There are new and effective treatments for macular degeneration. These range from lasers to injections of medications. Early detection and treatment are critical for vision preservation. Certain vitamins and minerals may also aid in slowing or preventing vision loss.

Yes. They include:

• Progressive blurry vision.
• Decreased color vision.
• Distorted vision.
• Blind spots in your vision.

Macular degeneration is the number-one cause of blindness in the United States. It occurs when the macula -- a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our vision is clear and sharp -- degrades or “degenerates,” causing a progressive loss of vision.

There is no cure for Glaucoma. However once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery.

Glaucoma often develops over many years without causing pain – so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed. Symptoms that may be experienced often occur after the disease has progressed; these include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights and painful or reddened eyes.

One of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye is high enough to damage the optic nerve. It is slowly progressive and without discomfort, therefore many patients are unaware of the disease until it is too late. Any loss of vision cannot be restored. The high eye pressure associated with glaucoma is caused by decreased fluid circulation in the eye. People at the greatest risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.

Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining your eyes’ health by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases, such as glaucoma, often develop gradually without causing pain or vision loss – so you may not notice anything wrong until significant and irreversible damage has been done. Early detection of any problems can allow for a choice of treatment options and a reduced risk of further harm.