Detecting Eye Diseases and Conditions

7/28/2019 Detecting Eye Diseases and Conditions

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SELF STUDYFebruary 16, 2013

Detecting Eye Diseases and

Conditions


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DetectingEyeDiseases

andConditions|2/16/2013

DETECTING EYE DISEASES AND CONDITIONS

Detecting Eye Diseases and Conditions

As our population ages,visionloss from eye diseases is increasing.

According to the National Eye Institute (NEI):

About 3.3 million Americans aged 40 or older are blind or have low vision. This is about1 in every 28 people.

By 2020, that number could be 5.5 million -- a 60% increase.

NEI has identified the most common eye diseases in people over age 40 as:

Age-related macular degeneration Cataracts Diabetic eye disease Glaucoma

To catch eye conditions early and help prevent vision loss, your doctor may recommend an eye

exam every two years or more often after age 60, or if you are at high risk for an eye problem.

Here's what you should know about these threats to your eyesight.

Your Eyes and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) damages, then destroys, central vision, your "straight-

ahead," finely detailed vision. This eye disease takes two forms, dry and wet. About 90% ofAMD cases are dry. The remaining 10% are wet, a more advanced form. Wet AMD is more

damaging, causing about 90% of serious vision loss.

Who's at Risk for AMD?

Starting with the highest risk, people who:

Are over age 60 Smoke Have a family history of AMD Are white (Caucasian) and female Havehigh blood pressure(hypertension) Are obese
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Symptoms of AMD

AMD is painless. It may worsen slowly or rapidly. Dry AMD may affect central vision within a

few years. Wet AMD can cause sudden and dramatic changes in vision. In either case, earlydetection and treatment are key to slowing vision loss. See your eye doctor right away if you

notice:

Straight lines appearing wavy, a symptom of wet AMD Blurred central vision, the most common dry AMD symptom Trouble seeing things in the distance Problems seeing colors correctly Difficulty seeing details, like faces or words on a page Dark or "blank" spots blocking your central vision

Treatment of AMD

Wet AMD treatment may include:

Special drug injections (by far the most common treatment) Laser surgery Photodynamic therapy

Dry AMD treatment is aimed at monitoring or slowing the progression of the disease. Vision

loss from advanced dry AMD cannot be prevented. But taking certaindietary supplementsmay

help stabilize the disease in some patients. An NEI study showed that taking high doses of the

antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, along with zinc, may help slow AMDprogression in cases of:

Intermediate AMD High risk of progressing to advanced AMD Advanced AMD in just one eye

However, this regimen did not prevent AMD onset or slow its progression in early-stage disease.

Steps to Prevent AMD

These preventive steps may help keep AMD at bay:

Eat more leafy green vegetables and fish. Maintain ahealthy weightand exercise regularly. Don't smoke. Check your blood pressure regularly. Get treatment if your blood pressure is too high.
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Your Eyes and CataractsA cataract is an eye condition in which the eye's normally clear lens becomes cloudy. Iteventually occurs in both eyes but may be more noticeable in one eye first. Since less light

passes through a cloudy lens, vision blurs. Cataracts are small at first and may not affect vision.

But the denser they grow, the more they affect your vision.

Most cataracts are due to aging. Other risk factors include:

Diseases, like diabetes Eye injury or trauma Eye surgery for another problem. Inheritance or pregnancy-related causes (Babies can be born with cataracts or develop them in

childhood.)

Overexposure of eyes to the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays Smoking Certain medications

Who's at Risk for Cataracts?The risk increases with age. Other risk factors for cataracts include:

Environmental -- such as overexposure to sunlight Lifestyle -- including smoking and alcohol use People who have certain diseases -- including diabetes

Symptoms of Cataracts

The most common cataract symptoms include:

Blurred or cloudy vision "Faded" colors Increased glare from headlights, lamps, or sunlight Poor night vision Multiple images in a single eye, or double vision Frequent prescription changes for your eyeglasses or contact lenses

Treatment of CataractsFor early cataracts, these steps may help:

Getting a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription Using brighter lighting Using magnifying lenses Wearing sunglasses

If cataracts interfere with everyday activities, your doctor will probably recommend surgery.Surgical cataract removal is one of the most common, safest, and most effective types of surgery


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done in the U.S. Delaying cataract surgery until it interferes with your quality of life is

appropriate and won't harm your eyes.

If you choose surgery, you'll be referred to an ophthalmologist who can perform the surgery, if

you don't already have one. During the procedure, the eye surgeon removes the cloudy lens and

replaces it with an artificial clear lens. If both eyes need cataract surgery, one eye will be done ata time with a month or two between procedures.

Ways to Prevent CataractsYou may help delay cataract development by: avoiding overexposure to sunlight -- wear

sunglasses with ultraviolet protection and a wide-brimmed hat.

Diabetic Eye DiseasePeople with diabetes are at risk for developing several eye diseases:

Diabetic retinopathy Glaucoma Cataracts

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease in people with diabetes. It affects over 5

million Americans aged 18 and older. Usually both eyes develop the disease. Diabeticretinopathy progresses in four stages. The most severe isproliferative retinopathy.

Damaged blood vessels due to diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss and blindness twoways:

1. Fluid leaks into the center of the retina, called the macula. This area of the retina is where centralvision takes place. The fluid causes the macula to swell, blurring vision.

2. In proliferative retinopathy, new and abnormal blood vessels grow. These vessels blur vision byleaking blood into the center of the eye and causing scar tissue, and that can lead to retinal

detachment.

Who's at Risk for Diabetic Eye Disease?Everyone with diabetes, type 1 and type 2, is at risk for diabetic eye disease. The longer you

have diabetes, the more your risk grows. According to the National Eye Institute, up to 45% ofAmericans diagnosed with diabetes have some form of diabetic retinopathy.

One problem with identifying yourself as being at risk is that proliferative retinopathy and

macular swelling can develop without any symptoms. Sometimes vision remains unaffected as

the eye disease progresses. Nevertheless, your risk of eventual vision loss is highthats onereason why routine eye exams are necessary.


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Symptoms of Diabetic Eye DiseaseLike diabetes, early symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may not be noticed for some time. Don'twait for symptoms to appear before taking action. If you've been diagnosed with diabetes,

schedule a complete eye exam with your eye doctor once a year, or more often if needed. If you

delay treatment until vision is noticeably affected, it may be less effective.

See your eye doctor right away if you notice these symptoms:

Blurred vision this is very common in people with diabetes who have unstable blood sugar levelseven without the presence of retinopathy.

"Floaters" that swim in and out of your vision in one eye that last longer than a few days. These maybe ordinary harmless floaters, but if you have diabetes especially, floaters may be the sign of

bleeding in the back of the eye. New floaters are always a reason for seeing an eye doctor --

especially when you have diabetes.

Treatment of Diabetic Eye Disease"Scatter" laser treatment (pan-retinal photocoagulation) is effective for treating new blood

vessels before or after they begin to bleed. Severe bleeding may be treated with a surgical

procedure (vitrectomy) by removing blood from the center of the eye.

"Focal" laser treatment may be done to stabilize vision. This therapy may reduce vision loss

by up to 50%.

These laser treatments may reduce the risk of serious vision loss and blindness. But they cannot

cure diabetic eye disease. They cannot bring back lost vision or prevent future vision loss.

Newly developed medications can be injected into the eye to treat the complications of diabetes.


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Steps to Prevent Diabetic Eye DiseaseMore than a third of people with diabetes don't get proper vision care. This puts them at higherrisk for blindness. If you have diabetes, be vigilant about eye and vision care. People with

diabetes, even those without diagnosed eye disease, need to see their eye doctor once a year.

Those with diabetic changes in their eyes need to be seen more frequently.

Keeping your blood sugar tightly controlled and your blood pressure within the normal range

both help as well. Always follow your doctor's recommendations regarding medication, diet, andexercise.

Your Eyes and GlaucomaGlaucoma is a group of related eye diseases that can cause blindness. Many people who have it

don't know it. That's because symptoms don't appear until glaucoma has already damaged the

optic nerve. This nerve carries images from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma optic nerve damage is

usually associated with an elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure).

The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma. Its causes are not yetclearly understood. Glaucoma can also develop without an increase in eye pressure, called low-

tension or normal-tension glaucoma.

Who's at Risk for Glaucoma?Glaucoma can develop in anyone. However, people at increased risk include:

People over age 60 Mexican-Americans All African-Americans and especially those with high eye pressure, corneal thinness, or optic nerve

problems

Anyone who has had a severe eye injury People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes Anyone with a family history of glaucoma A person who has increased eye pressure

Symptoms of GlaucomaTypically, glaucoma has no symptoms until the latest and most advanced stages when vision is

just about gone. Thats why some people call glaucoma the sneak thief of sight. As this eye

disease progresses, the person with glaucoma may notice progressive vision loss, including:

Blurry vision Narrowed side (peripheral) vision Problems focusing A "halo" effect around lights (This is unusual and typically occurs at extreme eye pressures and

acute glaucoma attacks.)


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Treatment for GlaucomaThere is no cure for glaucoma. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored. However, early

detection and treatment of this eye disease can often protect you from severe vision loss.

Glaucoma treatment may include:

Eye drops or pills that help reduce pressure in the eye Several kinds of laser treatments to decrease eye pressure or to compensate for narrow angle

glaucoma

Surgery to create a new opening for fluid to drain from the eye


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If you're taking medicine for glaucoma, take your medicine every day as directed. Remember,

when you dont take your medicine, your eye pressure increases -- and that may be silently

causing permanent vision loss.

If you've lost some vision due to this eye disease, your eye doctor can refer you for low-vision

services. Low-vision aids can help you make the most of your remaining vision.

Steps to Prevent GlaucomaThe key to preventing glaucoma is to maintain normal eye pressure. What eye pressure level is

"normal" for you? Only an eye doctor can determine this.

Have regular eye exams every two years until age 60 and then every year afterward.

Your eye doctor may notice high eye pressure or may determine that you are at high risk ofdeveloping glaucoma. In these cases, you may be asked to use eye drops or visit the doctor more

often. In some people who are at risk for glaucoma, eye drop treatment can reduce the risk byabout 50%. Reducing eye pressure is the only known way to slow or stop the progression ofvisual loss from glaucoma.

Tips for Healthier Eyes

Take a 20-Second Computer Break

Staring at a computer (or any digital screen) wont hurt your eyes, but it can make them feel tired and dry.

Surprisingly, we blink about half as often when were looking at a screen. Follow the 20/20/20 rule:

Every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also, place your screen so its about

25 inches away and slightly below eye level. Reduce glare by moving light sources or using a screen

filter.


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Always Wear SunglassesUV radiation can hurt your eyes just like it does your skin. Effects add up and can causeproblems like cataracts, cornea burns, and even cancer of the eyelid. Whenever youre outside --

even on cloudy days -- wear sunglasses or contacts that block 99% to 100% of UV-A and UV-B

rays. Protective lenses dont have to be expensive, just check the label. Hats block exposure, too.Snow, water, sand, and concrete all can reflect UV rays.

Eat for Your Heart and Your EyesFoods that help circulation are good for your heart, eyes, and vision. Choose heart-healthy foods

like citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, and whole grains. Foods rich in zinc -- beans, peas, peanuts,oysters, lean red meat, and poultry -- can help eyes resist light damage. And carrots do help

eyesight: the vitamin A in them is important for good vision. Other nutrients that help eyes

include beta-carotene (found in many yellow or orange fruits and veggies), and lutein and

zeaxanthin (found in leafy greens and colorful produce).

Dont Ignore Eye Problems If your eyes are itchy or red, soothe them with cold compresses, antihistamines, or eye drops. If

you feel grittiness, like theres sand in your eye, rinse with clean water or saline. See a doctor if

symptoms continue, or if you have eye pain, secretions, swelling, or sensitivity to light. Other

reasons to see a doctor: dark floating spots, flashes of light, or any time you can't see normally.


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Maintaining Good Eye HealthDon't take your eye health for granted. Protect your eyesight with these six tips for eye-healthynutrition, lifestyle, and preventive care.

1. Get the Best Nutrients for Good VisionProtecting your eyes starts with the food on your plate. Studies have shown that nutrients such as

omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E may help ward off age-related visionproblems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Regularly eating these foods can help lead

to good eye health:

Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish Eggs, nuts, beans and other non-meat protein sources Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

Eating a well-balanced diet also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which lowers your risk for

type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults. As many as 45% of people

with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy, which damages vision. Having diabetes alsoincreases your risk for glaucoma and cataracts.

2. Kick the Habit for Better EyesightIf you smoke, here's another good reason to quit tobacco. Smoking has been linked to an

increased risk of cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you've tried to quit

smoking before and relapsed, give it another shot. Studies show that the more times you try toquit smoking, the more likely you are to succeed.

3. Wear Sunglasses for Good VisionThere are two good reasons to wear sunglasses whenever you spend time outside in the sun:

1. Sunglasses look cool.2. The right kind of sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Too much UV exposure increases your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.

When choosing sunglasses, be safe as well as stylish. Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100%

of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side. Polarizedlenses work well to help reduce glare when driving.

Contact lens wearers have the option of using contact lenses that offer UV protection. There are

two types available. One works for intense sun exposure, such as in the mountains or on the

beach. UV protecting contacts are a reasonable option, but may not be a substitute for largewrap-around sunglasses. It is best to protect the eyelids and eye surface from UV in addition to

the area covered by the contact lenses.


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4. Use Safety Eyewear at Home, at Work, and While Playing SportsIf you work with hazardous or airborne materials at work or home, wearing safety glasses orprotective goggles can protect your eyes from injury, vision loss, and blindness.

Certain sports such as ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse also carry the risk for eye injury.Wearing eye protection such as helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with

polycarbonate lenses can shield your eyes from a flying puck or swinging lacrosse stick.

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Detecting Eye Diseases and Conditions