As part of the natural aging process, eyes are commonly affected in different ways. Four of the most common eye disorders among the elderly are highlighted below.
Presbyopia
One of the most common eye problems, starting early in the aging process, is presbyopia, or farsightedness due to aging. Between the ages of 40 and 45 years, most people will notice they have to hold reading materials farther away in order to focus. This is due to the natural loss of elasticity of the lens as the body ages. As the lens slowly loses elasticity, there is a slow decrease in the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. Presbyopia cannot be cured, but it can be easily treated with glasses or contact lenses.
Cataracts
Another widespread eye disorder among the elderly is cataracts. Half of all people between the ages of 60 and 74 will develop cataracts, along with 70% of all people over the age of 75. Common symptoms are cloudy or blurry vision, increased glare from lights as well as a halo effect, and poor night vision. Cataracts form when the naturally occurring protein around the lens of the eye begins to clump together and starts to cloud a small area of the lens. Over time, the cataract gradually expands, causing vision to worsen. Treatment for cataracts is most often surgery, after the vision is significantly affected; in which the cataract is removed and the lens is replaced.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is another common, but serious, side effect of the aging process. Without treatment, glaucoma is a disease that can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss and blindness. It occurs when the eye’s drainage passages become clogged over a period of time. The natural fluid pressure of the inner eye slowly rises because not enough fluid can drain out of the eyes. Most people with glaucoma have no symptoms and no early warning signs, but eye doctors can catch it early with regular checkups. Glaucoma usually responds well to early treatment with medication. In more serious cases, laser therapy or surgery may be required.
Macular Degeneration
Another widespread eye disorder is age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of loss of vision in persons over the age of 60. The macula is located at the back of the retina in a small area of inner lining of the eye. In older persons, the macular cells slowly break down, causing vision difficulties. Over time, the disease process progressively destroys the sharpness of the central vision. Common daily tasks such as reading and driving become difficult. Macular degeneration can be treated with medication, although the disease process can only be slowed down– not cured.
In order to prevent or improve the outcomes of these and other conditions, living a healthy lifestyle can be your key to good eye health. Don’t smoke, limit your consumption of alcohol, eat lots of fresh leafy vegetables and fresh fruit, and get plenty of exercise. And of course, get regular checkups with your eye doctor.
Sara Roberts writes for Just Eyewear, a prescription glasses and sunglasses retailer.