What are eye and vision problems?
Eye and vision problems are conditions that negatively affect the health of your eyes. They are often painless conditions that do not have precisely identifiable symptoms. However, many eye problem sufferers often report lessened quality of vision as a common symptom.
When people notice significant changes in their vision, that’s usually the time they seek the help of optometrists or GPs.
Who is at risk of developing eye conditions?
Certain adult groups are more predisposed to getting eye problems. Such groups of people include:
• Persons with family histories of eye illnesses
• Elderly people over the age of 60
• People with learning disabilities
• Diabetes patients
• African-Carribean people, as diabetes and glaucoma are prevalent in them
• South Asian people, with prevalent diabetes in their communities
Children may also develop eye disorders. Sometimes, kids struggle to tell their parents or guardians about changes in their vision. Younger ones cannot clearly communicate their symptoms and their onset as well. So, you should be vigilant and watch out for the following warning signs of eye problems in your child:
• Excessive blinking and rubbing of the eyes
• Eyes that turn either inwards or outwards
• Sitting at a close distance from the computer or television
• Examining objects by holding them very close to their faces
Such activities may indicate that your child has problems with their vision.
Eye problems and visual impairment are, indeed, worrying. But most people experience any form of such conditions at least once in their lifetime. Going for regular eye tests alerts you to possible changes in your vision that may be part of a growing eye problem.
Health institutions such as the UK’s NHS recommends eye testing at least every two years. Your eye doctor may ask you to go for more frequent check-ups depending on your current eye condition and your prescriptions.
Around 1.3 billion people suffer from some kind of eye problem across the world, according to statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Most of these people are comprised of adults 50 years old and above.
However, while vision problems are shared globally, WHO declares that 80% of these visual impairment conditions are actually easily avoidable. This is because most vision problems stem from a person refusing to correct his already altered eyesight with either the right glasses, contact lenses, or surgery, depending on the case.
Here are the eye conditions that are commonly experienced by many people across the EU.
• Blepharitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Eyelid problems
• Eye styes
• Dry eyes
Your eye condition questions answered.
Several tests may reveal the underlying causes of your eye symptoms. If you get any kind of eye symptoms, It is essential to seek medical attention right away. If you get any sort of eye symptoms, be it itchy eyelids or a dramatic change in your vision and perception.
Most physicians start diagnosis with an eye examination or tests. Some cases may require blood tests to check for infection. Complicated eye cases may require CT scans or MRIs. However, most mild cases are diagnosed simply through eye tests and blood checks.
It all depends on the underlying causes of your particular eye problem. Doctors target the causes and provide prescriptions, medications, glasses, contact lenses, and even dietary changes to help ease the eye problem right away.
Severe cases of eye conditions may require surgery. This is to replace or repair damaged nerves or tissues in the eyes. Cataract is a common condition that often necessitates surgery.
What is the outlook for people with eye conditions?
Majority of eye problems are treatable. Again, as the WHO reiterates, 80% of eye problems actually stem from uncorrected vision. This means that a simple pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses may be enough to restore impaired vision back to health.
Regular eye tests will genuinely reduce your risks of contracting eye diseases. Such tests can save your vision in the long-term by helping you catch any symptoms before lasting visual impairment takes over your eyes.
