Overview of Common Ocular Diseases

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Both optometrists and ophthalmologists treat many common types of ocular disease. For the best outcome, it’s important to see an eye doctor regularly. Typically your optometrist serves as your primary eye care provider and will refer you to ophthalmology if a consultation or surgical procedure is indicated.

Currently, more than 4.2 million people in the U.S. alone over the age of 40 are partially blind or have poor visual acuity. Although a lot of things cause these problems, the ocular diseases listed below are the most common.

Macular Degeneration

This is commonly referred to as “age-related macular degeneration” (AMD) because it affects individuals later in life. It can cause blurriness, and distortion and can lead to a permanent loss of your central vision.

Two types of AMD exist. First, dry macular degeneration progresses slowly as part of the natural aging process.  Wet macular degeneration means that abnormal blood vessels that are located underneath the retina grow under the macular and leak blood and fluid, which can lead to scarring and permanent damage. Typically, both eyes are effected at some point.

Cataracts

Roughly 20 million people in the U.S. over the age of 40 have cataracts in either one or both eyes. While they can develop in children, teens, and young adults, cataracts are most often associated with age.

In the early stages of cataract development, the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy and the vision can appear blurry or dim.  As they advance, the vision can worsen to a point where glasses no longer improve the vision and cataract surgery may be recommended.

Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have diabetes, then you’re at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. This particular disease causes progressive damage to the retina’s blood vessels.  Patients with diabetes should undergo an annual dilated eye exam. 

Glaucoma

Many people think glaucoma is one type of ocular disease. However, it’s a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. The most common type of glaucoma occurs in the setting of elevated eye pressure, but there are types of glaucoma that can develop even when the eye pressure is within a normal range.  There are no signs or symptoms until the advanced stages, so the only way to know if you are at risk of developing glaucoma is to have regular eye exams.

For these common types of ocular diseases, it’s important to have your vision checked. If an ocular disease is diagnosed, your optometrist will be able to determine the best treatment plan for optimal eye health and vision.

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