Conditions that Affect Eye Health

Each person’s eyes are unique, just like their fingerprints. Along that line, each person’s eye health is unique. Eye health is affected by age, genetics, lifestyle, occupation, and underlying medical conditions. At Griffeth Vision, we adjust the care of your eyes to the unique issues that pertain only to you. Here are some conditions that affect eye health.

Cataracts — When a person develops cataracts, protein builds up in the lenses, making them cloudy. As time advances, the condition worsens. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in older people. Heredity plays a role in the development of cataracts, as does diabetes, sun exposure, and radiation exposure. Prescription glasses can treat minor cases of cataracts, but surgical replacement of the natural lens with an artificial lens is the usual solution.

Glaucoma — In glaucoma, pressure increases in the eye. Over time this pressure damages the optic nerve and causes permanent damage. Glaucoma doesn’t show symptoms early on, but can be diagnosed by a professional, hence the importance of regular eye exams.

Refractive eye errors — The most common eye health problem, refractive errors are simply the eyes usually directing the incoming light at an incorrect angle. This incorrect angle creates difficulty focusing either up close or far away, far sightedness or near sightedness. These refraction errors are easily correctable with glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK surgery.

Macular degeneration — This age-related disorder mostly affects people over 60 and those with certain medical conditions like diabetes. Macular degeneration affects the central vision of the patient. The center of their vision becomes blurry, while the peripheral remains clear. The condition is not curable, but treatment manages the condition and slows its progression.

Vitreoretinal disorders — These are disorders that affect the retina and cause loss of vision. Diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, vitreomacular adhesion, and other retinal diseases are in this category.

The one common thread with all of these conditions is the need for diagnoses early in their progression. This can only happen with regular, consistent eye exams. Call us at Griffeth Vision, 435-843-8333, to schedule yours.