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If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, seeing an eye doctor is a routine part of monitoring vision changes and renewing prescriptions. But even for those with perfect vision, these exams are also an opportunity to identify diseases early, before they cause long-term damage. Here, the staff at West Valley Vision Center in Fairbanks, AK, highlights a few of the most common issues that can affect your vision. 

3 Common Eye Problems

1. Cataracts

Cataracts is a serious vision problem that refers to the clouding of the eye’s lens. It often affects older people. For someone with cataracts, it may feel as though they are constantly looking through a fogged-up window. Other symptoms include light sensitivity, halos, and difficulty with night vision. This disease develops slowly and can be treated with prescription eyeglasses if detected early. When it is advanced, surgery may become the only option for treatment. 

2. Glaucoma

eye doctorGlaucoma is a disease that occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve, and it is one of the leading causes of blindness among people over the age of 60. Some of the early symptoms of glaucoma include large pupils, red eyes, and seeing halos around lights. Early intervention is critical to preventing permanent vision loss. 

3. Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disease caused by the deterioration of the center of the retina, or the macula. This condition can affect a person’s ability to recognize faces, see fine details, or even drive. Catching it early is the most effective way to prevent it from progressing at a rapid speed. Symptoms include distorted or fuzzy vision, such as seeing straight lines as blurry or wavy.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of developing the above diseases by maintaining your eye health. Routine exams with an eye doctor will make it more likely a disease will be identified in its earliest stages so you can seek treatment before it progresses. Consuming foods with nutrients and antioxidants, exercising, and quitting smoking are also ways you can protect your vision. 

If you are experiencing any of the above issues or are overdue for your next exam, turn to the eye doctors at West Valley Vision Center in Fairbanks, AK. They offer comprehensive eye care services and are dedicated to helping patients stay healthy. Call (907) 479-4700 today to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services.

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