Jill Dillon, O.D., an optometrist at Marshfield Clinic Wisconsin Rapids Center, commonly sees glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, all of which increase with age.
Here’s a look at the differences among these diseases.
- Glaucoma: Fluid buildup in the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve. It can lead to blurred or narrowing field of vision. This condition is often painless, which is why it is important to have regular eye exams.
- Cataract: Clouding of the lens of the eye that causes cloudy and blurry vision, poor night vision, double vision or distortion of vision.
- Macular degeneration: Affects central vision and is the most common cause of loss of eyesight in adults 60 and older. Symptoms include blurry or fuzzy vision, difficulty recognizing faces, difficulty reading, driving or doing other daily activities.
Common eye conditions in kids
Although vision problems are expected with age, most people overlook the possibility of eye issues in young children.
With the use of screens in school and personal time, more children are developing vision issues such as nearsightedness and eye strain. It is important for kids to spend time away from electronic screens and also to take frequent breaks during the use of them.
Dr. Dillon often gets asked at what age should parents start getting their child’s eyes checked. She recommends regular eye exams starting at an early age: 6 months to 1 year old.
After the initial exam, most children should be checked again at age 3 and then every year once they are in school, unless otherwise indicated by an eyecare professional. Bringing young children in for an exam to make sure the eyes are healthy and working properly will give them a definite advantage during their school years.
Protecting your vision
Dr. Dillon says there are a few things people can do to prevent or at least slow the progression of many vision-related issues.
To keep the eyes at optimal health for as long as possible, Dr. Dillon recommends:
- Annual eye exams
- Eating healthy, especially green, leafy vegetables
- Exercising regularly
- Not smoking
- Wearing quality sunglasses year-round
Sunglasses are important throughout the year because sunlight can cause or increase damage to the eyes or even sunburn them. Dr. Dillon often sees vision-related issues that could have been prevented or postponed with proper protection from the sun.
According to Dr. Dillon, reflections from the snow can cause damage to eyes as well. When purchasing sunglasses, Dr. Dillon recommends focusing on three main criteria:
- UVA and UVB protection: A good pair of sunglasses should block 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.
- Polarization: Polarized lenses don’t increase the protection from the sun but do reduce the glare from it. This makes activities like driving safer and more enjoyable.
- Lens color: Darker sunglasses are not always better. Glasses with amber or brown lenses, for example, can help increase depth perception or contrast.
Who to see for eye care
Providers working in Marshfield Clinic eye clinics – part of Sanford Health – include ophthalmologists and optometrists. Here’s a brief look at what people in those different roles do.
Ophthalmologists
Sanford Health’s ophthalmology physicians, who go to medical school and then an ophthalmology residency, diagnose and treat disorders and diseases of the eye.
An ophthalmologist specializes in diagnosis and treatment of refractive, medical and surgical problems related to eye diseases and disorders.
Ophthalmologists provide a wide range of eye-related services from comprehensive eye exams to performing eye surgery. At Sanford Health, ophthalmology subspecialties in addition to retina include pediatric ophthalmology surgery, sutureless cataract surgery, laser surgery and plastic surgery.
Optometrists
Sanford Health’s optometrists attend optometry school for four years. They provide general eye care for children through seniors, including primary vision care ranging from routine eye exams to the diagnosis, treatment and management of changes in vision. This may include prescribing corrective lenses, detecting vision abnormalities or prescribing medications for ocular diseases.
Optometrists have various specialties including family and pediatric vision care, treatment and management of diseases, vision loss due to head trauma and brain injuries, as well as vision therapy for children and adults.
An optometrist can refer patients to Sanford Health ophthalmologists or other specialists for further evaluation and treatment if surgical intervention is required, or if the patient needs further specialty care.
Learn more
- New lens allows for vision correction after cataract surgery
- After LASIK, patient can see clearly without her lenses
- What to do when more screen time leads to more eye strain
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Posted In Back to School, Children's, Eye Care, Health Information, Healthy Living, Marshfield
