We all have loved ones who need us in their lives, those who rely on us and can't wait until we can all safely gather together again once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. You owe it to your friends and family to care for your eye health so you can enjoy quality time together.
While it is important to avoid exposure to COVID-19, it is imperative to take care of your eyesight. Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma are usually caught during comprehensive eye exams, which is why it is critical to reschedule eye appointments you may have postponed.
Cataracts, the Most Common Form of Vision Loss
Over 30.5 million Americans have cataracts. A cataract is the clouding of the eye lens. At first, you may not be aware you have a cataract because the cloudiness affects a small part of the lens. Over time, cataracts can cause symptoms like:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Glares and halos
- Difficulty reading
- Challenges with night driving
If left untreated, cataracts can cause severe vision impairment. The good news is that cataract-related vision loss is treatable with cataract surgery. This procedure offers good long-term results, and about 98 percent of all cases performed by an experienced surgeon are complication-free and successful.
Glaucoma, the Sneak Thief of Sight
Glaucoma refers to a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause permanent eye damage. Usually developing without symptoms or pain, glaucoma has been called the sneak thief of sight. Glaucoma usually affects peripheral vision at first. By the time symptoms are noticeable, much of the visual field has already permanently deteriorated.
There is no cure for glaucoma, but there are effective medical, laser and surgical therapies. A comprehensive eye exam will detect glaucoma, and treatment can begin immediately.
You may not consider a comprehensive eye exam to be a priority during this already stressful time, but neglecting your vision health can have serious implications. Your loved ones want you to be able to see many more major milestones. Don't delay your eye exam any longer so you can have many years of clear vision. Find a board-certified ophthalmologist in your area.