Eye Disorders – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, March 22, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Eye disorders may refer to several eye problems that are minor and don’t last long. However, there are eye disorders that can lead to a permanent loss of vision.

Some common eye problems include:

Cataracts – Clouded lenses
Conjunctivitis or an infection called pinkeye
Diabetic eye problems
Macular degeneration – A condition that destroys sharp, central vision
Optic nerve disorders (e.g., glaucoma)
Refractive errors
Retinal disorders – Problems with the nerve layer at the back of the eye

To avoid developing eye disorders, get scheduled for regular eye checkups since most conditions do not always have symptoms. Individuals can prevent vision loss with early detection and treatment.

Known side effects of eye disorders

Some of the known side effects of eye disorders may include:

Blind spots in your field of view, eye floaters, and unexplained blurred vision – Diabetics often experience these vision problems because of the onset of diabetic retinopathy.
Cloudy and blurred eyesight, “halos” around lights at night, loss of bright color vision – Cataracts are often the cause of these vision changes. Cataracts may worsen gradually over time, but they are not a medical emergency.
Double vision, double images, or “ghost” images – Double vision is a symptom of several eye conditions. It can also be caused by an underlying health emergency like a stroke.
Feeling like a dark curtain has settled across your field of view – This may occur due to a retinal detachment, which happens when the retina separates from the underlying layer of nourishing blood vessels (choroid). Vision loss may be permanent if the retina is not reattached within hours.
A gradual loss of central vision (e.g., distortions such as straight lines appearing wavy) – This symptom may be due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of blindness in older Americans.
Peripheral vision loss – A reduction of your ability to see objects in your peripheral vision (or objects to the sides of your eyes) could be due to glaucoma. If left untreated, peripheral vision loss could worsen and cause tunnel vision or even blindness.
“Scratchy” or irritated sensation, eye surface pain, tearing -These symptoms are usually caused by dry eye syndrome.
Spots and floaters in your field of vision – Eye floaters are often caused by a benign, age-related condition called vitreous detachment which occurs when the eye’s gel-like interior liquefies and separates from the retina, the light-sensitive inner lining of the back of your eye. Do take note that the sudden onset of spots and floaters may also be caused by a severe and sight-threatening tear or detachment in the retina.
Sudden blurry vision in one eye – Individuals older than 60 years old may develop a macular hole in the part of the retina where fine focusing occurs. Macular holes can worsen and cause permanent loss of vision so consult an eye care practitioner for diagnosis immediately.
Sudden eye pain, redness, nausea, and vomiting – These symptoms may occur because of an acute or sudden narrow-angle glaucoma. This can permanently damage the eye’s optic nerve. Immediate treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss.

Body systems harmed by eye disorders

Some complications caused by eye disorders include:

Episcleritis and scleritis – Episcleritis and scleritis are inflammatory conditions that affect the eye. While both cause redness, scleritis is more serious than episcleritis. The latter causes redness, with some discomfort and irritation. Meanwhile, scleritis affects the sclera and, in some cases, the deeper tissues of the eye.
Pterygium – A pterygium is a raised, yellowish, wedge-shaped thickening on the white part of the eye. A pterygium may sometimes spread over the cornea and obstruct your vision. A painless complication, pterygium occurs when the eyes react to exposure to wind, dryness, dust, and sunshine (solar radiation).
Sjögren’s syndrome – Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that often causes dry eyes and mouth. It can also affect other organs like the kidneys, lungs, the nervous system, and the skin.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage – Usually caused by painless red eye, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is caused by bleeding from one of the tiny blood vessels behind the conjunctiva. While it looks alarming, this complication doesn’t usually cause symptoms and is often harmless.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent eye disorders

These foods and nutrients can help prevent eye disorders:

Carrots – Carrots are full of beta-carotene, an antioxidant and a precursor of vitamin A.
Dairy – Milk and yogurt can help boost eye health because they contain calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and zinc.
Eggs – Eggs are rich in essential amino acids and both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Egg yolks, while a little high in cholesterol, contains lutein and zeaxanthin.
Fatty fish – Fatty fish contain omega-3-fatty acids.
Kale – Kale also contains vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and lutein.
Nuts – Nuts are full of healthy fats and vitamin E, which helps reduce inflammation.
Spinach – Spinach contains vitamins A, B, C, and E, along with minerals like iron and zinc, and phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin.

Treatments, management plans for eye disorders

Treatments for eye disorders vary depending on the type and severity of the infection.

In most cases, eye doctors will not prescribe medications for viral eye infections unless the patient’s condition has worsened. Viral infections can’t be treated with antibiotics, the most commonly prescribed treatment for eye infections.

For bacterial infections and some fungal eye infections, a physician may prescribe antibiotic eye ointments or drops.

Bacterial infections like blepharitis (inflammation around the eyelid) treatment includes a topical antibiotic and a low-dosage topical corticosteroid.

Styes, or small, painful lumps on the upper and lower eyelid, may require surgical procedures. Blockages cause styes in one or more of the oil-producing glands in the eyelid.

Over-the-counter treatments can help treat infections caused by allergies. Antihistamines and artificial tears eye drops may reduce debris in the eye and soothe irritation.

Where to learn more

Summary

Eye disorders may refer to several eye problems that are minor and don’t last long. However, there are eye disorders that can lead to a permanent loss of vision.

Treatment for eye disorders vary depending on the type and severity of the infection, and they include medications, antibiotics, and over-the-counter treatments.

Sources include

Tagged Under: Tags: eye disorders