Our eyes are one of the most important parts of our body for experiencing nd interacting with the world around us. Unfortunately, many common eye conditions can silently damage your eyes and vision if not detected early. Regular eye exams are your best defense, helping to identify subtle changes before they affect your day-to-day life.
Whether you're managing an existing condition or simply want to stay informed, our Boca Raton eye care team at Royal Palm Optical offers a breakdown of the most prevalent eye diseases—what they are, how they affect your vision, and what you can do to prevent them.
Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure. It usually develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms until vision loss occurs—earning it the nickname “the silent thief of sight.”
Symptoms
- Peripheral vision loss
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain or pressure (in acute cases)
Treatment
- Prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure
- Oral medications
- Laser therapy or surgery for advanced cases
Prevention
- Regular comprehensive eye exams (especially after age 40)
- Managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes
- Family history awareness
Macular Degeneration: Age-Related Vision Loss
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affects the central portion of the retina—the macula—responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 60.
Symptoms
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- Dark or empty areas in the center of vision
Treatment
- Nutritional supplements (AREDS2 formula) for dry AMD
- Anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD
- Lifestyle changes to reduce progression
Prevention
- Not smoking
- Maintaining a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s
- Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses
Diabetic Retinopathy: A Diabetes-Related Condition
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels of the retina. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause these vessels to leak, swell, or close off, impairing vision and potentially leading to blindness.
Symptoms
- Spots or floaters
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark or empty areas in vision
Treatment
- Blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control
- Laser surgery to seal leaking vessels
- Anti-VEGF injections
Prevention
- Annual dilated eye exams
- Strict diabetes management
- Early detection through comprehensive screenings
Other Common Eye Conditions
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Caused by inadequate tear production or poor tear quality. Symptoms include stinging, redness, and a gritty sensation. Treatment may include artificial tears, prescription drops, or punctal plugs.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens, often due to aging. Vision becomes blurry, colors fade, and night driving becomes difficult. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective solution.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): An inflammation of the conjunctiva, caused by infections, allergies, or irritants. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve drops or oral medication.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are your best defense against these and other eye conditions. Many diseases show no early symptoms but can be caught early with a routine screening—especially for those with risk factors like age, diabetes, or a family history of vision problems.
Our expert team is here to guide you through every stage of care, from early diagnosis to customized treatment. Protect your vision today—schedule your comprehensive eye exam and stay ahead of potential eye diseases.