While some eye diseases are minor, other are not and can lead to permanent vision loss. Since most eye diseases do not show symptoms, regular check ups are your best defense. It is key to detect the disease early in order to prevent any loss of vision. Some common eye diseases are as follows. For a more comprehensive list of common eye diseases visit the National Eye Institute.

Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, leading to vision loss -- or even blindness. This brochure is about open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease.

Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.

AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain.

In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.

Low Vision
Low vision means that even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, people find everyday tasks difficult to do. Reading the mail, shopping, cooking, seeing the TV, and writing can seem challenging.

Retinal Detachment
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. When the retina detaches, it is lifted or pulled from its normal position. If not promptly treated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss.

In some cases there may be small areas of the retina that are torn. These areas, called retinal tears or retinal breaks, can lead to retinal detachment.