1802 Paper Mill Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610
Eye health is important to your quality of life. Regular eye exams are the best way to detect and treat eye conditions. Here, the knowledgeable team at Berks Eye discusses five common eye conditions, including their symptoms and treatments.
1. Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are probably the most well-known eye conditions. Refractive errors are vision problems that make it difficult to see clearly. Refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
The treatment for refractive errors may include prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
2. Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts tend to progress gradually with age. Cataracts can have a number of symptoms including a blurring of vision, light sensitivity, fading of colors, and frequent changes in prescriptions for eyeglasses or contacts.
Cataract treatment will depend on the progression of the cataracts. Cataracts will not get better on their own. The only way to get rid of a cataract is through surgery. During the procedure, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens.
3. Glaucoma
Glaucoma actually refers to a group of eye diseases that involve damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss and even blindness. It can actually progress without symptoms until it is in its later stages. The best way to detect glaucoma early is with a comprehensive eye exam.
Glaucoma treatment will depend on its progression. Most treatments focus on lowering intraocular pressure. Treatment options can include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, and surgery.
4. Retinal Conditions
The retina is a layer of light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It plays an important role in your vision. There are actually a number of eye conditions that can affect your retina.
One of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The progressive condition involves the breakdown of the macula, or the portion of the retina that we need for clear central vision. If you have diabetes, you are at risk of diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages your retina. Over time diabetes causes the tiny blood vessels of the retina to swell, close off or leak. In some people this damage can cause irreversible vision loss.
One of the most serious retinal conditions that requires immediate attention is retinal detachment. It is an emergency situation when the retina detaches from the back of the eye.
The best way to detect retinal conditions is with a comprehensive eye exam.
5. Dry Eye Syndrome
A majority of American adults report experiencing dry eye symptoms. Dry eye syndrome can present with a number of symptoms, including the following:
- Blurry vision
- Red eyes
- Burning or itching eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing
- Eye fatigue
- Scratchy feeling in the eyes
Treatment for dry eye syndrome will depend on its cause and its severity. Treatments may include using artificial tears, prescription eye drops, eye lubricants, nutritional supplements, punctal plugs, and Lipiflow treatment for meibomian gland expression. See our website for additional details.
Contact Berks Eye Today
The best way to know for sure whether you have an eye condition is with a comprehensive eye exam. Contact Berks Eye today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable eye doctors. Please call (610) 372-0712.
