The genes you inherited from your ancestors affect your eye color, weight, and height to some degree. But, you can also inherit a risk for developing some eye diseases and conditions. Increasing your awareness of these diseases can help you determine early warning signs of vision issues. The following are common eye conditions and diseases that have to do with your ethnicity:
Glaucoma
As you age, your risk for developing glaucoma increases. However, your risk also increases because of race. Asians, African Americans, and Hispanic have a higher risk of developing this disease than others. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to a loss of vision and blindness when left untreated. The condition occurs when there is too much pressure building inside the eyes. Some of the symptoms of glaucoma include blurred vision, vision loss, redness, and severe eye pain.
Cataracts
Although cataracts are associated with aging, it may develop if you are an African American or Hispanic. It develops when proteins inside your eye’s lens clump together. Because of the transparency of the lens, the clumps prevent light from reaching the eye’s retina. Cataracts come with symptoms such as blurred or cloudy vision. A surgical procedure is often carried out to remove cataracts from the eyes. But, if you cataracts are acute, your eye doctor may prescribe you with corrective treatments. Thus, you should start seeking the help of an eye doctor near me before your cataracts get worse.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
This condition damages your macula’s cells. The macula is the retina’s area responsible for central vision. Your risk for developing AMD is heightened if you are a Caucasian. You have this condition if you find it hard to recognize faces or reach clock since what you can see is just the object’s outline. Although AMD is incurable, vitamins and laser treatment are likely to slow the loss of vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Hispanics and African Americans are more likely to develop this eye condition than other groups. This condition takes place when high levels of blood sugar cause tiny blood vessels in the retina to leak and distort your vision. As diabetic retinopathy progresses, new abnormal vessels are likely to grow in the retina. You may experience other symptoms during the early stage. In fact, you may not be aware of its existence until you have a compromised vision. Treatments for diabetic retinopathy include corticosteroids, injections, and lasers meant to stop leaking and prevent the formation of new blood vessels.