Eye Disease

Some of the most serious eye diseases are those that can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected and treated early. These include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects central vision; diabetic retinopathy, caused by diabetes and a leading cause of blindness; and glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and can result in irreversible vision loss. Other serious conditions include retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease that reduces night and side vision, and severe corneal diseases, which can be painful and may require a corneal transplant.

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eye surface insufficiently lubricated and causing symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, and a gritty sensation. Many factors contribute to dry eye, including aging, certain medications, environmental conditions, and prolonged digital device use, which, without proper treatment, can lead to corneal damage and decreased quality of vision.

Comprehensive eye exams can detect numerous conditions beyond common vision problems, including diabetes through retinal changes, hypertension through altered blood vessel patterns, and autoimmune disorders that cause eye inflammation. Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis sometimes first appear as optic nerve abnormalities, while certain cancers affecting the eye or brain may be discovered during routine exams.

Some autoimmune diseases can affect the eyes because the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic dry eyes and inflammation around the surface of the eye. Graves’ disease may affect the tissues around the eyes, leading to eye bulging, discomfort, or double vision. Lupus can impact blood vessels in the eye and contribute to dryness or vision changes. Sjögren’s syndrome mainly affects tear production, causing persistent dry, irritated eyes. Multiple sclerosis can involve the optic nerve, which may lead to episodes of blurred or temporarily lost vision.

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, most often due to increased pressure inside the eye. This pressure can build up when the eye’s natural drainage system doesn’t work properly, either slowly over time or suddenly if drainage becomes blocked. In some cases, glaucoma can develop even when eye pressure appears normal.

Risk factors include a family history of glaucoma, which significantly increases risk, advancing age, medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and long-term use of steroid medications. Because glaucoma often has no early symptoms, regular eye exams are essential for early detection and vision preservation.