There are far too many eye diseases that can threaten your vision. Luckily, your optometrist is here to help you avoid the worst-case scenario. With proper eye disease management, it’s possible to keep your symptoms under control so that you can continue to get the most out of your everyday life. Below is a closer look at some examples of eye disease and how your optometrist can help address them.
What Kinds of Eye Disease Are There?
Eye diseases come in many different forms. Some particularly notable examples include:
- Amblyopia: Also known as “lazy eye”, amblyopia is when one eye does not develop proper vision. This can lead to poor depth perception.
- Astigmatism: Having astigmatism means that you suffer from blurred vision due to the way your cornea is shaped. You can typically expect astigmatism to get worse over time, and it often leads to headaches and eyestrain.
- Myopia: Myopia is more commonly referred to as nearsightedness. Like astigmatism, it can grow more severe as time passes.
- Floaters and Flashes: Sometimes, you may see small streaks floating around or sudden flashes of light. These side effects can potentially be your first warning sign of a retinal tear or another serious eye condition.
How Can Your Optometrist Help You Manage Your Eye Disease?
Eye disease management starts with a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist will evaluate the current state of your vision as well as the overall health of your eye; throughout the process, they will look carefully for any signs of eye disease.
If any issues are found, your optometrist can diagnose the problem in order to figure out your best options for treatment. Naturally, what those options are can vary depending on the nature of your eye disease.
For example, if you have astigmatism or myopia, you may be prescribed glasses or contact lenses in order to help you see more clearly during the day. On the other hand, surgery may be required if you are suffering from an eye disease that has resulted in floaters and flashes.
When it comes to eye disease management, it always pays to be proactive. The sooner that your optometrist identifies the problem, the sooner you can get the care you need to protect and improve your vision. Are you worried that you may be developing some form of eye disease? Get in touch with your local optometrist today to schedule an appointment!
About the Author
Dr. Nayiri Ajoian went to the New England College of Optometry in Boston. She trained at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Portland, OR, specifically focusing on ocular disease, low vision, and specialty contact lenses. She’s happy to offer therapy and treatment options for a variety of eye diseases. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ajoian at EyeSmile Dentistry and Optometry of Belmont, visit her website or call (617) 484-7869.