Have you noticed vision changes as you have gotten older? You are not alone! As a matter of fact, the leading cause of blindness in the United States is closely related to old age. But there is also some good news: Early detection and treatment can help minimize the impact on your sight.
In this article, we hope to provide education and awareness of common eye causes of blindness.
Many patients who think of causes of blindness may wonder about glaucoma. Glaucoma is not one disorder but a group of diseases. The result is damage to the optic nerve, which results in vision loss.
There are two different types of Glaucoma: open-angle and closed-angle. Open-angle is slow to progress, while closed angle is sudden and painful. Patients often seek treatment due to the pain, which helps early intervention.
With effective diagnosis and treatment, patients can manage their pain while minimizing the risk of blindness.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens that can occur at any age. The following can contribute to the development of cataracts:
The way cataracts affect the eyes can vary, including complete or partial, and hard or soft. Cataracts are treatable, but patients face barriers, including lack of awareness and cost. The condition can be treated through surgical and non-surgical interventions depending upon the progression.
Age-Related macular degeneration (AMD) is the number one cause of impairment in reading and close vision over 65. It can significantly impact daily tasks such as work and driving. The condition affects sharp and central vision.
There are two forms: wet and dry. Wet AMD is when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow in the eye, leading to blood and fluid leakage. The fluid and scarring can lead to damage and vision loss. Initially, it may present as straight lines appearing as wavy.
Dry AMD is where the macula thins over time. Gradually central vision becomes blurry. It progresses slowly and is more common than wet AMD. Drusen is an early sign of Dry AMD.
Urgent medical care is often sought for injuries to the eyes, such as cuts or impact injuries. But urgent care can also assist with diagnosing, treating, and referral for other eye concerns. Whether you are without primary care or there has been a sudden vision change, our providers can help determine what is impacting your eyesight.
Currently, we serve patients at the following locations:
We are dedicated to providing passionate and professional care to our patients. Safety is a priority, and we currently offer telemedicine urgent care in Florida for many conditions, including:
Contact us for an appointment today!
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