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Your autonomic nervous system is the part of your nervous system that controls involuntary actions, such as the beating of your heart and the widening or narrowing of your blood vessels. When something goes wrong in this system, it can cause serious problems, including:

• Blood pressure problems
• Heart problems
• Trouble with breathing and swallowing
• Erectile dysfunction in men

Autonomic nervous system disorders can occur alone or as the result of another disease, such as Parkinson's disease, alcoholism and diabetes. Problems can affect either part of the system, as in complex regional pain syndromes, or all of the system. Some types are temporary, but many worsen over time. When they affect your breathing or heart function, these disorders can be life-threatening.

Some autonomic nervous system disorders get better when an underlying disease is treated. Often, however, there is no cure. In that case, the goal of treatment is to improve symptoms.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Even if your eyes feel healthy, you could have a problem and not know it. That's why regular eye exams are so important. Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem that makes it hard to see clearly. But some eye conditions or diseases don't have any symptoms and can lead to a permanent loss of vision.

Some common eye diseases and conditions include:

• Cataracts, which happens when the clear lens in the front of your eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts are common as you get older and can lead to vision loss.
• Optic nerve disorders, which includes glaucoma. Glaucoma usually happens when the fluid pressure inside your eyes slowly rises.
• Retinal disorders, which are problems with the nerve layer at the back of your eye.
• Macular degeneration, which is a disease that destroys your sharp, central vision.
• Diabetic eye problems, which can cause vision loss and blindness.
• Conjunctivitis, which is an infection also known as pink eye. It can cause pink or red itchy eyes. Some types of pink eye can spread very easily.

Some eye conditions and diseases do not always have symptoms. Early detection through a comprehensive dilated eye exam could help your eye care provider detect diseases in the early stages. Proper treatment could help slow or prevent vision loss.

Get regular eye exams and call your eye care professional right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

• A sudden change in vision
• Everything looks dim
• Flashes of light
• Eye pain
• Double vision
• Fluid coming from your eye
• Inflammation (swelling)

Getting older increases your risk of some eye diseases. Other things that may put you at a higher risk of some eye diseases can include if you:

• Are overweight or obese
• Have a family history of eye disease
• Are African American, Hispanic, or Native American
• Have certain health conditions such as Diabetic eye problems, or high blood pressure

Treatment may depend on the eye condition or disease but can include:

• A new prescription for eyeglasses or contacts
• Use of bright lights or magnifying lenses for reading and other activities
• Medicines
• Prescription eye drops or ointments
• Laser treatment
• Surgery

Depending on your eye condition or disease, treatment may slow vision loss but may not restore vision. Talk to your provider about what treatment is best for you.

Your best defense is to have regular checkups. Be sure to tell your provider if any eye diseases run in your family.

You can also help take care of your vision by making lifestyle changes to lower your risk of health conditions that can cause vision problems. This could include by:

• Protecting your eyes from the sun
• Wearing protective eyewear while using tools or playing certain sports
• Getting regular physical activity
• Staying at a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking (or not starting)
• Eating a healthy diet

NIH: National Eye Institute