Common Eye Issues and Everyday Eye Care: Dr. Rohit Adyanthaya

Maintaining healthy vision is essential for daily life, yet many people experience eye problems that can be prevented or managed with simple habits. This article highlights common eye issues and practical steps anyone can take to protect their sight.

Dr. Rohit Adyanthaya is a board-certified ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon at Virginia Eye Consultants, Virginia, and serves as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Eastern Virginia Medical School. He is an accomplished researcher with numerous peer-reviewed publications and is a principal investigator in multiple retinal clinical trials. His surgical expertise has been recognized by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, where his retinal surgery videos have been featured as educational resources for fellow retinal surgeons.

Dr. Rohit Adyanthaya

Common Eye Issues

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Around 20 million people in the United States suffer from dry eyes. It can range from mild to severe forms. Symptoms include burning, stinging, tearing and blurry vision. It is often triggered by screen use, aging, orcertain medications. Treatment involves over-the-counter artificial tear drops and sometimes prescription eye drops.

Refractive Errors

These include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness, and astigmatism. They occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina. Glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery can correct these issues.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause slow clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry or dim vision. They are most common with aging but can also result from injury or prolonged UV exposure. If vision is not corrected with glasses, the treatment is cataract surgery, which has excellent outcomes. Around 5 million cataract surgeries are done in the United States every year.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma slowly damages the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure. About 3–4 million people in the United States have glaucoma. It can lead to irreversible vision loss if not detected early. Regular eye exams are crucial because glaucoma often has no early symptoms. Treatment usually involves eye drops and occasionally laser or eye surgery.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects central vision and is a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Around 20 million adults have macular degeneration in the United States. It is more prevalent in the white population. Early detection and lifestyle changes can slow its progression. In the initial stages over-the-counter AREDS2 vitamins can slow down progression. In the later stages injections might be necessary.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in working age adults. It is a progressive eye condition that occurs when long‑term high blood sugar (diabetes) damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light‑sensing tissue at the back of the eye. This damage to the blood vessels leads to bleeding in the retina and is called diabetic retinopathy. The bleeding can range from mild to very severe. Around 40 million people in the United States have diabetes and around 10 million have some form of diabetic retinopathy. The condition often develops silently, without early symptoms, which is why people with diabetes

benefit from yearly dilated eye exams to catch changes early. Good blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control remain the most effective ways to slow or prevent progression, and modern treatments—like laser therapy, injections, and surgery—can protect sight when the disease is detected in time.

How to Take Care of Your Eyes

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Comprehensive eye exams help detect problems early, even before symptoms appear. Adults should generally have an exam every 1–2 years.

Protect Your Eyes from Screens

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjust screen brightness and maintain proper distance to reduce strain.

Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses

UV rays can accelerate cataract formation and contribute to macular degeneration. Choose sunglasses labeled 100% UV protection.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein support eye health. Leafy greens, fish, nuts, and colorful fruits are excellent choices. Tight blood pressure and blood sugar control is important.

Stay Hydrated and Use Artificial Tears if Needed

Proper hydration supports tear production. Over-the-counter lubricating drops can help relieve dryness.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, AMD, and optic nerve damage. Quitting benefits both eye health and overall well-being.

Practice Safe Contact Lens Use

Wash hands before handling lenses, follow cleaning instructions, and avoid sleeping in lenses unless approved by an eye care provider.

Key Takeaway

Healthy vision depends on consistent care and early detection. By adopting simple daily habits and staying proactive with eye exams, most of us can protect their eyesight and reduce the risk of long-term problems.

About Author:

Rohit Adyanthaya MD

Retinal Specialist

Virginia Eye Consultants

Norfolk, Virginia.

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Eastern Virginia Medical School

BANA extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Rohit Adyanthaya for sharing your expertise and valuable insights with our community. Your article helps readers better understand common eye conditions, the importance of early detection and simple steps to protect their vision. Thank you for making a meaningful difference through your knowledge, service and commitment to improving the health and well-being.