Your eyes are your window to the world, yet many people only visit an eye doctor when vision problems become advanced. Unfortunately, some eye diseases progress silently and cause irreversible damage before you even notice. Recognizing early signs and being aware of risk factors can make the difference between healthy eyesight and permanent vision loss.
At Diopta Eye Care Center in Wandegeya, Kampala, we believe that awareness is the first step in prevention. Here’s what you need to know about the signs and risk factors for eye disease.
Common Signs
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Blurred or double vision
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Eye pain or frequent headaches
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Sudden flashes of light or floaters
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Red, itchy, or watery eyes
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Difficulty seeing at night
Risk Factors
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Family history of eye disease (glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration)
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Age above 40 years
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Diabetes or high blood pressure
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Smoking and excessive screen time
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Previous eye injuries or infections
Protecting Your Eyes: What You Can Do
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Get regular checkups — even when you feel fine. Many diseases show no early symptoms.
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Wear sunglasses to protect against harmful UV rays.
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Eat for your eyes — leafy greens, fish, and vitamin-rich foods support eye health.
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Avoid smoking — it’s a leading cause of preventable blindness.
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Manage health conditions — control diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol.
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Practice screen safety — follow the 20-20-20 rule (look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).
Take Action
If you notice any of these warning signs or fall under the risk categories, schedule an eye exam. At Diopta Eye Care Center, we use modern technology to diagnose and manage eye diseases early.
