the infection, inflammation, and swelling of the conjunctiva. The role of this transparent membrane is to provide protection by covering the white eyeball part. It’s caused by either a viral or bacterial infection, which makes the eyeball look red. Go to this site to learn more about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of conjunctivitis.

Moreover, this infection can develop in both children and adults, usually triggered by a virus. In the event of catching conjunctivitis, individuals are advised to visit an ophthalmologist. He/ She will determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral, as well as suggest proper treatment.

Another potential cause of eye disease and vision loss is keratitis. It refers to the inflammation of the cornea, mainly occurring in individuals wearing contact lenses. The usual symptoms include pain, blurred vision, vision loss, or sensitivity to light. Ophthalmologists generally treat this condition with prescription medicine.

Additionally, iritis happens when the colored tissue around the pupil gets inflamed. In contrast, optic neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. Scleritis takes place when the protective eye layer becomes inflamed.

Eye injuries

Eye injuries are also responsible for the development of ophthalmological issues and vision loss in individuals. These injuries are either caused by direct trauma or by an object penetrating the organ. When looking for a forest hills vision center, make sure it provides professional eye care. These professionals should offer quality service and high-quality eyewear products.

Whatever the reason for the injury, the outcome is usually in the form of corneal scratches. The trauma in this area often results in retinal detachment, which is considered a severe medical condition. Serious damage to this organ might also be caused by acids, cleaning products, and chalk dust. Cosmetic products, such as shampoos, aren’t likely to trigger long-term injury, just temporary discomfort.

Genetic diseases

There is an extensive range of genetic diseases leading to eye problems and gradual vision loss. Some of the most frequent conditions include glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, strabismus, etc. Cataracts are an incredibly common issue, affecting the majority of the worldwide population after the age of forty.

The symptoms of this condition are primarily related to the eyesight of people. Individuals suffering from cataracts have a gradual worsening of eyesight, cloudy, blurry, or double vision. They see poorly at night and experience color sensitivity loss. Surgery is the most effective treatment for this condition, as it removes the cataract.

Another genetic eye condition triggered by aging is glaucoma. It manifests by causing damage to the optic nerve, which contains over a million nerve fibers. The role of these nerves to ensure visual stimuli reach the brain, where these are interpreted as sight. Ocular hypertension is among the most frequent risk factors for glaucoma, along with diabetes, family medical history, and age. Glaucoma symptoms include severe headaches, excruciating eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, etc.

Macular degeneration is yet another condition induced by aging, affecting the retina, more specifically the macula. This tissue is found in the center of the retina, whose deterioration results in blurry vision. Such degeneration isn’t common prior to the age of fifty, but the risk increases tremendously afterward.

Additionally, this disease comes in a wet form and dry form. The latter is prevalent, manifested with atrophy of the macula cells. Conversely, the former is rarer but causes blindness much quicker. Its name refers to the growth of new blood vessels behind the retina, which are too weak. Macular degeneration symptoms include a gradual loss of eyesight and distorted vision.

Diabetic retinopathy is common in almost fifty percent of the people suffering from diabetes, manifesting with retina damage. The retina is comprised of millions of rods and cones, responsible for the organization of visual information. People suffering from this condition experience damage to the blood vessels in charge of retina support due to the high levels of blood sugar.

It affects both eyes, manifesting with blurry vision and the inability to differentiate colors. Unless treated in a timely manner, diabetic retinopathy might cause blindness. It’s best prevented by controlling diabetes and managing hypertension.

In addition, migraines are responsible for causing temporary vision loss and other sensory symptoms, known as migraine auras. Approximately thirty percent of the individuals suffering from migraines see spots, sparkles, zigzag lines, and start either before or while having these splitting headaches. It’s also common for people to lose their sight completely or just to the left or right side.

Fortunately, these symptoms last shortly, usually around half an hour. The treatment for migraines generally involves taking painkillers, lying down in a dark room, avoiding light and noises. The usual medications prescribed for migraine relief include anti-inflammatory pain relievers, anti-nausea drugs, codeine medications, nasal sprays, etc.