Many of us are guilty of taking our vision and eye health for granted. Especially those who have 20/20 vision often think this will last forever. However, as we get older, our health suffers in a variety of ways and this includes deterioration of our vision.
A number of common eye problems can occur as we get older. Furthermore, these age-related conditions can have a big impact on quality of life. Fortunately, thanks to modern technology and the advancements in the medical world, there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the effects of these conditions. In this article, we will look at some common age-related eye problems.
3 Common Eye Conditions Linked to Aging
Various eye health conditions are linked to aging, although some may occur in other age groups as well. As with other areas of health, the risk of visual health deterioration increases with age. Also, without regular eye checks, you could be at very high risk of developing one of these conditions. While regular checks will not always be able to stop the condition from developing, they can help to minimize the effects and get the condition under control. Some common age-related eye health conditions include:
Cataracts
This eye condition is related to aging. This is where the lens of the eye clouds over. This then results in clouded or blurred vision and can also result in noticeable glare. In most cases, cataracts are the result of aging. Alas, some affected by the condition decide to have cataract surgery in order to reduce vision impairment. Cataracts can occur due to the movement of protein in the lens of the eye, which clumps together causes the affected area to cloud. Experts have linked cataracts to wear and tear over the years but also to other factors such as smoking and conditions such as diabetes.
AMD
Another common vision problem linked to getting older is AMD (age-related Macular Degeneration). This is where there is a gradual decline in sharp central vision. This can then affect the ability to see objects clearly and carry out day-to-day tasks like driving or reading.
This condition is one of the leading causes of vision problems in people aged 50 and over. The macular is a small area close to the middle of the retina and is essential when it comes to sharp central vision. Damage caused through aging then causes impairment of vision, which can have a dramatic effect on quality of life. Some people do not notice the effects for a long time because the condition can advance slowly. However, it can also advance more quickly in some people, which means vision loss comes about sooner.
Low Vision
Low vision is another condition that can affect older people. With this condition, even wearing glasses or contacts may not help to ease the struggle of impaired vision. This can mean that carrying out daily tasks such as reading, cooking, watching TV and other routine activities can become far more difficult. Those that suffer from this condition have to try to make the most of the vision that remains in order to lead as full a life as possible. For some people this means making use of vision rehabilitation services.
Dry Eye
Although it can affect people of different age groups, there are many older people who suffer from this condition. As the name suggests, this is where the surface of the eye is not properly lubricated, and this is the result of problems with the quality or quantity of tears. As you get older, the risk of developing this problem grows. Symptoms include a scratching sensation that makes you feel there is something stuck in your eye. Burning, stinging, redness, pain, and discharge can also affect those with this condition. It can also lead to blurry vision as well as periods of excess tearing from time to time.
Glaucoma
This is one of the top causes of blindness in the United States. Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that can have a negative impact on the optic nerve and can lead to loss of vision and blindness. Vision loss with glaucoma can be serious. However, if you have regular checks and the problems are picked up early enough, it can help to minimize vision loss dramatically. This then means you can more easily maintain your quality of life. The best way to deal with this condition is to detect and treat it early on.
Diabetic Retinopathy
This type of eye health problem is linked to diabetes. Moreover, older people with the condition can be at increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. This condition is the result of the retina not being properly fed by the small blood vessels, and in some cases, there may be fluid leakage from the blood vessels. This can then result in blurred vision. However, as the condition worsens, other symptoms may appear such as floaters, cloudy vision, and blind spots. Major vision issues and even blindness can occur if new blood vessels grow and bleed into the center of the eye.
Retinal Detachment
With this condition, the retina’s inside and outside layers become separated. This then means that the eye is no longer able to communicate with the brain. This means that you will lose vision due to the lack of communication between the eye and brain. In many cases, however, an eye doctor can reattach the retina, which could mean the partial or full return of your vision.
These are just some of the many eye health conditions that may affect you as you get older. Having regular checks can help to catch many of them in the early stages.
Seeking Advice about Vision Problems
It is important to remember that medical technology has come a long way over recent years. This means that there may well be a treatment available to help with your age-related vision problems. Naturally, the earlier you seek advice the better your chances will be. Also, attending regular eye screening to ensure you are wearing the right classes and to monitor any deterioration in vision can also help.
The Importance of Regular Checks with Your Eye Doctor
As we get older, our health deteriorates in many ways. Many older people try to combat this by visiting their doctor on a regular basis in order to have checks that can prevent certain age-related conditions or at least slow them down. Likewise, our dental health can also suffer, which makes it all the more important to see a dentist for regular check-ups in order to prevent issues. In the same way, it is vital for older people to arrange regular eye tests and appointments so that any impending eye issues can be identified and tackled during the early stages when there is a far better chance of treatment and prevention.
Vision examinations are important
A lot of older people do not take time out to go and see their eye doctor until they start to notice problems with this vision. However, by the time you notice these issues, the problem is already at an advanced stage. Often, the early stages of any condition can only be picked up through eye testing and examination, and this can only be carried out if the person goes for eye checks on a regular basis. By making sure you attend these checks, you will find it much easier to prevent eye conditions and get successful treatment where required.
It can be difficult to determine a drop in visual health at any age but when you are older, it becomes even more difficult. This is because there may be other areas of your health that are suffering and you may be on medication and treatment. This could lead you to believe that any visual problems, headaches, and related issues are down to your other medical conditions or medications. However, it could be something completely separate and something that can be treated with far greater ease if it is picked up early enough.
Finding an Eye Doctor
As with any type of medical professional, it is important to ensure you find a suitable eye doctor that you can go to for regular checks and with any vision problems you experience. In order to find the most suitable professional for you, there are various key points you need to consider. This will make it easier for you to choose a good doctor that can provide you with long term eye health care and treatment.
One of the key factors to consider when you are choosing a doctor is the level of experience they have. In particular, you may want to learn more about their level of experience when it comes to senior eye health. This will ensure you get a specialist that is suitably experienced for your individual needs. While some eye doctors tend to deal with all ages, there are also those who specialize in pediatric eye care or senior eye health. Finding one that falls into the latter groups will increase the chances that the doctor is familiar with all types of senior eye health conditions.
Conduct a background check on your eye doctor
Another thing you should do is make sure you check on the credentials of the doctor before making your decision. This is something that you can do with ease by visiting the website of the eye clinic or doctor. Often, you will find information about the professional’s credentials on the site, including any specific experience or training when it comes to senior eye health. If you cannot find all the information you need online, you should never hesitate to call and speak to someone for more information. This will help to ensure you are happy with your choice before you make any commitment.
It is also a good idea to look at reviews of the doctor and eye clinic from other people. This is something you can do with speed and convenience online. Many people who use eye clinics will leave reviews about their experience and the effectiveness of treatment. They will also share the approach used by the eye doctor. By reading up on these reviews, you can get a better idea of what you should expect. This will then help you to make a more informed choice. Make sure you pay careful attention to any reviews that are left by older people. This will enable you to get more of an idea of what a clinic or eye doctor is like when it comes to senior eye health.
When all is said and done we have five senses that we rely on – although some would argue six if you count the intuitive sense such as claircognizance. Your eyes are one of the most important of your most critical of sense. So take care of them!
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