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Ageing Eyes: Vision Changes & Common Problems

Ageing plays a major role in development of eye diseases in older adults. If not treated properly, this can lead to vision loss and blindness. Take a look at this article to know more.

How does Ageing affect your Eyes?

Age sometimes brings changes that weaken your vision and eyes. The most common issues of ageing eyes include:

● Progressive decline in eyes’ ability to focus on close objects.

● Difficulty to differentiate between certain colors like black from blue.

● More time needed to adjust to changes in light intensity.

Preventive measures for Age-Related Eye problems

While eye problems and eye diseases become more prevalent with age, many can be prevented with the following tips:

● Getting a preventive health checkup, along with a full eye examination. This can help identify diseases or health conditions that may cause eye-related issues in the future.

● Maintaining a healthy diet that includes nutrients like lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, zeaxanthin, etc. which will keep your eyes healthy and help prevent certain eye problems.

● Staying physically active and maintaining weight can help prevent various eye problems, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Common Eye Problems Related to Ageing

These are several eye problems that are more common as people age, but they can affect anyone at any age. This includes:

1. Presbyopia

This refers to the loss of ability to see close objects or small print. Development of presbyopia is a normal process that happens slowly over a lifetime. You may not notice any change until after age 35 or 40. If you have presbyopia, you can improve your vision with reading glasses or multifocal (bifocal) lenses.

2. Dry Eyes

Also called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, this happens when tear glands can’t make enough tears or produce poor quality tears. Dry eyes can be uncomfortable, causing itching, burning or even some loss of vision.

3. Floaters and flashers

Floaters are tiny spots or specks that float across the field of vision. Most people notice them in well-lit rooms or outdoors on a bright day. Floaters often are normal, but can sometimes indicate eye problems such as retinal detachment, especially if they are accompanied by light flashes.

4. Tearing or Watery Eyes

Also called Epiphora, this is a condition where there is an excessive amount of tear production. Its symptoms include redness, soreness, sharp pain, blurred vision, etc.

Eye Diseases Common in Ageing Adults

Ageing eyes are susceptible to different types of vision-related complications. Eye diseases and disorders that are common in ageing adults include:

1. Glaucoma

This condition occurs when there is an increased pressure inside the eye which results in damage of the optic nerve. It is one of the leading cause of blindness in senior citizens.

2. Cataracts

This is a condition where cloudy areas develop in the lens in front of the eye. Its symptoms include spots in vision, blurriness, etc. and it can be treated with the help of eye injections or surgery.

3. Retinal detachment

This occurs when the inner and outer layers of the retina become separated. Without a retina, the eye can’t communicate with the brain, making vision impossible. The majority of retinal detachment cases tend to affect individuals over age 50.

4. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

This is a condition where you experience gradual loss of central vision. It is a major contributor to vision loss in older folks. It contributes to vision loss but doesn’t cause total blindness. If advanced, there is no cure but in early stages there is benefit from nutritional supplements.

5. Diabetic-related retinopathy

This disorder is a complication of diabetes. It occurs when small blood vessels stop feeding the retina properly. It’s very important that people with diabetes have an eye exam with pupil dilation every year.

What Devices can Help with Vision Loss?

These are special devices that are stronger than regular eyeglasses. Some people with only partial sight are able to increase their vision significantly by using these devices. Low vision aids include:

• Telescopic glasses

• Lenses that filter light

• Magnifying glasses

• Electronic devices that you can either hold in your hand or put directly on your reading material

Conclusion

Whether or not you have an age-related sight condition, there are simple things you can do to improve your vision and maintain good eye health. See your eye doctor regularly and take precautions if you have diabetes or a family history of eye disease.

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Source: Clevelandclinic, PharmEasy, Kokilabenhospital

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on June 08, 2023