Eye Problems That Can Be Detected Early With Optometry

Most people assume that simply because there is nothing wrong with their vision, frequent eye check-ups are not necessary. However, this is not true. Whether your vision is perfect or not, routine eye exams are just as important as annual body check-ups. 

Just like regular body check-ups are meant to ascertain that you are healthy, the same thing applies to eye exams. They not only help to rule out if your vision is perfect; they also help optometrists catch eye problems in their early stages. The eye problems you can find early with optometry include:

Glaucoma 

This is eye condition damages the eye's optic nerve that is responsible for the transmission of images directly to the brain. If not detected early, glaucoma gets worse with time, and it can lead to permanent blindness, especially in adults. The main cause of glaucoma is the buildup of pressure in the eye, and this ends up causing damage to the eye's optic nerve. 

Because people with this condition have no pain or early symptoms, catching it early with optometry can help the optometrist diagnose and treat the disease appropriately before a permanent loss of sight occurs.

Blepharitis

This is the inflammation of your eyelids, where they end up becoming itchy, red and irritated. It also causes dandruff-like scales to develop on the eyelashes. Blepharitis is a common eye problem caused by several factors like bacteria, allergies and an eye oil gland blockage. This condition affects anyone regardless of age and can be quite uncomfortable. 

Some of the symptoms include itching, burning sensation, dry eyes, excessive tearing and swollen eyelids. Having a regular eye exam allows your optometrist to catch it before the symptoms become severe and lead to blurred vision.

Astigmatism

This eye condition causes people to suffer blurred vision, and it happens when your eye has an irregularly shaped cornea that prevents light from properly focusing on the retina. As a result, astigmatism causes blurred vision, especially for anything at a distance. In most cases, astigmatism can sometimes be present at birth, but can present itself later when undergoing a different eye treatment. Optometry catches this condition in its early stages, and this enables your optometrist to come up with an appropriate treatment plan.

Remember, your eyes are more than just another part of your body. They help improve your life and are a valuable insight when it comes to your health. Having regular eye exams helps to not only detect problems in their early stages but also keep your eyes healthy at all times.