Opinion: Dry Eyes To Cataracts, Symptoms And Treatment Options For 5 Common Eye Problems

Many eye conditions can be easily treated if those at risk undergo regular eye examinations, and are informed about good lifestyles and eye-care habits. 

Representational image.

Source : Pixabay.com

Dr Kruti Shah

Problems with vision are among the most common health issues in the world today. However, many of these conditions can be easily treated if those at risk undergo regular eye examinations, and are informed about good lifestyles and eye-care habits. Below, you will find details of five common vision problems, their symptoms, how to identify them, and standardised treatments:

1. Refractive Errors

Symptoms: 

Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, resulting in blurry vision. The primary types include: 

— Myopia: Nearsightedness, i.e. problems seeing distant objects clearly

— Hyperopia: Farsightedness, i.e., problems seeing close objects clearly 

— Astigmatism: Blurry or distorted vision at all distances because of an abnormal cornea shape 

How To Identify: Potential symptoms include blurry vision, squinting, eye-strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing far or near objects. 

Treatments: 

— Glasses: This is the most common and the easiest solution, lenses are prescribed depending on the type and severity of the refractive error

— Contact Lenses: For those who do not want to wear glasses, there are many types of contact lenses to choose from: soft, toric, or bifocal

— Refractive Surgery: LASIK and other laser surgeries reshape the cornea, leading to permanent solutions for several people with refractive errors

2. Cataract

Symptoms:

Cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing a gradual loss of vision with symptoms that include:

— Blurry or dim vision

— Difficulty seeing at night or in poorly lit areas

— Seeing headlights causing extreme glare while driving

— Having double vision in one eye

— Colours appearing faded

How To Identify: Cataracts develop gradually, and the process may begin with a person experiencing cloudy or blurred vision. Early signs include difficulty in driving at night, or halos around light.

Treatment Options:

— New Glasses And Better Light: In the earliest stages, prescription glasses or brighter lighting may relieve symptoms

— Surgery: Surgical removal of the cloudy lens, and replacement with a clear artificial lens, is usually the most effective treatment for cataracts

3. Glaucoma

Symptoms:
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure. Early-stage glaucoma is usually asymptomatic, but, as it progresses, symptoms can include:

— Gradual loss of peripheral vision (side vision)

— Tunnel vision in advanced stages

— Eye pain or discomfort

— Blurred vision or halos around lights

How To Identify: Since the disease progresses slowly and painlessly, many people may not realise they have glaucoma until significant vision loss occurs. Regular eye exams, including measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), are essential for early detection, especially after age 40 and in patients with a family history of the condition.

Treatment Options:

— Medication: Prescription eye drops or oral medication can lower intraocular pressure to slow the progression of the disease

— Laser Surgery: Laser treatments like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (PI) can help improve fluid drainage from the eye, reducing pressure

— Surgery: In some cases, surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy or drainage tube insertion may be necessary to control eye pressure

4. Diabetic Retinopathy

Symptoms:
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetic complication that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Early stages may have no symptoms, but, as it progresses, symptoms include:

— Blurry or fluctuating vision

— Dark or empty areas in vision

— Poor night vision

— Seeing spots or floaters

How To Identify: Diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, including a dilated eye exam to examine the retina for blood-vessel damage or leaking. Regular eye checkups are important for individuals with diabetes.

Treatment Options:

— Blood Sugar Control: The best prevention is maintaining stable blood sugar levels, which can slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy

— Laser Treatment: For advanced diabetic retinopathy, laser therapy can be used to shrink abnormal blood vessels or seal leaking blood vessels

— Injections: Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications, such as Lucentis or Eylea, may be injected into the eye to reduce swelling and prevent further vision damage

— Surgery: In cases of severe damage, vitrectomy surgery may be needed to remove blood from the eye or repair detached retina tissue

5. Dry Eye Syndrome 

When eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. 

Symptoms:

— A dry, scratchy feeling in the eyes

— Redness and irritation

— Sensitivity to light

— Blurry vision that improves with blinking

— A feeling of something in the eye, like sand

How To Identify:

Conditions such as dryness or wind, as well as long periods of reading and use of a screen, exacerbate symptoms. Tear-production tests are part of an eye examination, and the symptoms can be diagnosed. 

Options For Treatment: 

— Artificial Tears: Use over-the-counter lubricating eye medications to relieve symptoms

— Prescription Medication: Anti-inflammatory and tear-making drugs such as cyclosporine A 

— Punctal Plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to help keep eyes moist by stopping tears from flowing too soon 

— Lifestyle Changes: Limit screen time, use a humidifier and protective eyewear

The writer is a Cataract, Cornea & Refractive Surgeon, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Girgaon, Mumbai.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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