Risk Factors for Common Eye Diseases

There are hundreds of different eye and vision problems and diseases. Many are treatable, but some have no cure. Some people may be at a higher risk for developing eye diseases due to family history, age, or certain medical conditions. Such individuals should undergo regular comprehensive eye exams to protect their eye and vision health. 

 

Fortunately, it is never too late to start caring for your vision and eye health. Regular comprehensive eye exams can lead to early diagnosis and treatment. That is the key to preventing, slowing, or correcting most eye conditions. The most common ocular conditions that lead to vision loss or blindness are:

 

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Macular degeneration

• Diabetes-related retinopathy

• Blepharitis
  
   

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

High fluid pressure within the eye can cause glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Without treatment, the pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to loss of peripheral vision and eventual blindness. 

People of African, Caribbean, and Asian backgrounds are at more risk of developing this condition. The same applies to those whose siblings or parents have glaucoma. Other risk factors include age, diabetes, farsightedness, and nearsightedness.

Risk Factors or Cataracts

A cataract is a cloudy patch on the eye’s lens. As it progresses, the clouding typically increases, resulting in blurry or misty vision. If left untreated, this condition can lead to vision loss.

 

Cataracts are more common in older adults but can also develop in babies and toddlers in more rare occassions. Other risk factors include siblings or parents diagnosed with cataracts, smoking, prolonged steroid use, medical conditions like diabetes, and excessive alcohol. 

 

Risk Factors for Age-related Macular Degeneration

AMD is an eye condition affecting the macula in people between 50 and 60 years old. Unlike many other severe eye diseases, it does not usually cause total blindness. However, it may impair one’s ability to read and recognize faces. Smoking and having medical conditions like hypertension and heart disease can increase your risk of developing AMD.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar levels damage the retina. It can lead to blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. Individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk of this eye condition. 

 

Other risk factors may also increase the likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy. These include persistently high blood sugar levels, being pregnant, living with diabetes for an extended period, high cholesterol and blood pressure, and being of African, Caribbean, or Asian background. 

Risk Factors for Blepharitis 

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid, causing swollen, itchy, red eyelids. Those with some preexisting skin conditions, poor hygiene, and sensitivity to chemicals found in makeup are most likely to develop blepharitis. 

Conclusion

Millions of Americans over the age of 40 are legally blind. That means they have a visual field of 20 degrees or less or visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the stronger eye. The CDC estimates that about seven percent of kids in the U.S. have a diagnosed eye condition or disease.

Sadly, nearly three percent of kids are blind or have vision impairment. Fortunately, regular comprehensive eye exams can help prevent or slow the progression of common eye diseases.

For more information on common eye diseases, contact Alta Loma Optometric at our Rancho Cucamonga, California office. Call (909) 787-1760 to schedule an appointment today.