Understanding Eye Diseases and Eye Health

Is the Eye an Organ?

Yes, the eye is a specialised sense organ that allows a person to see. An organ, as defined by the National Human Genome Research Institute, is a collection of tissues that perform a particular function. Other examples of organs include the heart, lungs and kidneys.

What Eye Disease is Related to Age?

Many eye diseases are related to age due to the eye naturally changing and developing issues as a person gets older. The eye diseases related to age include age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and presbyopia. Experiencing eye floaters in a person’s vision is also related to age as the vitreous humour naturally breaks down over time causing this eye issue.

What Eye Problems Can be Caused by Blue Light?

The effects of blue light are still not definitive as research is in its early stages meaning there are no eye problems specifically caused by blue light. However, people may experience eye strain or eye fatigue from staring at a screen too long, most likely due to the light from the screen, but the blue light emitted from the device may also be a contributing factor.

What Eye Issue is Caused by UV Light?

If the eyes are exposed to UV light emitted from the sun it can cause cataracts, corneal damage and macular degeneration, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. To protect the eyes from UV light, a person should wear sunglasses whenever outside, even if it is not sunny.

What is the Cause of Cataract Development in the Eye?

The most common cause of cataracts developing in the eye is age, as the eye naturally changes when a person gets older, which can cause a cataract to form within the eye. According to the National Eye Institute, once a person reaches around the age of 40, the proteins in the eye’s lens begin to break down and subsequently clump together, making the eye become cloudy; this is known as a cataract.

Why Does Glaucoma Occur in the Eye?

Glaucoma occurs in the eye due to damage to the optic nerve, however, what causes this damage is not definitively known. According to Glaucoma Australia, damage to the optic nerve can be caused by an increase in the pressure of fluid in the eye, also known as intraocular pressure. However, as stated by Health Direct, glaucoma can also occur in those with normal pressure in the eye. People can also have high intraocular pressure without glaucoma.

What Causes the Eye to Develop Papilledema?

The causes of papilledema include tumours, high blood pressure, iron deficiency and infections, inflammation or bleeding in the brain. Papilledema is an eye condition characterised by the swelling of the optic discs in a person’s eyes due to increased intracranial pressure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms of this eye condition include double vision, headaches and transient visual obstructions.

How Does Optic Neuritis Occur in the Eye?

Optic neuritis occurs in the eye due to inflammation or swelling which damages the optic nerve. According to the Mayo Clinic, optic neuritis typically affects only one eye and leads to pain, visual field loss, vision loss in the affected eye and a loss of colour vision. The exact cause of optic neuritis is not known but it is often associated with autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.

What Eye Diseases Cause Blindness?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, age-related diseases are the leading cause of low vision and blindness in the United States. Age-related eye diseases include cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

What is the Most Common Eye Condition Adults Experience?

One of the most common eye conditions experienced by older people is cataracts, according to Vision Australia. They also report that age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in Australians over 40.

Does Optometry Include Evaluating and Assessing Eye Health?

Yes, optometry includes evaluating and assessing a person’s eye health. This is achieved through an eye test as an optometrist will perform multiple tests to check on a patient's eye health and vision. These eye tests include a tonometry test, a slit lamp exam, a visual acuity test and a visual field test.

Do Optometrists Prescribe Corrective Lenses to Improve Eyesight?

Yes, one of the main roles of an optometrist is to prescribe corrective lenses to improve eyesight. An optometrist can prescribe glasses by performing an eye test to determine what corrective lenses the patient needs. If a patient has a refractive error, an optometrist will provide the prescription needed to give them clear and comfortable vision. Some optometrists also write prescriptions for eye drops.

Does an Optometrist Diagnose and Treat Eye Problems?

Through various tests in a comprehensive eye test, an optometrist can diagnose eye problems and diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and issues with the cornea and proceed with treatment. Optometrists will also detect any refractive errors a person may have such as hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism. For more complex eye conditions, an optometrist can refer the patient to an ophthalmologist for management and treatment.

What are the Necessary Vitamins to Maintain Eye Health?

The vitamins a person can take to potentially maintain eye health include vitamin A, vitamin C, Zinc, Lutein and Zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids. The vitamins to maintain eye health and their definitions are listed below.

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a type of fat-soluble vitamin found in animal products such as eggs and dairy, as well as orange vegetables and fruits. Vitamin A is beneficial for the eye as it helps protect the conjunctiva and cornea.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a type of water-soluble vitamin found in citrus-based foods such as oranges and strawberries and in vegetables such as broccoli.
• Zinc: Zinc is a type of mineral that contributes to good eye health by helping to maintain retina function and possibly preventing or slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two types of fat-soluble carotenoids found in the retina. These vitamins help as an antioxidant for eye health which combats damage from UV light.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat that may help to relieve symptoms of dry eyes and lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Can Eyeglasses be Used to Treat Nearsightedness?

Yes, eyeglasses can be used to treat nearsightedness by correcting the refractive error through corrective lenses. Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a refractive error that causes blurry distance vision. Nearsightedness is caused by a misshapen eyeball which disrupts the eyes’ ability to receive and bend light. Nearsightedness is corrected by prescription glasses that have a minus-powered lens, also known as a concave lens, which corrects the focal issues of the eye.

Can Eyeglasses be Used to Treat Farsightedness?

Yes, eyeglasses can be used to treat farsightedness by correcting the refractive error through corrective lenses. Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a refractive error that causes blurry near vision. Farsightedness is caused by a misshapen eyeball which causes light to focus behind the retina instead of onto it. Farsightedness is corrected by prescription glasses that have a plus-powered lens, also known as a convex lens, which has a thick centre to help light focus onto the retina correctly.

Do Most People Need Eyeglasses Eventually?

Yes, most people will eventually need some form of vision correction as they age, however, this is not a blanket rule for everyone. Most commonly, a person’s vision will decrease naturally with age and make near vision become blurry. This eye condition is called presbyopia which is a refractive error meaning the shape of the eye stops light from focusing correctly on the retina, leading to blurry vision. Other refractive errors include myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. As a person ages, their lens becomes harder and less flexible meaning the eye cannot change its shape to allow greater levels of focus, leading to blurry vision when looking at things close up.

Can Blue Light Glasses Reduce the Risk of Eye Disease?

No, blue light glasses do not reduce the risk of eye disease, rather they are worn to help with eye strain and to block potentially harmful blue light emitted from digital screens. Blue light glasses can also aid in sleep by helping regulate a person’s circadian rhythm.

How Much do Eyeglasses Normally Cost?

The normal cost of eyeglasses is difficult to determine as millions of glasses are available to purchase at differing prices. The factors that can affect the cost of glasses include the retailer, whether they are designer, the material used and the lenses fitted in the frames. At Oscar Wylee, a standard pair of glasses can be purchased from $169.