by Evan Bollinger
Eye health is a critical component of overall well-being, but the problem is, that the symptoms often go overlooked (pun intended). In Black populations especially, which are more likely to have severe symptoms, early onset, and poorer treatment outcomes, healthy eyes are no joke.
But did you know about the various conditions that are most likely to affect you? Did you know they can creep up, seem like other things, and become a problem before you know it?
Here are six eye conditions all Black folks should be mindful of…
1. Glaucoma
A major cause of blindness, glaucoma in Black folks may have a six-times greater chance of causing vision loss than for other races. Black folks also often get a diagnosis a whole decade earlier than other races. As such, knowing the symptoms is super important.
If you also notice halos around lights, as well as blurred vision, it’s time to see the doc.
Routine eye exams can measure intraocular pressure and see if you’ve got an issue. Meds, lasers, and surgeries are all options to consider if glaucoma gets bad.
2. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a result of high blood sugar levels. Over time, these elevations can cause problems to blood vessels in your retina, and given that Black folks have a higher risk of diabetes, monitoring for retinopathy is especially important!
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If you suspect you’ve got DR, see if you’ve got the following issues:
- Blurred/changing vision
- Dark ‘blindspots’
- Color differences
- Blindness
Again, be sure to visit an eye doctor regularly. And if things get worse, ensure that you’re on top of your diabetes. Typically, lifestyle modifications can slow the progression before it gets to the point of requiring injections or laser procedures.
3. Dry Eye Syndrome
This condition is basically exactly as it sounds. If your eyes are unable to produce adequate tears, your eyes will end up, well… dry.
And if your eyes end up dry, you’ll notice all kinds of symptoms, such as stinging sensations, redness, vulnerability to lights, and vision blurring. Sometimes, these problems crop up due to allergies or pollutants, but if they persist, you might have Dry Eye Syndrome. Black folks with lupus and diabetes are particularly vulnerable.
Fortunately, eye drops can help a lot. So too can avoiding excessive screen time, using eyewear, and keeping environments humid.
4. Macular Degeneration
A condition affecting the macula, the central part of the retina, macular degeneration can completely eliminate your central vision over time. Although white folks are more likely to face this, its symptoms may actually be worse in Black populations due to lack of awareness and higher risks of some cardiovascular diseases.
If you’re not sure, look out for various specific distortions in your vision. One of the first things that happens is a distortion of straight lines. You may also notice blurry or dark regions in your central vision. Struggle to read or drive? Or recognize people? It could be due to a central vision problem. Colors may also shift, becoming duller.
While medications and procedures can help, the earliest steps you can take involve eating leafy greens in fish rich in Omega-3 fats – Yum!
5. Cataracts
Occurring when your eye lens clouds over, cataracts are fairly common in older folks. However, it turns out they can be more likely in younger Black folks due to UV sensitivity and conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Struggling to see at night? Noticing glares or seeing halos surrounding lights? Vision getting blurry? Look into specialized sunglasses, and talk to your eye doctor about cataract surgery (which can be performed quite easily nowadays).
6. Uveitis
Caused by an inflamed uvea, the middle layer of your eye, this condition is often accompanied by infections and autoimmune conditions. Not sure if you have it? Look for reddened eyes, discomfort, blurry vision, floaters in your field of vision, and sensitivity to light.
While procedures and surgeries may be necessary at late stages, the best bet is to treat with corticosteroids to get the inflammation under control.
As you can see, uveitis, like most of these conditions, can be managed with early detection and treatment. All you have to do is be alert, be prompt, and be honest with yourself. While developing eye conditions is not fun, what’s a lot less fun is letting them get bad!
So don’t sweat. Speak to your doctor, and nip the issue in the bud.
