Understanding the Most Common Eye Disorders and Their Symptoms

Your eyes play a vital role in your everyday life, yet many common eye disorders can develop slowly and without noticeable symptoms at first. Recognizing early warning signs can help protect your long-term vision. At See Me Optometry, Dr. Melody Tavakoli provides thorough evaluations to detect eye conditions early and guide you toward the best treatment options.

Refractive Errors (Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism)

Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. They are the most common type of visual disorder and often cause:

•           Blurry vision at near or far distances

•           Eye strain or fatigue

•           Difficulty seeing at night

•           Frequent squinting or headaches

While refractive errors can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, early detection during comprehensive eye exams in La Jolla helps ensure your prescription stays accurate and your eyes stay healthy.

Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms include:

•           Burning or stinging

•           Grittiness or the feeling of something in the eye

•           Fluctuating vision

•           Light sensitivity

•           Watery eyes

Dry eye is extremely common in coastal areas like La Jolla, where wind and sun exposure can worsen symptoms. Dr. Tavakoli offers personalized solutions to help restore comfort and clarity.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure. It’s known as the “silent thief of sight” because early stages rarely show symptoms. Over time, individuals may experience:

•           Gradual loss of peripheral vision

•           Tunnel vision in later stages

•           Eye pain or redness (in acute cases)

•           Halos around lights

Regular screenings are essential. A comprehensive eye exam in La Jolla can detect early changes before vision loss occurs.

Cataracts

Cataracts develop when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, impacting vision. Common symptoms include:

•           Blurry or hazy vision

•           Sensitivity to light

•           Difficulty seeing at night

•           Fading or yellowing of colors

Cataracts are most commonly age-related, but they can also develop due to UV exposure, diabetes, or long-term steroid use.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the macula - the part of the retina responsible for central vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 50. Symptoms may include:

•           Distortion of straight lines

•           Blurred central vision

•           Difficulty reading or recognizing faces

•           Dark or empty spots in central vision

Early detection is crucial to slow progression. Dr. Tavakoli uses advanced imaging technology to identify AMD in its earliest stages.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Individuals with diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy, a condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Symptoms may include:

•           Blurry vision

•           Dark spots or floaters

•           Poor night vision

•           Sudden vision changes

Even if vision seems normal, yearly diabetic eye exams are essential for protecting long-term sight.

Early Detection Is Key

Many eye disorders progress quietly. By the time symptoms appear, significant vision changes may have already occurred. Routine visits with our eye doctor in La Jolla ensures early diagnosis and timely treatment - helping preserve your vision and overall eye health.

Experience Expert Eye Care in La Jolla, Ca

Understanding the most common eye disorders empowers you to take better care of your vision. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to stay proactive about your eye health, scheduling routine comprehensive eye exams in La Jolla is one of the best steps you can take. Dr. Melody Tavakoli and her team are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to help you maintain clear, healthy vision for years to come.
 

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with at See Me Optometry to stay ahead of eye problems. Visit our office in the Bird Rock neighborhood of La Jolla, California or call (858) 800-2313 to book an appointment today.