Eye-sight problems


Last Updated December 20th, 2021

What are eye-sight problems?

“Eye-sight problems” is a collective term for a group of problems that impact the vision of an individual. They are common in but not restricted to elderly people. The patient may experience a range of problems starting from unclear vision to a complete loss of vision. Many of these problems can be fixed by lenses or optical surgeries. But many of the eye-sight problems which are not diagnosed or treated on time may aggravate and lead to permanent blindness. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that around 36 million people all over the world are blind and 253 million have poor vision. The statistics of WHO have also shown that India has the highest blind population in the world. Eye-sight problems of any degree can lead to a loss of performance and productivity in school-going children and the working professionals.

This article will discuss the different types of eye-sight problems, alongside their causes, types and symptoms.

 

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration (MD) is the slow and painless breakdown of the eye’s macula. The macula is the central part of the retina and is predominantly made of cone cells which are the visual cells. Degeneration of the macula occurs due to loss of visual cells, cone cells, and rods cells, and thus, causes blurry vision or eventual blindness. In some rare cases, blindness can be abrupt. Since the macula degenerates with age, the disease is termed as Age-Related Macular Degeneration. If the disease is found to have a genetic linkage, it is known as Juvenile Macular Degeneration or Congenital Macular Degeneration. In the latter case, macular degeneration is an autosomal recessive eye disease.

What causes Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is precipitated by a number of catalyzing factors. These are listed below-

  • Age: The risk of being affected by AMD increases with age.
  • Smoking: Smokers have to endure severe vision loss when compared to non-smokers.
  • Heredity: People with close relatives affected by AMD are likely to develop AMD with age.
  • Sunlight: Laboratory studies show that exposure to sunlight can affect the retinas.
  • Diet: Obesity, intake of artificial fats and high cholesterol can increase the risk of being diagnosed with AMD.
  • Race: AMD is largely observed in whites but it can affect other races as well.
  • Drugs: Certain drugs namely, Aralen and phenothiazine can cause macular degeneration.
  • Gender: Women are more likely to be affected by AMD.

Other general factors include-

  • Inheritance of a faulty gene (usually dominant) from one parent
  • Inheritance of a defective gene (usually recessive) from both parents
  • Death of macular cells
  • Abnormal growth and rupture of blood vessels within the macula

What are the signs and symptoms?

The common symptoms of macular degeneration are as follows-

  • Partial or complete loss of central vision
  • Gradual loss of color vision
  • Photosensitivity (aversion to extremely bright light)
  • Loss of night vision
  • Difficulty reading the blackboard in school
  • Defective perception of straight lines as curved or bent
  • The appearance of dark spots in the central field of vision
  • Problems in distinguishing minute details
  • Difficulty performing tasks such as threading a needle, reading very small prints or reading street signs

What are the types of macular degeneration?

There are two main types-

  • Dry MD: This is caused by thinning of the RPE, Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.
  • Wet MD: This is caused by thickening of the membrane underlying the retina which eventually breaks.

 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a type of eye disease that occurs due to damage and death of the optic nerve. In the majority of the cases, glaucoma results from an abnormal elevation in the intraocular pressure. Faulty drainage within the eye chambers also contributes to glaucoma in many patients. Serious cases of glaucoma lead to vision disturbance and blindness.

Causes of glaucoma

  • Blockage of the drainage channels of the eye, which obstructs the drainage of the intraocular fluid
  • Increase in intraocular pressure due to build up of fluids inside the eye
  • Damage of the sensory optic nerve due to high pressure
  • Gradual hollowing of the optic disc that forces the sensitive optic nerve fibers into a curved shape

What are the types of glaucoma?

Two primary types of glaucoma have been identified so far. These are-

  • Open-angle glaucoma: It occurs due to progressive clogging of the drainage paths in the eye chamber, which leads to an increased intraocular pressure.
  • Closed-angle glaucoma: Here, the gap between the cornea and the iris is shortened, which causes an obstruction in fluid flow.

Warning signs

  • Partial or complete loss of peripheral vision
  • Loss of central vision (in the late stage)
  • The appearance of multicolored (typically rainbow colored) circles around bright lights
  • Pain in the head and eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness

 

Cataract

Cataract is defined as a type of vision impairment characterized by the unusual blurriness of the eye lens causing gradual opacity of lenses and loss of clear vision.

The general causes of cataracts 

  • Prolonged and unprotected exposure to Ultraviolet radiation
  • Trauma due to past incidents of eye-infection or eye injury
  • Certain drugs such as corticosteroids and diuretics
  • After-effects of previous diseases like diabetes, eczema (skin disorder), uveitis (eye inflammation), high blood pressure, glaucoma (disease of the eye)
  • Continuous exposure to toxic chemicals present in the environment
  • Addictive habits like smoking and alcohol consumption
  • Prolonged use of vitamin supplements (hypervitaminosis symptoms)
  • Diet rich in fat and deficient in anti-oxidant vitamins

What are the main signs and symptoms of cataracts?

The warning signs of cataracts are as follows-

  • Impaired vision accompanied by cloudiness or fogginess
  • A gradual opacity of the pupil causing loss of clear vision
  • Hypersensitivity to bright light (increased glare)
  • Short-sightedness (Myopia) characterized by difficulties in distance-vision
  • Double vision conditions where multiple images are perceived in one eye (diplopia)
  • Difficulty recognizing color (can lead to color-blindness)
  • Poor vision in bright sunlight
  • Poor night vision, occasionally leading to permanent night-blindness
  • Frequent change in prescriptions related to eye-glasses
  • Trouble performing mundane activities like reading, recognizing people or objects, driving, watching television and walking

What are the different types of cataracts?

According to morphology, cataracts are of three types-

  • Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts
  • Cortical cataracts
  • Posterior sub-capsular cataracts

According to etiology, cataracts are of four types-

  • Degenerative cataract
  • Congenital cataract
  • Traumatic cataract
  • Secondary cataracts

 

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error in which an even distribution of light does not occur over the retina. It arises due to the imperfect curvature of the cornea. The disease is often attributed to genetic factors. It is characterized by an extreme blurry vision.

Main types Astigmatism

Based on the axis of the principal meridian, Astigmatism is of two types-

Regular astigmatism: The principal meridians are perpendicular. It has three subtypes-

  • With-the-rule astigmatism
  • Against-the-rule astigmatism
  • Oblique astigmatism

Irregular astigmatism: Here the principal meridians are not perpendicular.Based on the focus of the principal meridian, three types are identified-

  • Simple astigmatism: It is of two types- simple hyperopic astigmatism and simple myopic astigmatism.
  • Compound astigmatism: It has two subtypes- hyperopic and myopic.
  • Mixed astigmatism: Here the focal lines are on both sides of the retina.

 

Myopia

Myopia is defined as the refractive error of the eye where a person can see the nearby objects but not the ones located at a distance. The causes of myopia are usually presented as hypotheses-

  • Near-work hypothesis: Myopia may develop due to overstraining the eyes in near works.
  • Visual stimuli hypothesis: This attributes Myopia to working in dimly lit environments for long hours on a regular basis.

What are the different types of Myopia?

Based on the etiology, Myopia is of the following types-

  • Axial Myopia: An increase in the axial length of the eye occurs in this case.
  • Refractive Myopia: It is associated with the refractive conditions of the eye. It is of two types- curvature myopia and index myopia.

 

Diagnosis, treatment, & treatment of eye-sight problems

The diagnostic tests for the age-related eye diseases are as follows-

  • Visual acuity test
  • Visual field test
  • Dilated eye exam
  • Tonometry
  • Pachymetry

The tests for the refractive eye diseases include-

  • Keratometer test
  • Retinoscopy
  • Distance chart
  • Phoropter

Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia can be rectified with the help of eyeglasses, contact lens or surgery. Underlying conditions such as diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), sarcoidosis (ocular sarcoidosis), sickle cell disease etc. should be taken care of.

Retinal diseases can be treated by treatment options such as lasers, cryopexy (freezing), shrinking of abnormal blood vessels, injecting medicines into the eye, retinal implants etc. Strabismus and nystagmus can be treated by vision therapy which helps to make the eyes stronger. Based on the condition, surgery might also be considered as a treatment option.

Dry eyes can be treated by using artificial tears, placing computer screens below eye level (so that the eye is not open wide), taking breaks during work, blinking the eyes more often, preventing blowing air directly into the eye and other such measures. Cataracts that affect vision are usually treated by means of a surgery.

Prevention of eye problems is mainly by protecting it from external irritants such as harmful UV radiations, hot and dry air, allergens, chemicals, insects, dust etc. A diet rich in vitamin A is advised to maintain the health of the eye. Regular eye checkups can also help in diagnosing the condition (if any) at an early stage and prevention of its progression.

 

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Take a balanced diet rich in vitamin A, C, and E. A diet with lots of fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potato, kale, spinach, apricots, berries, papaya, mangoes, citrus fruits, flaxseeds etc.
  • Get your eyesight checked regularly by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
  • Reduce the strain on your eyes by measures such as using audiobooks, smart watches (talking watches), and books with a large print or by using bright lights in the house.
  • Position your computer screen below eye level. This will prevent dryness in the eyes as the extent of opening the eye reduces in this case.
Don'ts
  • Overuse your eyes. Activities such as working on computers, watching television, reading etc. should be avoided for a prolonged period without any breaks.
  • Expose your eyes to the harsh sun rays. Protect them by wearing wraparound sunglasses or other protective eyewear. Excessive exposure might damage the retina causing macular degeneration cataract.
  • Indulge in smoking. Smoking can worsen eye symptoms.

 

 

 

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woman with abdominal pain holding ovulation calendar
Ovulation – facts to know about ovulation Learn how and when ovulation occurs, demystify common misconceptions, identify symptoms, methods of detection and right period for…
Hymenoplasty
Hymenoplasty Read on to find out all about hymenoplasty, the procedure, post-surgery care, the risks, and the benefits.
hidden causes obesity
8 hidden causes of obesity you probably didn’t know! Did you know that around 2 billion people worldwide are either overweight or obese? Are you too a…
Jack in the box fast food
Jack In the Box : The perils of surging fast food culture in the USA Jack in the Box - How a culture of fast-food can clog your arteries, weaken your heart, fatten…
Juice Plus: Can you really replace actual fruits with pills?  Juice Plus supplements intend to fill nutritional gaps present in our daily diet. But how successful have they…
Shilajit: A miracle Himalayan herb for an active and happy life The Himalayas contain more wonders than you thought. Shilajit is a miracle herb that is widely used in…
Did you know drinking alkaline water could be the healthier choice for you? Ever wondered how safe is your drinking water in terms of pH? Recent studies have revealed that Alkaline…
Urologist: When should you visit one and why? A urologist can treat not only genitourinary problems of both men and women but also can treat various…
LFT-test
Liver Function Test – LFT LFT or Liver Function Test is a blood test used to determine the levels of hepatic enzymes which…
shiitake mushrooms healthy
What are Shiitake Mushrooms and why should you eat them? Shiitake Mushrooms are well known for their smoky and robust taste. However, did you know they are replete…
GM Diet: The fastest way to lose weight or yet another hoax diet? General Motors started this trend of extreme dieting for 7 straight days to ensure its employees were able…
Psyllium Husk: More than just an effective natural laxative Psyllium husk, or isabgol, is a popular natural laxative . But did you in addition to regulating bowels,…
Goji berry: A traditional Chinese berry that packs the best of antioxidants Goji berry is an ancient berry that is considered to be power-packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Which means…
Tart Cherry: The healthiest excuse for taking that second serving of pie Tart cherry has been traditionally used in delectable desserts such as pies. Recent studies have revealed that its…
Coffee Enema: Turn your favorite morning beverage into a powerful colon cleanser The wonders of coffee are not just limited to waking you up every morning. You can now use…
CEA_test
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test CEA or carcinoembryonic test detects the presence of CEA antigen in your blood mainly & determines the effectiveness…
amylase test
Amylase Test Amylase test is done by checking the level of this protein in the blood sample and also in…
antiHEV IgM test
Anti hepatitis E virus (Anti HEV) IgM Test Anti HEV IgM test determines the level of the IgM antibodies in the blood, The disease is often…
sodium blood test
Blood Sodium Test A blood sodium test measures the amount of sodium (an important electrolyte) in your body. It is also…
leptospira Igm test
Leptospira-IgM Test A Leptospira-IgM test is a blood test which is carried out to detect anti-Leptospira IgM antibody. Leptospirosis is…
hidden benefits walking
9 benefits of walking we bet you didn’t know! Did you know walking can be the miracle pill for eternal youth? Everyone knows walking is good for…
Dragon Fruit – Blessing from Nature’s Basket Dragon fruit is packed with nutrients but low on calories. It is the dream food that can help…
How can berberine supplements help you live longer and healthier? Berberine is a turmeric look-alike herbal extract that is credited with numerous health benefits ranging from diabetes cure…
How to correctly perform nasal irrigation using a Neti Pot? Neti pot has been a part of Ayurveda since centuries. This ancient tool is extremely effective in treating…
Experts reveal the safest ways to perform an enema at home The idea of pushing some up your rectal area might make you queasy but an enema could actually…
What is the right way to take a pregnancy test? A pregnancy test is undertaken to determine if you have conceived. A home pregnancy test is the most…
GERD heartburn
Heartburn: What are the exact symptoms and the best home remedies? There are easy home remedies for heartburn, which not only acts as a first aid when you experience…
Barium-enema
Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
GGt test
GGT – Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Test GGT or gammaglutamyl transferase test is a liver function test that is used to detect the extent of…
blood elements analysis
Blood Element Analysis Test A blood element analysis is a blood test performed to measure the level of toxic elements such as…
fructosamine test
Fructosamine Test A fructosamine test measures blood sugar glucose content. Fructosamine level can indicate blood sugar level in past 2-3…
anoscopy
Anoscopy Anoscopy is an invasive diagnostic procedure where a small device known as anoscope will be inserted in the…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
Diabetes blood test
Diabetic Profile The diabetic profile is a set of tests used for testing and monitoring the various kinds of Diabetes…
oral hygiene tips
6 shocking consequences of bad oral hygiene (and how to avoid them) Did you know bad breath is not just turning off, but also harms your body in ways you…
xylitol gum
Xylitol : Is this the right sugar substitute for you? Discovered during World War 2 owing to sugar shortage, xylitol has become a common name in pharamaceutical industry.…
avocado benefits
Avocado: 15 reasons why this fruit should be a staple in your diet Did you know that the word avocado literally means "testicles". Don't get grossed out as this power-packed fruit…
ashwagandha brain
Ashwagandha: The best-kept secret of Ayurveda now revealed! Ashwagandha literally means "smell of horse". Don't get bogged down by that one tiny detail because this ayurveduic…
black seed oil benefits
Black Seed Oil: What secret benefits could it bestow on your health? Black seeds or nigella seeds are tiny packets of health brimming with amazing benefits. Find out why should…
Cayenne: The remarkable benefits of these red hot chili peppers These may make you rush for a glass of water, but cayenne pepper is actually a healthy additive…
Kava: Is it the healthy substitute for alcohol you have been waiting for? Native to the beautiful South Pacific islands, Kava is a famous beverage rooted in the local culture. It…
Mood swings
The real reasons for your mood swings and how to overcome them Are you prone to heated moods frequently? Do you also feel bouts of depressive feeling creeping up on…
glucose-tolerance
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test – GTT Glucose tolerance test (or Oral GTT) is used to detect the onset of diabetes or prediabetes conditions. It…
ASTtest-liver
AST- Aspartate Aminotransferase Test AST test is a blood test that is used to measure the level of a particular liver enzyme…
ANTIPHOSPHOLIPIDANTIBODY(APL)_IgG
Antiphospholipid (APL) antibody-IgG The Antiphospholipid Antibody testing is a blood test used to determine an autoimmune disorder called Antiphospholipid syndrome linked…
vdrl test syphilis
VDRL Test The VDRL test is a blood test that is used to diagnose sexually transmitted or venereal diseases, primarily…
malarial antigen test
Malaria Antigen Test A malaria antigen test is a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that can detect malarial antigens (proteins) in your…
Hepatitis A virus infected liver
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Total Blood test to look for IgM antibodies to know if you are infected with Hepatitis A virus (HAV),…
stress depressed anxiety
Are you depressed or just stressed? Know when to see a doctor Why are some people more anxious than others? Is being depressed the same as feeling sad? Have you…
sugar toxic health
Sugar: 7 new shocking truths revealed about the sweet poison Can drinking soda bring you closer to death? Is sugar slowly poisoning you and your family? You would…
L-theanine attention
L-Theanine: Better sleep, higher focus, and many other benefits Did you know that L-theanine found in green tea can make you sleep better and be focused at…
aspartame or sugar
Aspartame – Hidden truths about this storm in a teacup Aspartame, the artificial sweetener, has gone under the scanner on several occasions for allegedly doing more harm than…
High Fiber Diet – Fire up your fiber intake for these health benefits! Regular bowels, healthy detox, higher immunity, and guaranteed weight loss - a high fiber diet can bring all…
gallbladder diet tomato
Gallbladder surgery :Tips on post-operative care and diet What to eat post a gallbladder surgery? What are the key things to avoid if you had a…
Agave nectar: The bitter truth about this sweetener revealed Agave nectar is considered to be sweeter than the normal table sugar and even contains higher amounts of…
DHEA wrinkles
DHEA: Now get unbelievable age defiance with this wonder hormone! DHEA is known popularly as the age-defying hormone. This supplement is widely used to slow down aging and…
Oil of Oregano: The one-stop essential oil you’ve been looking for Are you plagued by a weak immune system? High body inflammation accompanied by pain and infections? Why not…
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…
How seitan proved to be a blessing in disguise for vegans worldwide Can only meat-eaters enjoy delicious juicy steaks and burgers? With seitan, the best meat substitute available today,even vegans…
How can Kegels help you overcome weak pelvic muscles & incontinence? Kegel exercises are pelvic floor strengthening exercises that can help you overcome incontinence issues that rise out of…
Pescatarian Diet 101: What are the inherent health advantages of this diet? People opt to become a pescatarian in order to enrich their bodies with the essential health benefits that…
shakeology woman
Meal replacement or protein drink? Learn all about Shakeology and its claims Shakeology from Beachbody claims to be the most suitable shake that can aid in weight loss, regulate blood…
Inhale oxygen, exhale worries: The top breathing exercises and how to perform them Performing the breathing exercise is like becoming mindful of how you breathe.  Here is a list of breathing…
hemoglobin variant analysis
Hemoglobin Variant Analysis Hemoglobin variant analysis is a blood test that is used to detect the presence of hemoglobin variants which…
cystatin C
Cystatin C Test Cystatin C is a specific single-chain protein that is found in body fluids and is a biomarker for…
piles fissure fistula
Allopathy vs homeopathy vs ayurveda treatment for piles, fissures, and fistula Read to know the best form of treatment among allopathy, homeopathy,or ayurveda for piles, fissures, and fistula

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