Common Eye Conditions: Symptoms, Causes, and…

Common eye conditions range from minor irritations to sight-threatening disease. Cataracts cause a gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred, dulled vision that’s easily corrected with surgery. Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula and central vision, while glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often without early symptoms.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by long-term high blood sugar damaging the blood vessels of the retina, and can be prevented from progressing with good diabetes control and regular screening. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency, presenting with sudden floaters, flashes, or a curtain-like shadow across vision.

Knowing the warning signs of each condition, and attending regular eye examinations, is the best protection against permanent vision loss.