Senior Eye Health
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Senior
Eye Health
As adults reach age 60 and older, they are more likely
to experience eye and vision problems such as cataracts, glaucoma,
macular degeneration, and vision loss. Most of these conditions are
common among aging patients, but with frequent eye examinations, a
good diet, and proper eye care, they conditions can be successfully
treated or prevented altogether.
As you grow older, it is important to be aware of any changes
in your vision. While some conditions such as presbyopia are considered normal
and easily corrected, other changes in your vision may be symptomatic of more
serious conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Talk to a certified
eye care specialist as soon as you begin to experience changes in your
eyesight.
- Presbyopia.
Presbyopia is one of the most common age-related
eye conditions. This condition is caused by the natural hardening of the
lens in your eye, which makes it more difficult to focus on objects that
are close to you. Presbyopia can affect adults as young as 40, and
gradually becomes more obstructive as you grow older. People who are first
noticing the signs of presbyopia often compensate by holding items and
reading materials farther away where they are easier to see, but many
eventually opt for reading glasses, eyeglasses, contact lenses,
or laser eye surgery. Talk to your eye doctor to explore other
methods of dealing with this natural loss of close-vision focus.
- Cataracts.
Sixty percent of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have developed
cataracts. These cloudy protein buildups are often seen in older patients
and can significantly affect your vision if left untreated. While some
cases do not require immediate intervention, cataracts can grow to the
point of causing partial or total blindness. At this stage, cataract
surgery is the only effective method of clearing your eyesight. If you
experience any cloudy spots in your field of vision, schedule a
comprehensive eye examination with your doctor right away.
Beyond these common age-related eye conditions, major
diseases and impairments include:
- Macular
degeneration. Macular degeneration is a serious eye
condition which is currently the leading cause of blindness in American
seniors. Currently 1.75 million people are affected, and these numbers are
expected to increase as the population ages. There is no outright cure for
the disease, but many optometrists and ophthalmologists believe
that development can be slowed by wearing UV-protecting glasses and
maintaining a proper diet. As always, scheduling regular eye
examinations with your doctor can help diagnose this condition at its
earliest stage.
- Glaucoma.
Glaucoma is another serious eye condition that affects older patients,
with risk of developing the disease increasing from about 1% at age 40 to
12% at 80. Glaucoma is the name given to a group of diseases that can
damage your optic nerve by causing eye pressure to rise. If glaucoma is
detected early before damage to the optic nerve occurs, it can be treated
with medicinal eye drops, laser treatment, or conventional surgery. Many
cases of glaucoma do not present any obvious symptoms, so it is important
to schedule frequent checkups. If you notice any changes in your normal
vision, contact your local eye doctor as soon as possible.
Age-Related
Eye Conditions
Many age-related eye conditions are simply a natural
byproduct of human aging, and are often difficult to treat or avoid. However,
by following basic eye care tips throughout your life, you give yourself a
better chance of maintaining healthy vision well into your senior years.
Wearing eye protection, following an appropriate diet, scheduling regular
examinations, and paying attention to your overall health will help you in your
fight against age-related vision problems. Talk with a certified eye care
specialist if you have any questions or concerns about your eyesight as you get
older.
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