List of Common Eye Problems in India
In a third-world country like India, diseases caused by pollution, nutrient deficiency or genetics are quite common. Optical diseases are some of them. You cannot prevent suffering from at least one of the common eye diseases even after taking good care of your eyes. Most of them start occurring at a very early age and increase with growing age. Some ocular problems cause less harm, but some can lead to permanent blindness.
What Are Common Eye Problems in India?
1. Conjunctivitis
One of the most common eye diseases in India is conjunctivitis. It occurs due to inflammation in the eye lining or the eyelid membrane.
This disease causes itchiness or a burning sensation on the spot and can turn into a severe problem.
2. Cataract
A cataract does not cause any discomfort or pain but causes cloudy vision due to an opacity within the transparent lens of your eyes. In most cases, this starts developing in mid-aged or older-aged individuals.
3. Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when increasing intra-ophthalmic fluid pressure leads to damage to the optic nerve. It is one of the most common eye diseases that cause blindness in India.
4. Amblyopia
Amblyopia or lazy eye is a vision disorder that leads to poor vision to only 1 eye. This starts developing from a very early age when the brain does not coordinate with an eye and recognise its vision.
5. Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye disorders. It is where your tear-ducts of eyes are incapable of producing enough tears to maintain a normal layer of fluid to coat your eye.
6. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is one of the common eye infections that affects both of your eyes. It occurs when small oil glands near the eyelash line start clogging and cause irritation and redness.
7. Entropion
When eyelids turn inwards and start causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball, it is called entropion. If this disorder is left untreated, it can cause damage to the cornea and leads to blindness.
8. Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration occurs mainly in older age. This disorder causes blurry or reduced vision in the centre of your eyes.
What Are the Main Reasons for Common Eye Problems?
Different ocular problems can take place for various reasons. However, the followings are some common reasons mainly cause the common eye diseases -
- Allergy and infection
- Toxic chemicals and irritants
- Deficiency of nutrients such as vitamin A, B, C E
- Dietary deficiency such as protein
- Exposure to UV rays
- Ageing
- Genetics
- Smoking
Symptoms and Treatments of Common Eye Problems
| Type of Eye Problem | Symptoms | Treatment |
| Conjunctivitis | Itchy eyes, discharge, crusting or eyelids and eyelashes with dryness and heaviness | Rinsing eyes with water, antibiotics, pills, antiviral drops and ointments. |
| Cataract | Blurred vision, glare, poor night vision or vision in low light | Prescribing glasses or lenses, surgical removal |
| Glaucoma | Hazy eyes with eye pain, experiencing halos around lights, stomach ache and vomiting | Oral medications, eye drops, laser treatment or microsurgery |
| Amblyopia | Squinting or shutting an eye, the eyeball of an eye shifting inwards or outwards gradually, head tilting | There is no such treatment for such common eye defects especially after 8 years of age. But treating an underlying problem or making the affected ye work may develop the vision |
| Dry eye syndrome | Burning and scratching sensation around your eyes, development of mucus strings, difficulty in wearing a lens | Eye drops to maintain fluid level in your eyes, Lacrimal plugs used to block the tear ducts, anti-inflammatory medication and surgery |
| Blepharitis | Water and red eyes, greasy itchy eyelids, blurred vision and blinking, eyelids sticking to each other | Avoiding eye makeup, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, root treatment, Immunomodulators |
| Entropion | Irritation or pain, sensitivity to wind, crusty eyelid, mucus buildup, feeling of something getting into your eyes | Surgery, injecting botox, sticking transparent skin tape to eyelids |
| Macular Degeneration | Decrease in central vision in both eyes, blurriness, visual distortion, difficulty reading in low light | Oral medication or injections, photocoagulation therapy |
What to Do if You Detect an Eye Problem?
There are some generic measures that you probably have been taking regularly to protect your eyes and vision.
However, upon noticing any eye problems or common eye diseases starting to appear, you must emphasise the following to-dos -
- See an ophthalmologist immediately if you feel the problem is severe.
- Get your eyes tested and examined on a daily basis.
- Start regular ophthalmic exercise.
- Make a habit of wearing sunglasses or protective eye wear.
- Learn about other risk factors and underlying problems and get that cured.
- Quit smoking and a void being a passive smoker.
- Avoid eye makeup and any toxic chemical touching your eyes.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
The eyes are one of the most important and delicate parts of your body that you must always protect. However, common eye problems can occur no matter what measure you take to keep your eyes healthy. Following the measures mentioned above and treatments can help you maintain your vision even at your oldest age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the worst eye disease among adults in India?
Macular Degeneration is one of the most common eye diseases that cause permanent vision loss among adults and older adults (at or above the age of 60).
Which viral eye infection is common in India?
Viral conjunctivitis is a common viral eye infection in India. Its symptoms include itching or irritation in your eyes, sensitivity towards wind and light, mucus buildup and water discharge.
What viruses can cause eye problems?
Viruses like HSV, CMV, VZV and herpes viruses are the most common causes of optical diseases. Most of them attack your cornea and retina directly.