24 Mar 5 Disorders That Can Be Detected With An Early Eye Exam
Often, we fail to recognize the eye as an organ that needs regular maintenance. However, the eye is in fact an extremely fragile part of our body, and can be easily damaged without proper care. At every age, it is important to regularly monitor the wellbeing of your eyes, and preserve your vision into the future. Regular eye exams can detect a number of eye diseases that could become serious, allowing you to begin treatment in a timely manner. Not convinced? Read on for five disorders that can be detected and treated with an early eye exam.
1. Threats to your Overall Health
Eye exams can help you detect threats not only to your eye health, but to your overall health, as well. Certain cancers, including leukemia, can present early with discharge-like bleeding in the eye. Additionally, signs of abnormal blood pressure can be found when examining the retina; when you have abnormal blood pressure, your eye can go through changes, called hypersensitive retinopathy. Regular eye maintenance and examination by an optometrist can help to detect and treat health disorders early, preventing further damage or illness.
2. Cataracts Detection
Although people over the age of 55 are more susceptible to cataracts, this does not mean that younger people are immune. While cataracts is a serious eye disorder, unfortunately many early signs do not appear to be threatening. Early indicators of cataracts include blurry vision, nearsightedness, double vision, glares and trouble focusing. Without expert advice, these symptoms can seem benign and be difficult to connect to an underlying issue. Regular visits to the eye doctor can promote early detection and treatment of cataracts, allowing you to combat it effectively.
3. Early Onset Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious condition that becomes progressively worse over time… and can even result in blindness. In many cases, people with the early stages of glaucoma have no major symptoms or pain, causing them to simply shrug off any abnormalities. A visit to the eye doctor includes a thorough examination, which can catch any early signs of glaucoma and mitigate future damage. Although glaucoma cannot be fully prevented, if detected early, treatments can help minimize vision loss and prevent blindness.
4. Children’s Vision Problems
The human eye goes through most of its changes between the ages of 5-16. At a young age, these changes can cause a variety of potential difficulties—from something as benign as wearing glasses, to more serious problems such as trouble focusing. It can often be difficult for parents to realize their child is having difficulty seeing, especially when the child is too young to properly communicate their difficulties. The child themselves may not even realize their eye sight could be improved! Children with vision problems often start experiencing symptoms such as one eye seeing worse, eyes looking in opposite directions, blurry vision, or trouble focusing Failure to get children treatment for vision problems can have long-lasting effects on not only their vision, but their learning and development. It is therefore extremely important to regularly schedule eye examinations for children. If a child needs corrective lenses or vision therapy, regular examinations and early detections will allow them to begin these treatments and improve their lives.
5. Allergic Conjunctivitis
Many people find that their eyes become irritated in different environments. Allergic conjunctivitis (ocular allergy) can occur due to hypersensitivity to pollen, dust, skin flakes, spores, dander and various scents. Allergic conjunctivitis is often accompanied by aggravating symptoms such as itching, burning, watery eyes and even foreign body sensations. However, those with allergies often associate their irritation with their mouths, nose, or skin, and overlook the danger posed to the eyes. Over time, allergens can irritate the conjunctiva—the protective membrane of the eye—and even damage it. Proper diagnosis and treatment from your eye doctor can help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and protect the overall health of the eye.
It’s better to be safe than sorry. When left unchecked, even what seem like small eye irritations could cause serious long-term damage to your eyesight. It is important to have eyes regularly checked in order to ensure symptoms are benign, and to begin timely treatment when they are not.
If you are experiencing eye discomfort or irritation for a prolonged period, please see your eye doctor immediately for an examination. The optometry team at Dr.D’Orio EyeCare can help you keep your eyes healthy. Contact us today to make an appointment for an examination. Conveniently located with offices in Toronto and North York.
