What Are the Most Common Eye Disorders - and How Can You Prevent Them?

Our eyes work hard every day, yet many people don’t think about eye health until vision problems appear. While some eye conditions develop naturally with age or genetics, many common eye disorders can be managed - or even prevented - through early detection and healthy habits.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are the most common vision problems and occur when the eye is unable to properly focus light. These conditions include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia, which is an age-related difficulty focusing on close objects. 

While refractive errors cannot always be prevented, regular comprehensive eye exams play a key role in early detection and management. Wearing prescribed glasses or contact lenses as directed, taking breaks during prolonged screen use, and ensuring children receive routine eye exams - even if no symptoms are present - can help prevent eye strain, headaches, and learning challenges.

Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. This condition has become increasingly common due to extended screen time, environmental factors, and natural aging. Symptoms may include burning or stinging sensations, redness, a gritty or sandy feeling, and blurred vision that improves with blinking. 

To help reduce symptoms, individuals should blink regularly - especially when using digital devices - stay hydrated, limit exposure to dry or windy environments, and follow the 20-20-20 rule during screen use.

Cataracts

Cataracts develop when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision. They are a leading cause of vision loss as people age. Risk factors include aging, prolonged UV exposure, smoking, and chronic conditions such as diabetes. 

Although cataracts cannot always be avoided, wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, managing underlying health conditions, and attending routine eye exams can help lower the risk and support early detection.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure within the eye. It typically develops without noticeable early symptoms and can result in permanent vision loss if left untreated. 

Regular eye exams - especially after age 40 - are essential for early detection. Individuals should also inform their eye doctor of any family history of glaucoma and follow prescribed treatment plans closely if diagnosed. Because glaucoma progresses silently, early diagnosis is critical for preserving vision.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina, impacting activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Risk factors include aging, genetics, smoking, and poor nutrition. 

Protecting vision may involve eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids, avoiding smoking, wearing sunglasses that block UV light, and monitoring vision changes through routine eye exams.

Eye Infections and Inflammation

Eye infections and inflammatory conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis, and keratitis can result from bacteria, viruses, allergies, or poor hygiene. 

Preventive measures include washing hands before touching the eyes, avoiding the sharing of eye makeup or personal items, replacing eye makeup regularly, and following proper contact lens care guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Many of the most common eye disorders develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. That’s why preventive care and routine eye exams play such an important role in maintaining long-term eye health. By understanding potential risks and taking proactive steps, you can help preserve clear, comfortable vision for years to come.

If you’re experiencing changes in your eyesight, schedule an eye exam with Primary Focus Eye Center and take a proactive step toward protecting your eye health. Visit our office in Yakima, Washington, or call (509) 401-8277 today.