Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Most Common Eye Disorders?

Gregory Hanson
Gregory Hanson

The human eye is a tremendously complicated biological system in which nerves, muscles and lenses must all work together perfectly. Eye disorders are common, as each element of the human visual process is subject to a set of maladies. Macular degeneration reduces the ability of nerves to process visual signals. Myopia or near-sightedness, hyperopia or far-sightedness, astigmatism and cataracts are common eye disorders that stem from problems with the structure of the eye’s lens and cornea, which is the soft, clear tissue at the front of the eye. Glaucoma arises from problems with the eye’s internal fluid reservoir.

Macular degeneration is a condition that impacts the macula, the highly-sensitive portion of the retina responsible for detailed vision in the center of the field-of-view. It is sometimes simply a result of aging, and this form of the condition may be slowed with supplements, but cannot be stopped. In other cases, macular degeneration may stem from problems with the blood vessels that feed the retina. This variety of macular degeneration can sometimes be treated surgically.

Anatomy of the human eye.
Anatomy of the human eye.

The lens of the eye is a fragile and complicated system, and minor defects in the structure or positioning of the eye cause some of the most common eye disorders. Myopia and hyperopia are both a result of the eye’s inability to focus properly. Myopia occurs when the eye is formed in such a way that the natural focal point occurs in front of the retina, leading to blurred vision. Hyperopia is the opposite condition, and produces a focal point located to deep in the eye. Astigmatism results when the lens of the eye is imperfectly formed. All three of these conditions can generally be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Prescription eyeglasses can be used to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, which are all common eye disorders.
Prescription eyeglasses can be used to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, which are all common eye disorders.

Cataracts are perhaps the most serious of the eye disorders that stem from problems with the lens of the eye. A cataract forms gradually over time, as the surface of the lens becomes clouded, then opaque, and eventually the eye takes on a murky gray appearance. Cataracts cannot be reliably prevented, and are common among the elderly. They can, however, be treated effectively with surgery to replace the clouded lens with a clear replacement. This replacement lens can even be modified to correct for some other vision problems in the process.

An ophthalmologist examines a patient's eyes.
An ophthalmologist examines a patient's eyes.

The fluid pressure inside the eye can also be the source of eye disorders. Glaucoma is a serious eye condition, in which this fluid places pressure on the retina, leading to nerve damage. Glaucoma may set in very rapidly, with much accompanying pain but is more commonly a degenerative disease. The greatest prevalence of glaucoma is among the elderly, whose eyes become physically weaker and more susceptible to pressure damage. No permanent cure for glaucoma exists, but medications and some surgical procedures can slow or stop the progress of the condition.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Anatomy of the human eye.
      Anatomy of the human eye.
    • Prescription eyeglasses can be used to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, which are all common eye disorders.
      By: prosotphoto
      Prescription eyeglasses can be used to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, which are all common eye disorders.
    • An ophthalmologist examines a patient's eyes.
      By: daniel rajszczak
      An ophthalmologist examines a patient's eyes.
    • Near-sightedness is one of the most common vision problems.
      By: auremar
      Near-sightedness is one of the most common vision problems.
    • Age-related macular degeneration is one of the top causes of vision loss in people who are over 60 years of age.
      By: Arpad Nagy-Bagoly
      Age-related macular degeneration is one of the top causes of vision loss in people who are over 60 years of age.
    • Cataracts are a common eye problem often addressed by surgery.
      By: Peter Orsaeo Sr
      Cataracts are a common eye problem often addressed by surgery.
    • Experts advise that people age 62 and older have an annual vision screening.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Experts advise that people age 62 and older have an annual vision screening.
    • Scratches to the cornea -- even minor ones -- can cause eye pain.
      By: Delphimages
      Scratches to the cornea -- even minor ones -- can cause eye pain.
    • Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision impairment in elderly people.
      By: chuugo
      Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision impairment in elderly people.
    • Cataracts occur when part of the eye is damaged and the eyes' lenses become cloudy.
      By: rob3000
      Cataracts occur when part of the eye is damaged and the eyes' lenses become cloudy.
    • Contact lenses can be made to correct many vision problems, including myopia, presbyopia, astigmatism and even a combination of nearsightedness and farsightedness.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      Contact lenses can be made to correct many vision problems, including myopia, presbyopia, astigmatism and even a combination of nearsightedness and farsightedness.