Eye Diseases: Causes, Types, Symptoms & Treatment | Dream Savers Eye Clinic Lagos

Overview

Your eyes are among the most delicate and vital organs in your body, allowing you to experience the world in full color and detail. Yet, millions of people suffer from eye diseases that can quietly damage their vision over time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2.2 billion people globally have some form of visual impairment, and nearly half of these cases could have been prevented or treated.

In Nigeria, conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy are leading causes of blindness, often due to late diagnosis or lack of awareness. At Dream Savers Eye Clinic, we believe that knowledge is the first step to prevention. This detailed article will help you understand eye diseases, their causes, symptoms, and how timely diagnosis and treatment can save your vision.

Learn more about our Comprehensive Eye Examination Services

What Are Eye Diseases?

Eye diseases refer to any medical conditions that affect the eyes, causing visual impairment, pain, or discomfort. They can impact various parts of the eye including the cornea, retina, optic nerve, or lens and range from mild infections to serious degenerative disorders that can lead to blindness if left untreated.

While some eye diseases are hereditary, others develop as a result of age, lifestyle habits, environmental exposure, or underlying health problems such as diabetes and hypertension. Early detection and professional eye care are key to managing these conditions effectively.

At Dream Savers Eye Clinic, our experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists provide eye diagnosis and treatment designed to preserve and protect your vision.

Types of Eye Diseases

There are numerous kinds of eye diseases, each with unique causes and symptoms. Below are some of the most common ones we encounter at Dream Savers Eye Clinic:

1. Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision. This condition often develops gradually and is most common among older adults, although it can affect younger individuals too.

Symptoms:

• Cloudy or foggy vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Faded colors
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions

Causes:

• Aging (most common)
• Prolonged exposure to UV rays
• Smoking or alcohol use
• Diabetes
• Eye injury or previous surgery

Treatment:
Cataracts can only be permanently treated through surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one. At Dream Savers Eye Clinic, we offer advanced cataract assessment and referral for surgical management.

2. Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are the most common form of eye diseases and occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. This group includes:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism
• Presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on close objects)

Symptoms:

• Blurred vision (near or distant)
• Headaches
• Eye strain
• Difficulty reading or driving at night

Causes:

• Genetic predisposition
• Aging of the eye lens
• Improper eye growth during childhood

Treatment:
Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery can correct refractive errors. Our eye specialists at Dream Savers Eye Clinic offer precise vision correction and prescription lenses to restore clear sight.

3. Glaucoma

Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). It develops slowly and may not show symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.

Click here to learn more about Glaucomalearn more about Glaucoma

Symptoms:

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision
• Severe eye pain (in acute cases)
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights

Causes:

• Increased eye pressure
• Family history
• Age (over 40)
• Diabetes and hypertension

Treatment:
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled through eye drops, medication, laser therapy, or surgery. Regular screening is essential, especially if you have risk factors. Dream Savers Eye Clinic provides comprehensive glaucoma testing and management.

4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. It is a major cause of vision loss in people over 60.

Symptoms:

• Blurred or distorted central vision
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Dark or empty spots in central vision

Causes:

• Aging
• Smoking
• Family history
• Poor diet and lack of antioxidants

Treatment:
While AMD has no cure, early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can slow progression. Nutritional supplements and medical treatment may help preserve sight.

5. Diabetes-Related Retinopathy

This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina. It is one of the most serious eye diseases linked to diabetes and can lead to blindness if not managed properly.

Symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Floaters or dark spots
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Vision loss

Causes:

• Poorly controlled diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

Treatment:
Managing blood sugar levels and undergoing regular eye exams are critical. Laser treatment, injections, or surgery may be required in advanced cases. Dream Savers Eye Clinic offers Diabetic Eye Screening to detect retinopathy early.

6. Eye Injuries

Eye injuries can result from trauma, foreign bodies, or chemical exposure. Depending on severity, they may cause temporary or permanent damage.

Symptoms:

• Redness and pain
• Tearing
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light

Treatment:
Immediate medical attention is vital. Never rub the eye instead, seek professional care at Dream Savers Eye Clinic for Emergency Eye Care.

7. Eye Cancers

Although rare, eye cancers such as retinoblastoma (in children) or melanoma (in adults) can be life-threatening. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Symptoms:

• Vision changes
• A visible mass on the eye
• Loss of part of the visual field

Treatment:
Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy depending on the type and stage.

What Are the Causes of Eye Diseases?

The causes of eye diseases are diverse and may result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Aging: Natural degeneration of eye structures like the lens and retina over time.
2. Genetics Family history can increase the likelihood of diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.
3. Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders can affect eye health.
4. Infections: Bacterial or viral infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis.
5. Poor Nutrition: Lack of vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Prolonged Screen Time: Digital eye strain from excessive use of phones and computers.
7. Environmental Exposure: Dust, UV rays, and pollution can harm the eyes.
8. Smoking and Alcohol: Both increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
   

Read our guide on Eye Care Tips for a Healthy Vision

Symptoms of Eye Diseases

While symptoms vary depending on the condition, some common signs indicate that something may be wrong with your eyes.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Blurred or double vision
• Eye pain or redness
• Sensitivity to light
• Floaters or flashes of light
• Difficulty focusing
• Sudden loss of vision
• Headaches or eye strain

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to serious consequences. Remember: many eye diseases develop silently. The earlier you detect a problem, the better your chances of preserving your sight.

Diagnosis and Tests

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. At Dream Savers Eye Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to identify eye diseases at their earliest stages.

Our diagnostic process includes:

1. Comprehensive Eye Examination: A detailed assessment of your visual acuity, refraction, and overall eye health.
2. Slit-Lamp Examination: This allows our specialists to examine the front structures of the eye, including the cornea, lens, and iris.
3. Tonometry (Eye Pressure Test): Measures intraocular pressure to detect glaucoma early.
4. Retinal Examination: Involves viewing the retina and optic nerve to detect diseases like diabetic retinopathy and AMD.
5. Visual Field Testing: Assesses peripheral vision and helps detect glaucoma-related vision loss.
6. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging test that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina.

Our experienced team ensures accurate diagnosis and guides you through the best treatment plan for your unique condition.

Book your Comprehensive Eye Test in Lagos today.

Preventing Eye Diseases

Prevention is always better than cure. To reduce your risk of eye diseases, follow these simple yet powerful steps:

1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Even if you have perfect vision, routine checkups can catch hidden problems early.
2. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet: Include leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Manage Health Conditions: Keep diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.
5. Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol: Both are major contributors to eye degeneration.
6. Use Digital Devices Wisely: Follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
7. Maintain Proper Hygiene: Avoid touching your eyes with unclean hands and replace contact lenses as advised.

Your eyes deserve the best care, they connect you to the beauty of life. By understanding eye diseases, their causes, and their symptoms, you take the first step toward protecting your vision.

Visit Dream Savers Eye Clinic, Lagos, for comprehensive eye examination, diagnosis, and personalized treatment for all types of eye diseases.