Khaberni - Eye health doctors and experts around the world warn that some of the most dangerous vision diseases develop completely silently, without clear symptoms in the early stages, making early diagnosis and routine examinations crucial in preventing permanent blindness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that more than 2.2 billion people globally suffer from vision impairment or blindness, confirming that at least half of these cases could have been prevented or treated if the disease had been detected early.
The organization clarifies that delay in diagnosis remains one of the main reasons for irreversible vision loss.
Glaucoma.. Blindness Advancing Without Warning
Glaucoma (blue water) is one of the most dangerous and deceptive eye diseases, as it often causes no pain or redness, and visual acuity remains normal until the advanced stages, while the optic nerve may have already suffered irreversible damage.
The World Health Organization classifies glaucoma as the second most common cause of blindness worldwide, while the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) confirms that millions of people are affected by the disease without their knowledge.
Eye specialists warn that high eye pressure, aging, and family history are among the major risk factors, emphasizing that regular exams after the age of forty, or earlier for those with genetic factors, can significantly reduce the risk of visual impairment.
The European Society of Ophthalmology confirms that "early detection of glaucoma allows for the slowing of the disease's progression and the preservation of vision, even if complete recovery is not possible".
Age-related Macular Degeneration.. Loss of Central Vision
Alongside glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is highlighted as one of the main causes of vision impairment in older adults.
The disease affects the macula of the retina, which is responsible for precise vision, reading, and recognizing faces.
According to the National Institutes of Health in the United States (NIH), age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss among people over fifty in developed countries.
The risks increase among smokers, as studies indicate that smoking may double the likelihood of the disease.
The disease may begin without noticeable symptoms, but regular medical follow-up allows for the early detection of retinal changes, which helps to slow the progression of the disease and maintain visual independence for a longer period.
Diabetic Retinopathy.. A Major Risk
Diabetic retinopathy, one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes, results from damage to the small blood vessels in the retina due to prolonged high blood sugar levels.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that this complication affects about one-third of people with diabetes to varying degrees, confirming that an annual comprehensive eye exam can prevent most cases of vision loss associated with diabetes.
The complications of the disease include macular edema resulting from fluid leakage, in addition to abnormal blood vessel growth that may lead to internal bleeding or retinal detachment, threatening both central and peripheral vision.
Eye doctors agree that good control of blood sugar and blood pressure levels, along with regular examinations, represents the primary line of defense against these complications.
Early Screening.. A Simple Step That Saves Sight
International medical bodies, including the World Health Organization and the American Ophthalmological Society, confirm that the absence of symptoms does not mean eye health, and that routine screening remains the most effective means of detecting eye diseases before they cause permanent damage.
The basic examinations include measuring eye pressure, examining the fundus after pupil dilation, and evaluating the optic nerve and retina, which are simple procedures but are capable of saving sight if performed in a timely manner.
