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The risk of cataracts increases with age, meaning that most cataract surgeries are performed on people aged 60 and older. However, more people have been opting for surgery at a younger age in order to reap the rewards of improved vision, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Studies have shown that people who opt for cataract surgery have a lower mortality rate. Improved vision means you’re less likely to have a fall or be involved in a car accident.
What Exactly Is It? Diabetic retinopathy typically affects both eyes and causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes can cause serious damage to the blood vessels. And your eye is home to the most intricate network of blood vessels in the body. African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans all face higher rates of diabetic retinopathy. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or are not effectively managing your blood glucose levels your risk of diabetic retinopathy is increased substantially. Tobacco use and pregnancy also can increase your risk.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome? Dry eye is a condition in which the body produces an insufficient quantity or quality of tears. Without tears, the eyes are not adequately lubricated, causing a gritty sensation. A majority of dry eye cases involve the meibomian glands, which secrete lipids (oils) to slow the evaporation of tears. When the meibomian glands malfunction or become plugged, tears evaporate too quickly and cannot lubricate the eyes properly.
Most cases of glaucoma are caused by a buildup of fluid in the front of the eye that increases ocular pressure to dangerous levels (ocular hypertension). The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve — which is essential for transmitting the images we see to the brain for visual recognition — and result in permanent blindness. Your initial glaucoma treatment plan will include medication and eye drops designed to lower intraocular pressure and stem optical nerve damage. Depending on your specific type of glaucoma and its severity, surgery may also be required.