When vision problems first appear, many people do not take them seriously. Difficulty recognizing letters, faces, or the way home is often attributed to fatigue, stress, screen time, or aging. Days go by, then weeks, before people see an eye doctor, but by then it’s usually too late.
Although most cases are not serious (dry eyes or corneal damage), it happens that vision loss stems from more serious conditions that cannot be corrected with new glasses or drops.
- Vision problems are often ignored, which can lead to serious consequences.
- Some eye diseases develop unnoticed and are irreversible if not treated.
- Diabetes is a risk factor for eye diseases.
Vision loss can be one of the most insidious health problems, as some eye diseases develop silently, unnoticed and are usually irreversible.. Retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal venous occlusion are increasingly common causes of visual impairment.
Worldwide data suggest that many cases of vision loss from these diseases could be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment. “Patients need to understand that vision loss is painless. It usually develops gradually with minimal symptoms,” said eye surgeon Aleksandar Isaković.
Vision problems often appear unnoticed. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
The doctor explained that an annual eye exam can detect serious retinal diseases that are treatable or whose spread can be significantly slowed. “Untreated, these conditions lead to vision loss. Those who have a family history of eye diseases, diabetes, myopia or are on rheumatism treatment should go for check-ups regularly“, he noted.
Symptoms of retinal disease are often hidden. Warning signs include blurred central vision, shadows in the field of vision, flashes, streaks of light, double vision, or an increased need for brighter light when reading. “Most patients are older adults who see the symptoms as signs of aging. Over time, their condition worsens and they seek help only when the damage is at an advanced stage,” said ophthalmologist Tijana Pendžić.
Elderly people often do not solve their condition. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
Some conditions, such as retinal vein occlusion, require immediate attention. However, patients often postpone visiting specialists even after they notice vision loss. “Any change in vision compared to normal is important. In these cases, time is of the essence. A quick consultation with an ophthalmologist is essential. If these changes progress to a complete pathological stage, the possibilities of recovery are limited,” emphasized the expert.
Diabetics also often have eye problems
People with diabetes are also at risk, because high blood sugar levels damage the eye vessels. Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema can cause permanent vision loss if not treated early. “There is a widespread misconception among diabetic patients that controlling their blood sugar will solve their eye problems and return their vision to normal. These changes are the result of years of uncontrolled diabetes and the truth is that they will not go away. Controlling the level only slows down the progression of the disease,” says Dr. Dragan Milosavljević.
The good news is that these diseases can be detected early during regular eye examinations. Most health centers and hospitals currently have equipment for basic and advanced diagnostics – from measuring eye pressure and retinal examination to tests such as the Amsler grid or OCT scanning. These tools allow doctors to assess the condition of the retina before patients notice any symptoms.
Diabetics should be especially careful. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
Who should undergo regular eye examinations?
People over 50 years of age, people with diabetes or high blood pressure, people with a family history of eye diseases, smokers and anyone who has noticed changes in vision, even if only temporary, should undergo preventive check-ups.. “It is very important for the elderly to have regular eye examinations, even without symptoms. Early detection can prevent or slow vision loss,” says doctor Jelena Stamenković Dinić.
Modern medicine offers therapies that can slow or stop the progression of retinal disease. Early innovative treatment can improve patients’ quality of life and prevent early retirement, thereby reducing additional healthcare and social costs.
Do not ignore your symptoms and address them with professionals. “In medicine, prevention is the best medicine. As they say: ‘Prevention is better than cure.’ This also applies to ophthalmology. Early consultation with an eye specialist at the first signs of vision problems is the best medicine,” explained Dr. Milosavljević. “Preventive eye examinations are quick, painless and can prevent permanent vision loss. Don’t wait for problems to become apparent. Get your eyes checked at least once a year,” Dr. Pendžić concluded.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
