The leading causes of blindness and low vision in the United States are primarily age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Astigmatism.
Cataracts.
Color Blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy.
Dry Eye.
Floaters.
2. Types of refractive errors:
Nearsightedness (myopia) makes far-away objects look blurry.
Farsightedness (hyperopia) makes nearby objects look blurry.
Astigmatism can make far-away and nearby objects look blurry or
distorted.
Presbyopia makes it hard for middle-aged and older adults to see
things up close.
3. Myopia (Nearsightedness): Myopia is
a condition where distant objects
appear blurry, while close-up objects
are clear. It occurs when the eyeball
is slightly longer than normal or the
cornea is too curved, causing light to
focus in front of the retina instead of
directly on it.
Myopia
4. Hyperopia (Farsightedness):
Hyperopia is a condition where
close-up objects appear blurry,
while distant objects are clearer. It
occurs when the eyeball is shorter
than normal or the cornea is too
flat, causing light to focus behind
the retina instead of directly on it
Hyperopia
5. Astigmatism:
Astigmatism is a condition
where the cornea has an
irregular shape, causing
blurred or distorted vision at
all distances. It can be
present alongside myopia or
hyperopia.
6. Presbyopia is an age-related
condition that affects near
vision. It occurs when the lens
of the eye loses its flexibility,
making it difficult to focus on
close-up objects. It typically
becomes noticeable around
the age of 40 and continues to
progress.
Presbyopia:
7. Cataract -
Cataracts: Cataracts are a
clouding of the natural lens
inside the eye, leading to
blurry or hazy vision. It is
usually age-related, but can
also be caused by injury,
medications, or underlying
medical conditions. Cataract
surgery is a common
treatment option.
8. Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs
when the eyes do not
produce enough tears or the
tears evaporate too quickly.
It can cause discomfort, a
gritty sensation, redness, and
blurry vision.
9. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):
Conjunctivitis is an
inflammation or infection
of the conjunctiva, the thin,
transparent layer covering
the whites of the eyes and
inner eyelids. It can cause
redness, itching, tearing,
and discharge.
10. Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is a group of eye
conditions characterized by
damage to the optic nerve,
often caused by elevated
intraocular pressure. It can
lead to progressive vision
loss and, if left untreated,
can result in permanent
blindness.
11. Retinal Detachment:
Retinal detachment occurs
when the retina becomes
separated from the
underlying tissue, leading to
a sudden onset of floaters,
flashes of light, and a
curtain-like shadow or loss
of vision in the affected eye.
12. Diabetic Retinopathy:
Diabetic retinopathy is
a complication of
diabetes that affects
the blood vessels in the
retina. It can lead to
vision loss if not
properly managed.
13. Keratoconus is a
progressive condition in
which the cornea thins and
bulges into a cone shape,
leading to distorted vision
and increased sensitivity to
light.
Keratoconus:
14. AMD is a degenerative eye disease that affects the macula, the
central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It can
cause a loss of central vision, making it difficult to read, drive, or
recognize faces.
Age-Related Macular
Degeneration (AMD):