As you age you may notice a change in your vision. One eye condition that changes your vision is presbyopia. Presbyopia disables you from seeing things close to you, and though it is a condition most often remedied with glasses made for reading, there are other age-related eye conditions that can be more serious and even lead to blindness. If you notice a change in your vision, it’s important that you see an eye doctor for an examination without delay. Read the following information to learn more about eye conditions you may encounter as you age. .
Detachment of the Retina
When your retina becomes detached, you may notice more little particles before your eyes, or more floaters. You may also see blasts of light. A small number of floaters is not a big deal and can be expected with age, but an increased number may be a symptom of a detached retina. Detachment of the retina requires immediate medical intervention and possibly surgery. Laser treatment may also be used to treat a detached retina.
Retinopathy from Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by diabetes and occurs when blood vessels in the eye break. The condition forms at a slow pace, it shows no starting symptoms, and it frequently leads to blindness. Anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes should have a yearly dilated eye test. Blood sugar control is one way to protect yourself from the development or decrease the progression of this condition. You can also stop the progression of diabetic retinopathy by having laser surgery.
Conditions with the Cornea
If you see rings of light around objects, if your eyes are red and teary, if your eyes hurt and if you have difficulty seeing, you could have corneal problems, or corneal disease. If the condition is serious, surgery may be required. Less serious treatment includes a change in your prescription lenses and the administration of drops in your eyes.
Cloudy Lenses
A clouding of the lenses in your eyes is a condition called cataracts. It causes blurry vision and eventually turns your once clear lenses into brown lenses that darkens over time, making it hard to see. Other symptoms of cataracts include difficulty seeing at night, seeing more than one image and magnification of light. A dilated eye test is recommended every two years for those 60 years old and over.
Pressure Within The Eye
Too much pressure in the eyes is a condition called glaucoma. It is a condition that shows no symptoms and causes no pain at the start. Since glaucoma causes damage to the eye and robs its victim of his or her sight, routine dilated eye tests are recommended. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to avoid major loss of sight. Drops for the eyes, lasers and surgical intervention are all ways to treat glaucoma.
Macular Degeneration
If you notice a decline in the sharpness of your vision, you may be experiencing the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. This condition can make everyday tasks difficult. A dilated eye test will help your doctor evaluate you for AMD. There are a number of treatment plans for macular degeneration, and supplements may help prevent worsening of the condition.
Other Eye Conditions Associated With Aging
Low vision is an eye disorder that can only be helped by using vision aids like bold writing tools and telephones and other devices made with oversized numbers on them. Watery eyes can be helped through the use of dark glasses and eye drops, but a visit to your doctor is recommended if your eyes tear to rule out something more serious than eye sensitivity. Blepharitis is a condition that exhibits symptoms such as red eyelids that may swell, itch and crust up over the night. Watery eyes is another symptom of blepharitis. Treatment for blepharitis includes the application of warm wet compresses and thorough washing of the eyelids. Dry eyes itch and burn, and this condition can cause difficulty in seeing. Treatment options include humidifying a room, putting drops in the eyes, ointments and hydrating contact lenses.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
National Institute on Aging: Aging And Your Eyes
National Eye Institute: Facts About Cataract
National Eye Institute: Age-Related Eye Diseases
National Eye Institute: Facts About Diabetic Retinopathy
National Eye Institute: Glaucoma
Grace Covelli - by Grace Covelli
