It’s important to maintain good eye health to ensure that your vision is clear and bright. There are a number of factors that can contribute to deterioration in your vision, including diabetes and macular degeneration. If you don’t take the necessary steps to keep your eyes healthy, you may eventually suffer from a condition that could prevent you from working or playing sports.

Macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a group of chronic retinal eye diseases. It can be diagnosed with an angiography, which involves injecting a dye into the vein in the arm. A photo is then taken to see the blood vessels in the retina.

Early signs of AMD include small yellow deposits called drusen. The ophthalmologist will also examine the macula to detect if there is a change in its function.

If macular degeneration is not detected early, it can cause serious problems with vision. Blurred central vision may make it difficult to read, identify colors, and recognize faces. However, if the condition is caught in its early stages, treatment can slow its progression.

The main goal of treatment is to preserve vision and reduce the risk of further loss. People with wet AMD can be treated with anti-VEGF drugs. These drugs block the formation of new blood vessels and stop leaking from existing ones. They can also be used in conjunction with photodynamic therapy, which uses a laser to kill any extra blood vessels.

Diabetes-related retinopathy

Diabetes-related retinopathy is a health condition where too much sugar in the blood causes damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina. This can cause blurred vision, vision loss, and more. Fortunately, treatment can help slow or stop the progression of the disease.

The best way to treat diabetes-related retinopathy is through early detection. For this reason, patients should have a regular eye exam. A dilated exam will allow the doctor to see inside the eye and find the source of the problem.

During the exam, the doctor will use drops to dilate the pupil. During this time, he or she can also check the ocular pressure. If the pressure is too high, the doctor can make a referral to an eye specialist.

If the doctor finds abnormalities in the retina, they may recommend a laser procedure. A laser can shrink or stop the leakage of fluid into the retina. Laser treatments can also block the growth of new blood vessels in the retina.

Preventing vision loss

If you’re at risk for eye problems, you should consult with an eye care professional as soon as possible. These professionals can help prevent and treat eye problems in an effective manner.

The best way to keep your eyes healthy is to make sure that you have a regular schedule of checkups. An eye doctor can diagnose and treat common problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

It’s also important to protect your eyes from traumatic injury. For example, sports injuries are a common cause of vision loss. Using safety goggles and shatterproof glasses can help to avoid eye injuries.

You can also prevent eye diseases through healthy habits. Eating a nutritious diet with adequate levels of vitamins and minerals is crucial to maintaining good eyesight. A low-sugar, well-balanced diet is particularly helpful. Other dietary factors include omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and leafy green vegetables.

As you age, you are more at risk for eye diseases. If you’re worried about your health, you may want to see an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This can detect many complex eye conditions, including those that cause blindness.

Protective eyewear for sports and job-related activities

Protective eyewear for sports and job-related activities can help prevent serious injuries. There are thousands of eye injuries treated in emergency rooms each year, and many of them could have been prevented by wearing proper eyewear. The National Eye Institute estimates that one eye injury occurs every 13 minutes.

Children aged 10 to 14 are the most susceptible to eye injuries. A detached retina is one of the most common eye injuries that occur during contact sports. These incidents can lead to blindness and other complications.

Most sports have their own specific ASTM standards for protecting the eyes. Sports that have high impact are the most dangerous. However, non-contact sports also have inherent risks. Soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and other games can pose hazards to the eyes.

According to Prevent Blindness America, baseball is the leading cause of sports-related eye injuries. It is estimated that 40 percent of these injuries involve the face.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that nine out of ten sports-related eye injuries can be prevented by wearing protective eyewear. In fact, most of the sports eyewear on the market today is made of polycarbonate, a material that offers complete UV protection.