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Early detection is vital to diagnosing and treating many of the most common sight threatening eye conditions. Glaucoma, Cataracts and Macular Degeneration are three of the many eye conditions that can be detected by an eye care specialist. The Vision Council (VCA) recommends comprehensive vision exams to ensure proper eye health.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a build-up of fluid in the eye which pressures the optic nerve, causing damage and resulting in fading vision. As a leading cause of blindness in the U.S., glaucoma affects between three and four million people, including an estimated 1.5 to two million people who are unaware they have the disease.
Symptoms may include:
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Blurred vision
Risk Factors may include:
- Over 40 years old
- African American
- Family history of glaucoma
- Strongly nearsighted
- Diabetic
Glaucoma is not preventable or curable, but its effects can be slowed. The earlier glaucoma is detected, the less damage it causes and the longer vision can be preserved. Medication (usually eye drops) or surgery is necessary to drain excess fluid and/or decrease the amount of fluid the eye produces.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of all or part of the eye's lens, which results in blurred or distorted vision. More than 20.5 million Americans over age 40 are affected by this disease. Cataracts are usually found in people over age 55, but occasionally affect younger people.
Symptoms may include:
- Cloudy, blurry vision
- Colors that seem faded
- Poor night vision
- Double or multiple vision (this symptom often goes away as the cataract grows)
- Frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription
With small cataracts, vision can usually be improved by using different eyeglasses, magnifying lenses or brighter lighting. If the condition does not improve, the only effective treatment is surgery, which replaces the cloudy lens with an implant. A cataract does not need to be removed unless vision loss interferes with everyday activities, such as driving, reading or watching TV.
Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration results from changes to the portion of the retina which is responsible for clear, sharp vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in America. Approximately 15 million Americans live with the disease and it is most common in older people ages 75-80.
Symptoms may include:
- Dark or empty areas appearing in the center of vision
- Distorted vision
- Gradual loss of color vision and ability to see objects clearly
Laser surgery, or newer medications that are injected into the eye may prevent central vision loss from becoming worse, even though normal vision may not be restored. Another option is to use low vision devices such as magnifying lenses or electronic viewing tools to make the most out of remaining vision.
Questions about eye conditions, vision care and eye health? Visit your local Walmart Vision Center.
Walmart thanks our partner, The Vision Council and their report, Making the Grade? for the content of this page.
Check out an interactive tutorial from 1-800 CONTACTS, our most popular contact lens brand, to learn more about eye health. To view the tutorial, you need Adobe Flash Player.
*Valid only at Walmart Vision Center. Professional eye exam not included. Valid eye doctor prescription required. Guarantee is for eyeglasses returned within 12 months of purchase from a Walmart Vision Center. Returned glasses will be replaced by glasses of comparable value. You must bring the broken eyeglasses back to a Walmart Vision Center to be eligible for warranty replacement.
