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Common Eye Problems and
Solutions to Avoid Vision Risk
Eye diseases are on the rise, and by the year 2020, an estimated
5.5 million Americans will suffer from blindness or low vision.
Despite the prevalence of vision problems among the general
population, many Americans do not undergo regular screenings for
common eye conditions and diseases. Being informed about eye
problems and solutions can help you determine when to seek
treatment.
If you think you may be suffering from one of
the following problems, or if you’re concerned about the health
of your eyes, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation by
calling (760) 603-9910.
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Refractive Errors
Refractive errors, including
near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism, account for the
greatest number of vision problems in the US. Although refractive errors
are generally easy to correct with glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK,
many Americans fail to visit an ophthalmologist like Dr. Tracy for the
necessary testing and treatment. In fact, a new study by the National
Eye Institute suggests that 11 million Americans could enjoy improved
vision with refractive correction. Seeing your doctor for regular eye
exams is the best way to protect your vision and to guard against
various eye diseases and conditions.
Macular Degeneration
One of the most common eye diseases, macular degeneration strikes an
estimated 1.8 million Americans over age 40. Also known as age-related
macular degeneration (AMD), the condition results in impaired sharp and
central vision. Because early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to
stopping the progression of this disease, it’s important to see an
ophthalmologist like Dr. Tracy for regular exams. You may also want to
consider taking steps like taking vitamins specifically for the disease,
exercising, wearing sunglasses, and consuming lots of antioxidant-rich
foods to help prevent macular degeneration from developing as you age.
Cataracts
Although cataracts are more common in older
patients, they can occur in people of any age. Resulting in a clouding
and darkening of the eye lens, cataracts are the leading cause of
blindness in the United States and worldwide. The good news is that
surgery and other treatments can do a lot to reverse the effects of
cataracts, and people who are experiencing blurry or foggy vision, poor
night vision, or color halos shouldn’t hesitate to visit Dr. Tracy for
an exam.
Glaucoma
Annual eye exams can also help protect
you from glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure to the optic
nerve leads to peripheral blindness. Although no cure exists for
glaucoma, you can do a great deal to prevent the disease from worsening.
If you’re experiencing eye pain, vision loss, blurry vision, or halos,
schedule an appointment to check for this debilitating eye condition. If
you have any signs suggesting that you may be at greater risk of
developing glaucoma, or if you have a family history of this disease,
you should see an ophthalmologist every six months. |
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