Age-Related Eye Disease

As people age, health problems often follow. There are a number of age-related eye problems and diseases. Most of these conditions can be slowed or stopped, and some, such as macular degeneration and cataracts, may be reversed and improved. Any sudden changes to vision may indicate a sudden onset of age-related eye disease and should be analyzed by an ophthalmologist.

Vitreous Detachment

• Vitreous detachment describes a process of the eye's gel-like interior liquefying and separating from the retina. Vitreous detachment is what causes spots and floaters in most people's vision. Although spots and floaters can occur at any stage of life, it is more common with age. Sudden onset of floaters and spots may indicate a a much more serious detachment or a tear in the retina and should be treated immediately.

Macular Degeneration

• Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness as people advance in age. Symptoms of this condition include a loss of central vision and distortions, such as straight lines appearing wavy. Macular degeneration describes a failing of the macula, the area in the retina responsible for straight ahead vision. Age-related macular degeneration is often called AMD.

Glaucoma

• Glaucoma is the name given to several diseases that damage the optic nerve. It is caused by increasing pressure in the eye. One form of glaucoma has no symptoms until the damage is done, this is called open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma results in a narrowing of peripheral vision until, eventually, blindness occurs. Another form, angle-closure glaucoma, often has the following symptoms: hazy or blurred vision, rainbow-colored halos around lights, severe eye pain or headache, nausea, vomiting or sudden vision loss. Treatment is critical for people with glaucoma because once the optic nerve and vision have been damaged, they cannot be restored.

Cataracts

• Cloudy vision, halos around lights at night and a loss of visual color intensity may indicate cataracts. Cataracts are a clouding of the clear lens in the eye. According to the National Institute of Health, by the age of 80, 50 percent of people have had cataract surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial one.

Diabetic Retinopathy

• Diabetic retinopathy generally occurs in people over the age of 60 who have diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy symptoms include sudden floaters and spots with blind spots in the field of view. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when retinal blood vessels are damaged. When damaged, they have a tendency toward fragility and blood leakage. As the blood vessels break, they create scars on the retina that affect vision.