There are several common eye diseases in all age groups, below are some of the most common eye problems:
- In children: blocked tear ducts, turn in the eyes (crossed eyes) and conjunctivitis.
- In young adults: allergic eye disease, conjunctivitis, chalazions.
- In older patients: cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration and floaters.
- In ALL age groups: refractive error (need to wear glasses).
- Most general ophthalmologists would see patients over the age of 50 or 60.
Therefore, the most common eye diseases are cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration and floaters.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Examination
Who should I get eyes tested for common eye diseases? Well, probably everyone over the age of 45 should have an eye examination by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist every 2 years. However, if there are risk factors or symptoms, then more often is needed. For example, if there is a family history of glaucoma, if you have diabetes, or if you have a poor diet or smoke, then you should have your eyes examined every year.
Can anything be done about these conditions? Absolutely!
That’s the reason we should have regular eye tests. Apart from anything, we live in an era of ‘preventative’ medicine. We try and prevent these eye diseases from setting in.
The other side of it is that we can treat all of them. The earlier we catch them, the less involved is the treatment and the more successful the results.
Cataracts Removal Procedures
Cataract removal procedures are much quicker and safer these days then they have ever been. Not only can cataracts be removed but people can be made to be a lot less spectacle dependent with the procedure.
Glaucoma Treatment
Medications to treat glaucoma have come along way. Now, drops with minimal side effects, often which only need to be used once or twice a day, usually control the condition.
I’m a fan of laser called SLT: this is an alternative to drops in mild cases of glaucoma and takes away the need to remember to put the drops in.
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Macular degeneration can be treated with medications placed into the eye.
Treating Floaters with Laser
Something not too many people know about is the treatment of floaters with laser. There are many people out there that have floaters but are told they don’t require treatment. It IS true that treatment is not essential. However, if they are a real bother then treatment that’s non surgical and very safe is now available.
Summary: our eyes are very precious and we should care for them. There are common conditions affecting them that can be detected early with eye testing and treated with modern, safe and painless techniques.
Click here for more information about the Six Common Types of Eye Diseases Explained.