Around 12 million people in the United States aged 40 and over have vision impairment. 1 million of those people are blind and 8 million have an uncorrected refractive error. If you’re in Logan and seeking eye doctor services in Logan, it’s crucial to prioritize regular eye exams for maintaining good vision health.
Many people have eye problems without knowing it. In fact, three common eye conditions make up part of the above statistic. Read on to find out what those three conditions are.
1. Myopia/Hyperopia
One of the most common eye conditions out there is myopia which is more commonly referred to as short-sightedness or near-sightedness. This refractive eye error causes objects at a distance to appear blurry.
This is one of the eye issues that lead people to get glasses or contact lenses. However, those who qualify can receive laser eye surgery to correct their vision.
Glasses and contact lenses are the less invasive and more affordable option compared to laser surgery. During the surgery, the cornea is manipulated to fix the refractive error.
In contrast, hyperopia is another one of the most common eye problems that refer to long-sightedness or far-sightedness. This means the individual can see objects from far away while those up close seem blurry.
Medical treatment is not necessary for children who have hyperopia but an eye appointment can determine that for you. Adults who have gone through natural eye development already can get glasses or contact lenses to fix hyperopia.
2. Astigmatism
Astigmatism happens when the retina doesn’t focus on light evenly due to an imperfection in the curvature. Often, astigmatism is paired with either myopia or hyperopia and is another form of a refractive error.
Most astigmatism cases are mild and can go without treatment unless coupled with myopia or hyperopia. Those with a moderate or a high level of astigmatism can find solutions through glasses, contact lenses, and laser surgery.
Some who suffer from astigmatism are only affected in certain light settings. For example, during the nighttime. If this is the case, glasses are the best and easiest solution.
Before opting for laser surgery, you’ll have to consult with an eye doctor to find out if the procedure is right for your situation.
3. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is several eye conditions grouped that may lead to blindness. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of blindness in those who are aged 60 and over.
Glaucoma is best treated in the early stages because vision loss cannot be recovered. The effects tend to be gradual to the point where some won’t notice a vision change.
This is just one of the many reasons it is important to regularly visit the eye doctor, especially as you age.
In the early stages, you can treat glaucoma with eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, and surgeries. There is also a correlation between medicinal marijuana and glaucoma that is being studied.
Common Eye Conditions to Watch Out for
There are common eye conditions with an easy fix like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Then, there are eye problems that cannot be reversed at all and require a lifetime of treatment like glaucoma.
To keep up with your eye health, it is essential to make regular visits to the eye doctor. Your vision may depend on it!
For more news about health and more, check out the other articles on this blog.
