Understanding Common Eye Diseases: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Treatment

Your eyes are your window to the world, and taking care of them should be a top priority. Yet, many people in Warren, Michigan, don’t think twice about their eye health until they notice a problem. Eye diseases can develop silently, with little to no warning, making regular eye exams essential for catching issues early. At Warren Optometric Clinic, we believe in educating our community about common eye diseases—what to watch for, when to seek treatment, and why routine exams are the best way to keep your vision sharp for years to come.
 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and it doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms. This condition damages the optic nerve due to increased pressure in the eye, and once vision is lost, it can't be restored. Most people don’t realize they have glaucoma until significant damage has occurred.
 

Signs to watch for:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision

• Blurred vision

• Eye pain or pressure (in some cases)
   

Seek treatment for glaucoma as soon as possible if you experience symptoms such as gradual peripheral vision loss, eye pain, blurred vision, or halos around lights. Since glaucoma often develops silently, regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing irreversible vision loss.
 

Cataracts

Cataracts develop slowly, causing vision to become blurry or cloudy over time. They’re most common in older adults but can also develop earlier due to UV exposure, smoking, or diabetes.
 

Signs to watch for:

• Blurred or foggy vision

• Sensitivity to light and glare

• Fading or yellowing of colors

• Difficulty seeing at night
   

If cataracts start interfering with daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces, it may be time to discuss treatment options, including cataract surgery, which is highly effective.
 

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina (macula), making it difficult to see fine details. It’s a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50.
 

Signs to watch for:

• Blurred or distorted central vision

• Difficulty reading or recognizing faces

• Straight lines appearing wavy
   

Seek treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) if you notice any symptoms. Early intervention is key, as timely treatment can help slow progression and preserve remaining vision.
 

Diabetic Retinopathy

For those living with diabetes in Warren, eye health should be a priority. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems or even blindness.
 

Signs to watch for:

• Fluctuating vision

• Dark or empty spots in vision

• Poor night vision
   

Seek treatment for diabetic retinopathy if you experience, dark spots, or sudden vision changes, as these may indicate worsening damage to the retina. Regular diabetic eye exams are essential, even without symptoms, to catch and manage the condition before it leads to serious vision loss.
 

Protect Your Vision with Expert Eye Care

Your eyesight is too important to take for granted. Many eye diseases develop silently, but with regular checkups, early detection, and proper care, you can preserve your vision for years to come.
 

Don’t wait until symptoms of eye disease appear, schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Warren Optometric Clinic to protect your vision. Contact our office in Warren, Michigan, by calling (586) 300-5700 to book an appointment today.