Glaucoma
Those with a family history of glaucoma, over 60 or of minority background are considered greater at-risk for the disease. There are no symptoms, as vision stays normal and there is no pain. As the disease worsens, the field of vision narrows and blindness results. Detection comes from regular dilated pupil eye exams. If glaucoma is detected and treated early, it usually can be controlled before severe vision loss occurs. It is recommended that everyone at risk have their eyes examined at least once every two years.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of this disease. Diabetic eye disease may include:
*Cataract and glaucoma also affect many people who do not have diabetes.
The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he or she will get diabetic retinopathy. Nearly half of all people with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime. People lacking regular health care, retirement age and of minority background are considered greater at-risk. Diabetic eye disease often shows no symptoms in its earliest stages. Blurred vision may occur when swelling in the eye occurs. Detection comes from regular dilated pupil eye exams. It is recommended that everyone at risk have their eyes examined at least once a year.
Low vision
Low vision is an eye condition that cannot be improved medically, surgically or with conventional lenses, will increase dramatically due to global increases in life expectancy. Treatment of low vision involves the provision of special optical aids and adaptive devices, combined with rehabilitation services, to help individuals maximize their remaining vision. Steps to expand low vision care and vision rehabilitation services must be taken now to prevent needless disability for millions of individuals in the coming decades.
River Blindness
Onchocerciasis, or also known as river blindness, is caused by infections that occur after being bitten by a black fly, which is found near swiftly flowing rivers (hence the nickname of the disease). Villagers have abandoned fertile land near the rivers to avoid being bitten. The treatments are not only preventing blindness but also enabling people to return to rich land and revive their local economy. Approximately 100 million people in Africa and Latin America are at risk of contracting the disease and, despite major advances in control, 18 million people remain heavily infected.
Trachoma
It is a bacterial disease, spread easily through close contact. It does not immediately blind those infected with the disease, instead it is a slow and painful robber of sight. Children and women are most susceptible to infection, and the repeated scratching of the cornea from inturned eyelashes can lead to complete blindness. In addition, trachoma is often generational, as it is easily transmitted by a mother's unknowing touch to wipe her child's eye. Trachoma is one of the oldest known infectious diseases and the leading cause of preventable blindness, affecting 6 million people, with another 500 million at risk from the disease.
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding that develops in the lens of the eye, blocking light to the eye and obstructing vision. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. It is the most common eye disease and form of preventable blindness. It can typically be reversed through surgery.