Common Eye Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management

Eyes give us the ability to perceive the world around us and see colors, people, and the wonders of the world. However, various factors, such as age, genetics, accidents, poor health habits, environmental conditions, or underlying health conditions, can lead to eye disorders. In this article, we will explore some common eye disorders, understand their diagnosis, available treatment options, and various effective treatment management strategies.

Refractive Errors

These are vision problems in which the patient finds it difficult to see things up close or at a distance. Refractive errors, which occur when light cannot properly focus on the retina, are the most prevalent eye condition worldwide. 

Refractive errors include the following:

Nearsightedness: Also known as myopia, nearsightedness affects the eyes' ability to see distant objects. However, one can see nearby objects. An axial length of the eye that is too long or a cornea that is too curved is usually the reason behind this type of refractive error. Nearsightedness usually begins during childhood and continues to progress during the growth years.

Farsightedness: Also known as hyperopia, farsightedness is a refractive error in which a person can see distant objects clearly, but a close one seems blurry. If you are finding it difficult to read a book or work on a computer, farsightedness is the culprit. An eyeball that is too short or a cornea with too little curvature is the usual cause of hyperopia. Hyperopia can be present from birth.

Astigmatism:This refractive error occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, and the person sees blurry images at multiple distances (both near and far).

Diagnosis for all refractive errors involves a comprehensive eye exam, including tests that measure the curvature of the cornea and the shape of the eye's lens. Treatment of refractive errors typically involves prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. There are surgical treatments available as well, which aregaining much popularity:

LASIK: In this surgery, excimer lasers are used to create a flap in the cornea's top layer and reshape the cornea. The entire surgery takes about 20-30 minutes and is one of the most preferred treatments for eye problems. After LASIK, patients usually get a clear vision and have a minimal recovery period.

To get conceptual clarity on the MBBS subjects online, click here

PRK: Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a type of laser eye surgery that removes the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium. The underlying corneal tissue is then reshaped. Compared to LASIK, PRK patients take longer to recover because the epithelium needs time to regenerate fully.

Visian ICL: The Visian Implantable Collamer Lens involves placing an implantable Collamer lens between the iris and natural lens. A great alternative to laser eye surgeries like LASIK or PRK, Visian ICL offers vision correction for individuals with moderate to severe myopia. The lenses inserted are removable, which means that if the prescription changes in the future, they can be removed or replaced. Some patients prefer Visian ICL because no corneal tissues need to be removed.

Cataracts

Most common at the age of 50 and older, cataracts refer to the cloudy spots on the eye's lens that do not let light pass to the retina and hence affect the sight. Some of the common symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, problems seeing at night or in low-light conditions, and sensitivity to glare. Once diagnosed, the doctor suggests surgery as a treatment for this. The good news is that cataract surgeries are one of the most common eye surgeries and deliver great results. Technological advancements have made cataract surgeries more manageable and accessible to patients, even in far-flung areas.

Keratoconus

This is an eye condition in which the cornea begins to thin and bulge or protrude, leading to vision issues. People suffering from keratoconus usually need frequent prescription updates as their vision continuously changes. While the treatment starts with specialized contact lenses, advanced stages require invasive treatments such as corneal transplantation. Other treatments include intacs, where thin inserts are placed around the outer edge of the cornea to reshape and flatten it without removing any corneal tissue. 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a progressive eye condition that usually affects people over the age of 60 and causes severe vision loss. It can be divided into two types: dry AMD, where there is a buildup of small yellow deposits called drusen under the macula, and wet AMD, where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. So far, the exact cause of AMD has not been found, but factors such as smoking, genetics, and a diet low in vital nutrients might be the reason for it. 

There are two surgical treatments available to slow down the vision loss due to AMD:

Anti-VEGF Injections: In this treatment, anti-VEGF drugs are used to help decrease the number of abnormal blood vessels within the retina and slow the leaking vessels' growth. 

Photodynamic Laser Therapy (PDT): It is a laser treatment that targets and breaks down abnormal blood vessels in the posterior part of the eye.

Other common eye problems include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinal detachment and tears, and strabismus. 

An ophthalmologist can diagnose all eye problems and will suggest a suitable surgical or non-surgical treatment upon careful examination and tests. Remember, early treatment and prevention are your best bets.

Aspiring ophthalmologists can learn more about eye disorders and their diagnosis and treatment options in detail by enrolling in online ophthalmology courses. Online courses by top faculty and subject experts are one of the best ways to learn and get your concepts clear.