Am I at Risk for Any Eye Diseases? Key Warning Signs & Risk Factors to Know

Your eyes are a vital part of your overall health, yet many people wait until they experience noticeable vision problems before seeking care. Unfortunately, many eye diseases develop silently and gradually, which makes early detection essential. Understanding your risk factors and being aware of key warning signs can help you take control of your eye health before serious problems occur.

Common Eye Diseases to Watch For

Several eye conditions can impact your vision and quality of life, especially as you age. Some of the most common include:

• Glaucoma: Often called the silent thief of sight, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss with no early symptoms.

• Macular Degeneration: This condition affects the central part of your vision and is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

• Diabetic Retinopathy: People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing damage to the blood vessels in the retina.

• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens that often develops with age, causing blurred or dim vision.

• Dry Eye Disease: A chronic condition that can cause irritation, redness, and fluctuating vision.

Risk Factors You Should Know

Some eye diseases are linked to specific risk factors. Knowing these can help you and your eye doctor stay proactive.

• Age: Many eye diseases become more common as we get older

• Family History: Genetic factors can increase your risk for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other conditions

• Chronic Health Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases can affect eye health

• Smoking: Increases the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration

• Excessive Screen Time – May contribute to digital eye strain and dry eyes

• Sun Exposure: UV rays can damage the eyes over time, increasing your risk of cataracts and other conditions

Warning Signs to Never Ignore

While some conditions are symptom-free in early stages, certain signs should prompt you to see your eye doctor right away:

• Sudden vision changes or loss

• Blurry or distorted central vision

• Eye pain or pressure

• Floaters or flashes of light

• Redness or swelling

• Difficulty seeing at night

Why You Need Routine Eye Exams

Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, routine eye exams are the best way to catch potential issues early. At Ascent Eye Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your eye health, detect changes over time, and develop personalized care plans. Early detection not only protects your vision but can also uncover signs of systemic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Take Control of Your Eye Health

Understanding your risk factors and acting on early warning signs can make a big difference in preserving your vision. Routine eye exams are your first line of defense against eye diseases. Whether you are due for your next checkup or have specific concerns, our team is here to help.

Schedule your annual eye exam with Ascent Eye Care to stay ahead of eye disease before it impacts our vision. Visit out office in Salida, Colorado, or call (719) 539-3581 to book an appointment today.