Diabetic eye disease is a problem that affects both type-1 and type-2 diabetes patients. Examples of diabetic eye diseases are cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. There are no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular exams are critical.
Cataracts typically affect older individuals and result in a clouding in the lens of the eye. Sometimes it is just a spot, while in others it can affect the entire eye. When light enters the eye, it scatters, which leads to a hazy image. Cataracts require eye surgery, where the cataract lens is replaced with a man-made one.
Glaucoma is a condition that can threaten your sight and eventually lead to blindness, which is why early detection is critical. It is often referred to as the “Silent Thief of Sight,” because it typically goes undetected until someone experiences advanced vision loss. Monitoring varying eye pressures can indicate that a person might have the beginnings of glaucoma. A “puff-of-air” test using an instrument called a tonometer calculates intraocular pressure. It is based on the way your eye responds to the puff of air.
Conjunctivitis is also called “pink eye” and is a very common inflammation of the eye. It is typically caused by viruses, irritants, and bacteria, and it is highly contagious.
Macular degeneration is a progressive and chronic disease that reduces clear and sharp vision due to the macula, which is the center of the retina, beginning to deteriorate. There are two kinds of macular degeneration: dry and wet.
Dry eye syndrome is called ocular surface disorder and is characterized by a reduced production of tears, resulting in the eye not having enough moisture to clean and protect it.