Signs and Risk Factors for Eye Disease

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second greatest factor leading to permanent blindness in the United States. The aqueous humor is a water-like fluid that occupies the anterior chamber of the eye where the pupil, lens, iris, and cornea are located.

The fluid provides the eye with nutrients and the necessary pressure to help maintain the shape of the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is generally caused by an increase in IOP, which subsequently damages the nerve fibers of the retina and the optic nerve.

Glaucoma – Image Credit: Sergei Primakov / Shutterstock

Symptoms

The development of glaucoma can be asymptomatic as the condition tends to progress gradually. However, in some cases, the condition can progress rapidly, causing the following symptoms:

• Blurry vision
• Headache
• Nausea and emesis
• Severe eye pain
• Tenderness in the surrounding areas of the eye
• Reddening of the eye(s)
• Seeing halos around lights

Risk Factors

Individuals from Asian, African or Caribbean backgrounds are at more risk of developing the condition as well as those whose parents or siblings have also be diagnosed with the condition. Furthermore, the prevalence of glaucoma typically increases with age and is more common amongst individuals with long-sightedness or short-sightedness, and with medical conditions such as diabetes.

Cataract

Cataracts are characterized by cloudy patches of the eye’s lens. As the condition progresses, the patching typically increases in size resulting in misty or blurry vision and potentially, blindness. The condition is usually seen in both eyes. However, the rate of progression may differ between eyes, meaning a cataract may not develop in both eyes at the same time.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a cataract include:

• Perceiving colors to be faded
• Difficulty seeing in low light
• Finding lights glaring or too bright
• Blurry or misty vision

Pain may be experienced if the cataract is in an advanced stage of progression, or if there is another comorbid ocular condition.

Risk Factors

Like glaucoma, cataracts are commonly found in older adults. However, they may be seen in young children or babies. Other risk factors include parents or siblings being diagnosed with the condition, prolonged use of steroids, smoking, excessive drinking, and medical conditions such as diabetes.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. The condition develops as a result of high levels of blood sugar which damages the retina. If left untreated or if not diagnosed, it can result in blindness.

Symptoms

Early-stage diabetic retinopathy tends to be asymptomatic. Early signs of the condition can be detected through routine eye tests.

Risk Factors

Those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk of diabetic retinopathy. However, specific risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition, including:

• Being from an Asian, Caribbean or African ethnic background
• Being pregnant
• Having high blood pressure and cholesterol
• Having diabetes for a long period
• High, persistent blood glucose levels

Refractive Errors

Myopia (short-sightedness) and hyperopia (long-sightedness) are common refractive errors. Individuals diagnosed with myopia often have difficulty viewing distant objects.

Distant objects appear blurred. In contrast, those with hyperopia can see these objects, yet, close objects appear blurry. Both conditions can range in severity and are common in both adults and children.

Symptoms

Refractive errors can cause headaches, squinting due to eyestrain, dual vision and seeing halos around bright lights.

Risk Factors

Myopia tends to run in families. Therefore, you’re at risk of developing the condition if one or both of your parents are short-sighted. Further risk factors include spending prolonged periods focusing on close objects such as reading and not spending enough time outdoors.

Hyperopia is considered a heritable condition and is more prevalent as you age.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is characterized by inflammation of the eyelid causing red, itchy, swollen eyelids. It can range in severity from acute to chronic, with the chronic type being the most prevalent.

The condition is generally caused by infections such as the Herpes simplex or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis which result in flaking and crusting of the eyelashes.

Symptoms

Those with blepharitis often have the following symptoms:

• Red eyelids
• Burning or itching sensation of the eye
• Puffy eyelids
• Flaking or crusting at the base of the eyelids

Risk Factors

Those with poor eyelid hygiene, sensitivity to chemicals found in make-up, and preexisting skin conditions seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea are most likely to develop blepharitis.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common ocular condition affecting the middle section of vision typically found in those aged between 50 and 60 years old. Unlike most other eye diseases, AMD does not usually lead to total blindness. Instead, AMD may impair an individual’s ability to recognize faces and read.

The condition occurs due to natural aging which damages the clarity of vision. There are two types of AMD; wet AMD and dry AMD.

Symptoms

Common symptoms experienced include:

• Visual hallucinations
• Objects appearing smaller in size than normal
• Observing straight lines to be slightly crooked or wavy
• Viewing colors to be less bright than normal

A routine eye test can often pick up AMD before being symptomatic.

Risk Factors

Those who smoke regularly or have medical conditions such as heart disease, hypertension are most at risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Updated on 30th March 2020 by Chloe Bennett

Further Reading

• All Eye Disease Content
• Cataracts
• Blepharitis
• Choroideremia
• Diabetic eye disease

Written by

Afsaneh Khetrapal

Afsaneh graduated from Warwick University with a First class honours degree in Biomedical science. During her time here her love for neuroscience and scientific journalism only grew and have now steered her into a career with the journal, Scientific Reports under Springer Nature. Of course, she isn’t always immersed in all things science and literary; her free time involves a lot of oil painting and beach-side walks too.