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With increasing life expectancy, some previously rare diseases become more and more frequent. The eyes are sensitive organs that require the utmost care.
1. Presbyopia
Presbyopia, also known as eyestrain, is not really a disease, but rather a condition that occurs in all people after the age of 40.
Presbyopia causes a loss of visual quality in relation to nearby objects, especially in low light environments. The letters of a magazine, for example, appear cloudy, so it is necessary to separate the text to visualize it better (short arm syndrome).
When ignored, the condition can cause headaches and fatigue. Correction of presbyopia can be accomplished through the use of glasses or contact lenses.
2. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease that occurs after high intraocular pressure in the eyes. This increased pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve and, as a consequence, lead to loss of peripheral vision and even total loss of vision in the affected eye if not followed up and treated properly.
At the back of the eyes, just behind the iris, a fluid called aqueous humor is produced. When for some reason there is difficulty in draining this fluid, the pressure in the eye increases, causing damage to the optic nerve.
For this reason, it is necessary to treat glaucoma from the beginning. In this way, nerve damage and consequent irreversible blindness can be avoided.
3. Cataract
Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide. Although it is most common after age 50, it occurs naturally and can appear in people of any age.
Cataracts are the progressive loss of transparency of the lens, which is a natural lens located behind the iris. Then it becomes opaque. As a result, the sharpness of the images is progressively reduced as the disease progresses. Cataract treatment is surgical.
4. Macular degeneration of age
Macular degeneration of age is the leading cause of vision loss after age 50. It involves the destruction of the photoreceptors of the macula, a structure located in the central part of the retina.
In general, the initial complaints are usually a loss of central vision, with the perception of spots. Also, the person may begin to see deformities, which we call metamorphopsia.
However, there is no loss of peripheral vision. IMD usually occurs in both eyes, in most cases one eye is more affected than the other. This disease requires periodic monitoring with OCT + Retinography and treatment in cases where its presentation is exudative.
5. Retinopathy
These are diseases that affect the retina, the most common causes are: hypertension and diabetes. The effect of these diseases on the structure of the eyes is observed in the ocular blood vessels, causing their deformation, fluid leakage and even bleeding.
Retinopathy sets in slowly. Its symptoms are varied and can include blurred vision and even sudden loss of vision. Patients with diabetes and hypertension should undergo regular eye examinations.
6. Macular hole
Disease that affects the macula (structure located in the center of the retina), the disease is responsible for causing decreased visual acuity and deterioration of the central visual field. It is more common in women after the age of 55. Some common symptoms are double vision, difficulty reading, and seeing distorted images.
It can be related to factors such as eye injuries, high myopia, and sun exposure. Treatment is based on surgery of the vitreous, known as vitrectomy.
7. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is characterized by inflammation of the eyelids, which can become irritated and red. Although it does not cause permanent damage to vision, the disease is very common and causes discomfort. It can happen to all ages.
The cause of the disease is related to the functioning of the existing glands near the base of the eyelashes. If they don’t work properly, irritation, itching, and inflammation can occur.
The treatment is based on the application of warm compresses in the region of the eyelid with hygiene and application of ointments that have antibiotics in the most severe cases.
8. Floats
Visualization of dark spots moving in front of one or both eyes, floaters are caused by the natural process of displacement and aging of the vitreous, a gel that fills the posterior cavity of the eyeball.
It is more common in patients older than 45 years, myopic or who have undergone eye surgery, as well as among those patients who have had some type of inflammation or trauma to the eyes.
The severity of the condition in some cases may be associated with a risk of retinal tears and retinal detachment.
9. Dry eye syndrome
Characterized by an abnormality in the production or quality of the tear, which generates dryness of the eye, the conjunctiva (membrane that covers the inner region of the eyelid) or the cornea.
Dry eye syndrome mainly affects older women.
The proper production of tears is important because it is a substance that ensures the health of our eyes by protecting, cleaning and lubricating the eye area. The use of some medications, such as antidepressants, or natural aging can be causes of the reduction of the lacrimal glands, as well as some autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
The most common symptoms are redness, burning, itching, dryness, and a foreign body sensation in the eye.
Treatment consists of managing harsh environments as well as changing unhealthy habits and using eye lubricants. Follow-up by the ophthalmologist is essential for the effectiveness of the measures.
Take care of your visual health.
An article by Dr. Rui Avelino Resende, specialist in ophthalmology.
