By Dr. Mary Ann Aligweke (OD)
Your eyes are a vital aspect of your overall well-being. Understanding common eye diseases—and how to prevent and treat them—can help you protect one of your greatest assets: your vision. At SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja , our optometrists combine industry-leading expertise with compassionate care for every patient.
The Eye: A Window to Your Health
Your eyes often reflect what’s going on in the rest of your body. Regular checkups at SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja can help spot health problems early and keep your vision at its best.
Major Eye Diseases: What to Know
Cataracts: The Cloudy Conundrum
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What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when your eye’s lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, trouble seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to light. -
Prevention:
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Wear UV-protective sunglasses
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Avoid smoking
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Eat an antioxidant-rich diet (leafy greens, berries, nuts)
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Treatment:
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Safe, effective cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear one—restoring crisp vision.
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Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
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What Is Glaucoma?
Elevated pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, usually with no early warning signs. -
Prevention:
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Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection.
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Treatment:
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Prescription eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery can lower eye pressure and preserve vision if caught early.
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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Center Stage Dilemma
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What Is AMD?
AMD damages the macula, impacting central vision for tasks like reading or recognizing faces. -
Prevention:
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Healthy diet (especially leafy greens)
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Routine eye exams
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No smoking
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Treatment:
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Medications (anti-VEGF injections) can slow progression; lifestyle changes also help maintain eye health.
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Diabetic Retinopathy: The Diabetes Connection
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What Is It?
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage tiny blood vessels in the retina, risking vision loss. -
Prevention:
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Manage diabetes and blood sugar
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Balanced diet and exercise
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Annual diabetic eye exams
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Treatment:
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Laser therapy, medications, or vitrectomy depending on the severity.
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Dry Eye Syndrome: The Tearful Dilemma
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What Is It?
When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality, they feel dry, scratchy, or tired. -
Prevention:
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Stay hydrated
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Blink often during screen use
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Use humidifiers in dry environments
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Treatment:
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Artificial tears, prescription medications, or devices that help retain natural tears.
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Retinal Detachment: The Urgent Emergency
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What Is It?
The retina comes loose from its normal position—causing flashes, floaters, or vision loss. -
Prevention:
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Regular exams if you have high risk (e.g., previous eye injury, surgery)
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Treatment:
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Urgent surgical repair is necessary. Immediate medical attention is critical to save sight.
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Embracing a Healthy Vision Lifestyle
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Regular Eye Exams:
Schedule yearly comprehensive exams at SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja to catch problems early—even when no symptoms are present. -
Protective Eyewear:
Always use UV-blocking sunglasses and safety glasses when needed. -
Eat a Vision-Friendly Diet:
Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like omega-3s). -
Manage Screen Time:
Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. -
Stay Hydrated:
Water helps maintain eye moisture balance. -
Quit Smoking:
Smoking increases the risk of eye disease—quitting is one of the best choices for your vision.
(FAQs)
How often should I have an eye exam?
Most adults should have a comprehensive exam every 1–2 years, or as advised by your optometrist—more often if you have underlying health conditions.
What symptoms should prompt an urgent eye appointment?
Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, floaters, severe pain, or eye injury should be evaluated immediately.
Can eye diseases be prevented completely?
While some risk factors can be managed, regular exams, a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, and avoiding risky behaviors (like smoking) reduce your chances of developing serious eye conditions.
Does SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja treat all common eye diseases?
Yes—our optometrists and opticians offer full-spectrum services from detection and medical management to referrals for surgery when necessary.
Are treatments painful or require hospital admission?
Most treatments—like drops, laser, or minor procedures—are done comfortably in the clinic. Surgeries such as cataract removal are typically outpatient with little or no pain.
📍Contact SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja
Ile-Oja Mall, Opebi Link Road, Ikeja.
📞 0703 839 1197