What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss or even total blindness within a few years. Glaucoma is often caused by increased pressure in your eye, called intraocular pressure. This increased pressure can damage your optic nerve, which sends images to your brain.
Glaucoma can also, however, be caused by other problems and often does not present early symptoms or pain.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye.
Cataracts are very common as you get older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes.
It affects blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye).
If you have diabetes, it's important for you to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.