Eye Care

Overview

Eye care covers the prevention, detection, and treatment of vision problems and eye diseases that can affect sight at any age. Common conditions include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Regular eye exams are essential because many eye diseases develop without symptoms until vision is already damaged. Protecting your eyes also means managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can seriously affect vision.

Common Symptoms

• Blurred or double vision
• Frequent headaches or eye strain
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness, itching, or dry eyes
• Floaters or flashes of light in your vision
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Halos around lights
• Difficulty reading or focusing on close objects
• Pain or pressure in or around the eyes

Risk Factors

• Diabetes, which increases risk of diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma
• High blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels in the eyes
• Family history of glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration
• Age — risk of most eye diseases increases after 40
• Prolonged screen time and digital eye strain
• Smoking, which increases risk of cataracts and macular degeneration
• Excessive UV sun exposure without protection
• Obesity and poor diet low in vitamins A, C, and E
• Lack of regular eye exams
• Certain medications such as steroids

Impact on the Black Community

Black Americans face significant disparities in eye health. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the Black community, and Black adults are up to six times more likely to develop glaucoma than white adults. Black patients with diabetes are also at higher risk for diabetic retinopathy, yet are less likely to receive regular eye exams and timely treatment. Barriers include cost, lack of insurance, fewer eye care providers in underserved areas, and lower awareness of the importance of routine eye screenings.

---

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health concerns.