Reducing Your Risk of Common Eye Conditions

Various factors affect your risk of developing different eye conditions. Some things that increase your risk are out of your control, such as your family history and age, but there are still several things you can do to lower your risk of common eye conditions, including those listed below. 

Dry eyes

Dye eyes do not lead to vision loss, but it can be uncomfortable. The condition develops when the tear glands do not produce sufficient tears. Symptoms of dry eyes include:

• Itching
• Gritty feeling in the eyes
• Burning
• Redness

Dry eyes are treatable with eye drops and artificial tears. There are also things you can do to decrease developing the condition, including:

• Use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air
• Point blowing air, such as air conditioning, fans, and hair dryers, away from your eyes
• Use artificial tears as recommended by your eye doctor 

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​Cataracts

Cataracts are a very common condition. According to the website Prevent Blindness, in the United States, about 25 million people have cataracts.

A cataract develops when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy. The main risk factor for developing cataracts is age. It usually develops in people over the age of 60.
Symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurred vision, which gets worse over time
• Decreased night vision
• Eventually, reduced vision

Although there are no proven ways to prevent cataracts, there are a few things that may decrease your risk, including:

• Limit alcohol: According to the Mayo Clinic, excessive alcohol use is thought to increase a person’s risk of developing cataracts.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking is also considered a risk factor for several eye diseases. If you smoke, talk with your healthcare provider about ways to quit.
• Manage other health conditions: Having certain diseases, such as diabetes, increases your risk of developing cataracts. If you have underlying health problems, it is essential to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. 

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​Age-related macular degeneration 

Age-related macular degeneration involves damage to the central part of the retina called the macula. When this portion of the retina degenerates, it affects a person’s central vision. Central vision is vital to read, drive, and see objects in detail.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.8 million people in the United States have age-related macular degeneration. Another 7 million are at risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms of age-related macular degeneration include:

• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to glare
• Difficulty seeing details in low light 

Currently, age-related macular degeneration is not curable. There is also no definitive way to prevent the disease. But there are a few things that may reduce your risk.

• Wear sunglasses: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is considered one risk factor for developing age-related macular degeneration. The UV rays also put you at risk for other eye conditions, such as cataracts, which is why sunglasses are so important. Wear sunglasses every day, even if it is overcast. Select sunglasses that are labeled as having 100 percent UV protection.
• Eat foods high in omega-3’s: Although it is not conclusive, eating foods high in omega 3’s may reduce your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, one study found that woman that frequently ate fish that was high in omega 3’s were less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration.
• Don’t smoke: According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, smoking doubles a person’s risk of developing macular degeneration.

As with all eye diseases, one of your best prevention strategies is to get regular eye exams. Certain diseases do not cause symptoms in the early stages, but they can be diagnosed through an eye exam.

If you would like to schedule an exam with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.