We use our senses to navigate through different environments in our daily lives. Our sense of smell can help us determine if certain types of food are still edible. Our taste buds help us taste a myriad of different flavors. Our hands can help us touch and determine the texture of certain objects, which can help with tool usage and manipulation.
But one of the most important senses that we use is our vision. Without proper vision, it’s hard to determine the distance of objects. It’s also harder to determine oncoming objects, making it dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians.
As we grow older, our vision is known for being one of our senses that’s affected. There are many common vision problems out there. In fact, recent studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would say that 12 million individuals in the United States currently have some sort of vision impairment. But contrary to what most people think, it’s not just old age that can cause vision problems.
Fortunately, recent innovations in medical technology have made it possible to treat certain types of common vision problems. So what are some common eyesight problems that you’ll need to be wary of? How do you effectively address problems with eyesight? Here are some ways to prevent eye strain and keep your vision clear:
Cataracts
First and foremost, one of the most common types of eyesight problems comes in the form of cataracts. This will cause the vision of the eyes to become cloudy. In most cases, individuals will report difficulties focusing on certain objects, harder to see, and generally hazier vision.
If you know someone with a hard time with hazy and blurry vision, you should get professional help as soon as possible. You might also want to invest in better glasses that can aid with vision. Fortunately, you won’t have to look far since buying special gifts for the visually impaired is a great way to give their vision a boost. Innovative glasses are professionally designed for both center and peripheral vision loss, making it easier for those suffering from common eyesight problems to see clearly.
Glaucoma
This is often regarded as one of the more serious diseases that can damage eyesight in the long term if not treated as soon as possible. This is characterized by the buildup of fluids in the eye, leading to pressures in the optic nerve. Prevention is the most effective way of preventing visual problems.
Night blindness
Although most people are aware that our eyes will take some time to adjust to sudden brightness shifts, there are also some individuals with eyesight who can’t adapt to dimly lit environments. A myriad of health factors causes nyctalopia. It’s best to see an ophthalmologist with the right equipment.
Color Blindness
Although this isn’t as common as other vision problems, color blindness is still a serious condition. This occurs when individuals cannot process colors in the same way that people with normal eyesight can. An affected retina usually causes this. The color cone cells of the retina are not functioning well; this can confuse different types of colors.
Astigmatism
Lastly, another common eyesight complication that most of the population will experience comes in the form of astigmatism. This will refer to imperfections in the lens of the eye. Naturally, an eye that’s considered normal will have a smooth lens while also being proportional for both sides. This can help light pass through and be redirected to the retina.
Most of the time, astigmatism is related to other eyesight problems, such as refractive error. The good news here is that there are a variety of treatments in solving this problem.
As you can see, our eyesight is known for being one of the most important senses of our body. Not only will this navigation aid, but many of the activities that we do daily will require good eyesight. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have made it easier to address many common eyesight problems.
Still, it’s integral to be aware that there are a wide array of eyesight problems, and each type of health complication will have its own medical treatment. At the same time, damage to certain parts of the eye usually indicates potential complications with a particular organ in the body. That said, you must consult with a medical expert that’s well-versed with vision problems as soon as possible. Professional help and supervision are key to preventing any further damage to your vision and your health.
