The eyes are one of the most complex and vital organs of the human body. Thanks to the sense of sight, we perceive our environment, communicate and increase our quality of life. However, this important organ can be exposed to many diseases over time or with sudden developments depending on various internal and external factors. Protecting eye health is possible with early diagnosis and correct treatment. In this article, the importance of eye health, common eye diseases and treatment methods of these diseases will be discussed in detail.
The Importance of Eye Health
Our eyes are the windows that help us perceive the world. The human brain obtains approximately 80% of the information it receives from the eyes. Therefore, protecting the ability to see is very important both in terms of individual quality of life and in order to take an active role in social and professional life.
Eye health is not limited to visual impairments. Disorders occurring in the eyes can lead to headaches, lack of concentration, fatigue and even psychological problems. Therefore, regular eye examinations, a conscious lifestyle and early treatment are the cornerstones of a healthy visual system.
Common Eye Diseases
Refractive Errors (Refractive Errors)
These problems, which occur as a result of the eye not refracting light correctly, are among the most common eye disorders. There are three main types:
Myopia (Farsightedness): Distant objects appear blurry.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Near objects cannot be seen clearly.
Astigmatism: Both near and far images can be blurry and distorted.
Treatment: It can be corrected with the use of glasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgery (laser surgeries) can also provide a permanent solution.
Cataract
It is the loss of transparency and clouding of the eye lens. It usually develops with age, but congenital or traumatic cataracts can also be seen.
Symptoms: Blurred vision, faded colors, poor night vision.
Treatment: The only treatment for cataracts is surgery. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.
Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)
A disease that damages the optic nerve as a result of increased intraocular pressure. It is also called the “silent thief” because it may not show symptoms in the early stages.
Symptoms: Eye pain, headache, narrowing of the field of vision.
Treatment: Pressure can be controlled with eye drops. In advanced cases, laser treatment or surgical intervention may be required.
Macular Degeneration (Macular Degeneration)
It is especially common in individuals over the age of 50. Central vision loss occurs as a result of deterioration of the area called the macula.
Symptoms: Blurred vision, crooked lines, impaired color perception.
Treatment: Depending on the type of disease, drug injections, laser treatment or nutritional support may be applied. There is no completely curative treatment, but progression can be slowed down.
Conjunctivitis (Eye Inflammation)
It is the inflammation of the outer layer of the eye. It can occur due to viral, bacterial or allergic causes.
Symptoms: Redness, itching, crusting, watering.
Treatment: Depending on the cause, antibiotic drops, antihistamines or cortisone medications can be used.
Dry Eye (Dry Eye Syndrome)
It occurs when tear production decreases or its quality deteriorates. It is especially common in people who spend long periods of time in front of the screen.
Symptoms: Burning, stinging, feeling of sand, sensitivity to light.
Treatment: It can be controlled with artificial tear drops, tear duct plugs and environmental precautions.
Strabismus
It is a condition in which the eyes are not parallel. While one eye looks straight, the other may shift to the right, left, up or down. It is common in childhood.
Treatment: It can be corrected with glasses, occlusion therapy, prismatic lenses or surgical methods.
Recommendations for Protecting Eye Health
Regular Eye Examination: Visiting an eye doctor every 6 months or once a year is very important for the early diagnosis of possible diseases.
Balanced Diet: Foods rich in vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein contribute to eye health.
Limit Screen Time: Looking at digital screens for long periods of time tires the eyes. The 20-20-20 rule is recommended: Look 20 meters away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Protection from UV Rays: Wearing sunglasses protects the eyes from harmful UV rays.
No Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Pay Attention to Eye Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands.
Technological developments in the field of eye health have provided revolutionary advances in both diagnosis and treatment processes. Thanks to these developments, many eye diseases are diagnosed at an earlier stage, treatment processes become more comfortable and effective, and recovery time is shortened. Modern eye health applications now offer less invasive, more sensitive and personalized solutions.
1. Laser Surgeries
Laser technology is one of the most widely used methods in the treatment of eye diseases. Laser beams allow extremely precise procedures to be performed without damaging the tissue.
Excimer Laser (LASIK, PRK): It is used in the treatment of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Clear vision is achieved by reshaping the corneal surface. LASIK is often preferred due to its short recovery period.
Photocoagulation Laser: It is used in the treatment of retinal diseases such as retinal tears, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Laser beams close leaky vessels or fix damaged areas in the retina.
YAG Laser: Used to clean capsule opacification (secondary cataract) that occurs after cataract surgery. It is a painless and fast procedure.
2. Intraocular Drug Injections (IVI – Intravitreal Injections)
Injections made directly into the eye provide great success, especially in retina-based diseases.
Anti-VEGF Drugs: Prevents abnormal vascular formation and fluid leakage in cases such as macular degeneration (macular degeneration), diabetic macular edema and retinal vascular occlusions. Aflibercept, Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab are the most commonly used drugs.
Steroid Injections: Used in inflammatory eye diseases. Provides long-term effect, but may increase intraocular pressure in some patients.
Thanks to this method, many patients can achieve significant vision gain even in cases where they previously experienced vision loss.
3. Smart Lenses (Multifocal and Trifocal Intraocular Lenses)
In cataract surgeries, the natural lens that has lost its transparency is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). With developing technology, these lenses now have much more advanced features.
Multifocal Lenses: Allows clear vision at the same time for near and far distances. Greatly reduces eye dependency.
Trifocal Lenses: Allows clear vision at far, medium and near distances. Provides advantages especially in medium distance use such as computer screens.
Toric Lenses: Specially developed for astigmatism patients. Provides both cataract treatment and correction of refractive errors.
These lenses offer a comfortable solution especially for individuals who lead active lives and do not want to wear glasses.
4. Advanced Imaging Techniques
Modern imaging methods allow detailed examination of intraocular tissues and accelerate the diagnosis process.
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): Provides a cross-sectional image of delicate structures such as the retina, nerve fiber layer and macula. Diseases can be detected at an early stage thanks to micron-level details.
FFA (Fundus Fluorescein Angiography): The circulation of the retinal vessels is viewed with a special dye. It is used in diabetic retinopathy and wet-type macular degeneration.
ICG Angiography: Used to view the deeper vascular structures of the eye.
5. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
These modern surgical methods used in patients with glaucoma provide less tissue damage and faster recovery compared to classic glaucoma surgeries. With small implants or micro stents, intraocular fluid drainage is increased and pressure is reduced.