Texas residents face a range of common eye conditions influenced by various factors, from the State’s intense sunlight and dryer climates in the non-coastal areas to the prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes. Exposure to high UV levels, allergens, and arid conditions contributes to eye issues, making conditions like cataracts and dry eye syndrome particularly widespread. Additionally, Texas has a significant population at risk for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, both of which are major causes of vision loss.
Understanding these prevalent eye conditions can help Texans protect their vision through preventive measures, regular check-ups, and lifestyle adjustments that counter the unique challenges posed by their environment. Today’s advances in diagnostics and treatments can offer options and solutions for a variety of eye conditions.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common eye conditions:
- Cataracts
Cataracts are widespread across the U.S., and in Texas, they’re common among adults over 60. Aging, UV exposure due to the sunny climate, and smoking are contributing factors to adults experiencing cataracts. Higher UV exposure accelerates the lack of transparency in the vision, resulting in early onset of cataracts. Some eye injuries or eye surgery may cause cataracts, as well as extended use of steroids and medical conditions such as diabetes. Symptoms result in cloudy or blurred vision, glare sensitivity, faded colors and difficulty seeing at night. Also double vision in one eye and seeing halos around bright lights is also very common. Regular eye exams are crucial to assessing the damage. Wearing sunglasses can provide protection against the sun’s rays. Usually the only permanent solution may be cataract surgery which consists of replacing the cloudy eye lens with an artificial lens.
- Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in Texas, particularly among Hispanic and African American populations. Increased intraocular pressure or pressure of the fluids inside the eye can damage the optic nerve. Genetics serve to suggest this condition plus having diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea can result in glaucoma issues. Some people experience eye pain, blind spots in vision and reduced vision at night. Often symptomless in the early stages, glaucoma becomes evident with loss of peripheral and central vision and eventual blindness if untreated. Education about the condition and routine examinations are important to assess and mitigate glaucoma’s impact. It can be diagnosed as early as the mid-thirties age-wise. Depending on the severity, some eye drop therapies help prevent further loss and ultimately laser surgery might be considered.
- Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is common in Texas due to the unfortunately high rates of diabetes and obesity. Even residents with pre-diabetes can be affected. High blood sugar levels damage retinal blood vessels in this metabolic disorder. This is a leading cause of vision impairment in the adult population. Symptoms include floaters, blurred vision, dark spots, and vision loss. This disease can be treated with photocoagulation. This is a laser treatment, also known as focal laser treatment, which can slow the leakage of blood and fluid in the eye. During the procedure, leaks from abnormal blood vessels are treated with laser burns.
- Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is common in older adults. This disease is caused by a buildup of deposits or abnormal blood vessels. Some of the causes include aging, genetic factors, smoking, being overweight and prolonged UV exposure. Since this is an age-related disease, senior citizens can be at risk. Even if inherited genetics are not a factor, an unhealthy diet can elevate the risk, especially with high blood pressure. High consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol can also be associated with the degeneration. Depending on the type of age-related macular degeneration in evidence, there can be a range of symptoms like blurred or distorted central vision; difficulty seeing in low light; and distorted shapes, lines and faces. Early stages may not cause symptoms at first but once they are experienced, the condition escalates quickly. The disease is more prevalent in Caucasian women. If diagnosed early, age-related macular degeneration can be controlled by dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, vision aids and regular eye exams. Advanced stages of the disease may be treated with injections to grow blood vessels and help with the leakage.
- Dry Eye Syndrome
Texas residents living in hot, arid regions, experience dry eye more frequently than in other areas. This condition can be caused by low humidity in the non-coastal regions of the State, wind, dust and allergens. Urban areas with dense population and industries with factories are prone to air quality issues with the pollutants causing eye irritation. Long periods of time in front of the computer or digital device will cause eye strain and reduces blink rate. Some other causes could be aging, diabetes or lupus, medications, contact lenses and damage to tear glands. The dry eye condition causes eye redness, irritation, light sensitivity, swelling, blurry vision and a burning sensation. Because of the lack of tears, an excess of eye watering could occur. There are available treatment options like artificial tears, warm compresses or prescription eye drops. For more severe cases there are therapy treatments that will increase tear production.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis
This condition is commonly due to seasonal eye allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites, particularly in areas with high allergen counts. Coastal areas offer exceptional conditions for mold. Pollen from pine trees in the eastern part of the state can cause allergies. Cedar trees grow throughout the central and hill country areas with the pollen counts high in two seasons of the year. Allergens trigger inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball and contains hundreds of tiny blood vessels. Inflammation of the conjunctiva is called conjunctivitis and produces itchy, red, watery eyes and sometimes swollen eyelids. A combination of antihistamine and mast cell stabilizing drops is often recommended for seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis. Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops can provide some relief but are not as effective.
- Refractive Errors (Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism)
Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (abnormal eye shape) conditions are the most common eye problem and can affect all age groups. Genetics and the shape of the eyes can cause any of these conditions. Some of the common symptoms are experiencing glare around lights like halos, blurred vision, eye strain and headaches. Lasik eye surgeries are extremely common now if the normal glasses and contacts solutions don’t provide better vision.
As noted in the above, the risk for common eye conditions can be reduced by getting regular exams and education about how disorders like diabetes and obesity can affect eyesight are extremely important. Also, the environment and poor health choices can just as likely cause some of these conditions. Texas residents are often advised to wear UV-protective sunglasses, stay hydrated and use artificial tears if needed. If someone is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, they should make an appointment with a qualified optometrist immediately. Good vision and healthy eyes make such a great impact on daily living.
Johnson Eye Care is Here to Help!
If you or anyone in your family or circle of friends is experiencing any of the eye conditions mentioned above, please call Johnson Eye Care to schedule an appointment. Early detection and treatment can usually help alleviate some of the uncomfortable and visual effects of these conditions. Dr. Jennifer Johnson, a licensed Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist provides personal one-on-one care and a professional assessment of your eye condition. She will design a plan to treat your symptoms based on the root cause of the issue. We have office locations in Boerne and Fredericksburg. Contact Johnson Eye Care today.