Comprehensive Eye Exams Check For 4 Important Conditions And Diseases
Posted on: 17 July 2017
While eye exams are important for screening your vision and prescribing the appropriate glasses or contacts to help you see more clearly, these aren't the only reasons you should have them. Visiting the optometrist on a yearly basis is best, as the doctor will also check your eyes for signs of four common conditions and diseases. Catching these eye health issues early is the best way to enjoy a successful outcome after treatment.
Glaucoma
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, everyone is at risk for glaucoma, which is why it is imperative that even individuals with perfect vision have a yearly eye exam. The organization also reports that the disease is the leading cause of blindness. The test for glaucoma is painless. The optometrist will drip a few drops of a yellow dye in each eye and then use a tonometer to measure the pressure inside the eyes.
Macular Degeneration
The American Macular Degeneration Foundation reports that an astounding 10 million people within the United States are affected by macular degeneration. There are two main types — wet and dry, with most of the population falling in the dry category. There are two tests doctors use to determine if you have macular degeneration. First, the physician will examine your retina and macula with a special lens. Then, he or she will have you look at an Amsler grid to determine if any of the lines appear blurry, distorted, or wavy.
Cataracts
My Cataracts estimates that 90 percent of the American population will have cataracts by the age of 65. That's an eye-opening statistic that once again shows the importance of yearly eye exams. When proteins build up in the lens of the eye, it becomes cloudy. This is referred to as a cataract, and, fortunately, cataracts can be removed with a simple surgery that takes around 10 minutes. Of course, you'll still need to plan on a little time to recover, both in the office and at home.
Detached Retina
Unlike the other three conditions mentioned, a detached retina requires emergency treatment, or one could suffer permanent vision loss. The Mayo Clinic lists warning signs as reduced vision, the onset of floaters, and flashes of light that were never there before. Web MD also states that you may experience a darkening of your peripheral vision. The ophthalmologist will use a ophthalmoscope to examine the retina. He or she will follow that with ultrasound imaging if any bleeding was detected. Surgery is used to repair a detached retina.
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