Old Age Eye Problems

As with other parts of the body, the eyes start to undergo changes as they age. In fact, vision problems are one of the first signs of aging. However, you can reduce the effect of age-related eyesight problems and increase your overall health in general by keeping track of changes that occur in your vision, making sure your eyes are protected from possible injury, eating nutritious foods and seeing an vision specialist regularly. Here are some of the conditions that occur as people age.

Macular Degeneration

• One of the major eye problems that occurs with aging is macular degeneration, which occurs when the retina deteriorates and vision is greatly impaired. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition yet. However, if the problem is caught early enough, the effect can be significantly reduced through vitamins, laser therapy, medicine and vision aids.

Cataracts

• Major improvements in health care have made the problem of cataracts much more treatable. When people get cataracts, the lens of their eyes becomes cloudy and it is difficult to see, especially at night with the bright car lights. Now with out-patient day surgery, most cataract patients have greatly improved eyesight.

Glaucoma

• Glaucoma is an eye condition that is often hereditary and worsens with age. With this condition, the fluid pressure mounts inside the eye. This pressure can harm the optic nerve that sends messages to the brain. It can also cause blindness. Glaucoma can also become worse when linked to other diseases such as macular degeneration.

Dry Eye Syndrome

• When people get older, sometimes their tear ducts do not work as well as when they were younger. Their eyes lose moisture and can become dry and uncomfortable. They can itch, burn and turn red. In most cases, the problem can be resolved by using a humidifier, having prescribed eye drops and, in serious situations, surgery.

Floaters

• Tiny spots that move across the visual plain are called floaters. They are more noticeable in brightly lit areas, especially outdoors on a bright, sunny day, Although floaters are normally harmless, they can be a sign of more serious problems, such as a detached retina.