Eye Conditions

Common Eye Conditions and Diseases - Diagnosis and Treatment in India

This short explains some of the most common conditions that can affect your vision. These include cataracts, glaucoma, and issues related to diabetes.

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye, which sits behind your iris and pupil.

• What happens. The lens becomes less transparent, causing blurry or misty vision. It is a gradual process that usually happens as you get older.
• Common symptoms. You may notice that colours appear faded, or you might see halos around lights. You may also be more sensitive to glare.
• How it is treated. The standard treatment is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one. This is a very common and safe procedure.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain.

• What causes it. It is usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the front part of the eye, which increases the pressure inside the eye.
• Why it is serious. If not diagnosed and treated early, glaucoma can lead to a permanent loss of vision. It often has no symptoms in the early stages.
• How it is managed. Treatment aims to lower the pressure in the eye. This can be done with eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy

This is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (the retina).

• Who is at risk. Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases the longer you have had diabetes.
• How it affects vision. The damaged blood vessels in the retina can leak or become blocked. This can cause blurred vision, floaters, and eventual vision loss.
• Treatment options. Controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is essential. Advanced cases may need laser treatment or injections of medication into the eye.

The suitability of any treatment depends on your individual circumstances. A specialist can recommend a course of action after a full evaluation, including a review of your medical reports and recent imaging.