Common Eye Conditions

Refractive Errors

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), refractive errors are the most common eye problems for people in the U.S. Generally, refractive errors cause blurry vision because the natural shape of a person's eye prevents light from focusing properly.

There are several types of refractive errors including:

• Myopia or nearsightedness: When a person struggles to see objects that are far away but can clearly see objects that are close.
  • People with myopia may experience squinting, eye strain, or difficulty seeing at night.
  • Common treatments for myopia are prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery.
• Hyperopia or farsightedness: When a person struggles to see objects close by but can see distant objects.
  • Symptoms can include squinting, blurry or fuzzy vision, and general eye discomfort.
  • Hyperopia is often present at birth so children should start getting annual eye exams beginning at 6 months old to prevent further problems from occurring.
  • Prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery can help those with hyperopia.
• Astigmatism: A common eye condition that's often present at birth and causes blurry vision.
  • Symptoms can include headaches from eye strain, squinting, light sensitivity, and seeing double.
  • An eye doctor can help determine the severity of a person's astigmatism and offer corresponding treatments like corrective lenses or surgery.
• Presbyopia: A common eye issue in aging people, presbyopia is losing the ability to see objects clearly when viewed up close.
  • Presbyopia can't be stopped, but corrective lenses, glasses, or surgery may be effective treatments.

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that may lead to vision loss or even blindness in those who have diabetes. This eye condition affects the blood vessels in the retina.

Some people may not experience immediate symptoms; however, if you have diabetes, it's important to get an annual dilated eye exam to help prevent future vision problems.

Symptoms will vary depending on what stage of DR a person has and can include vision changes and difficulty seeing far away. As the condition progresses, a person may see floating spots.

Treatment will depend on the severity of DR. Late-stage diabetic retinopathy may require surgery, laser treatment, injections, or medications.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration affects central vision causing eye issues with reading and driving, and may interfere with daily activities. AMD doesn't typically cause total blindness, but it is one of the main causes of vision loss in Americans.

Common symptoms may include dark or blurry areas in your vision, straight lines appearing wavy, or worsening color perception. Getting regular eye exams will help your doctor determine what state AMD is at.

Treatments can include supplements, injections, and photodynamic therapy. You may also consider eye sun safety like wearing hats or protective sunglasses to help prevent degeneration.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision occurs when a person loses the sharpness of their vision, making objects appear out of focus and hazy. The primary causes of blurred vision are tiredness, dry eyes, or eye strain, but can also be the result of other more serious eye conditions.