PREVENTION
As we age, our vision can change rapidly. At the
same time, our nervous system response time slows, making the need for properly
corrected vision even more important.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when there is too
much fluid pressure in the eye, causing eye damage and potential blindness.
Although glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the
Unfortunately, glaucoma seldom
produces early symptoms, and usually there is no pain from increased pressure.
Side or peripheral vision loss occurs as the disease progresses, although
frontal vision remains clear.
Who is most likely to get glaucoma?
Anyone can get it, but there are some people who are at a higher risk.
They include:
- African-Americans over the age of 40.
- Everyone over the age of 60.
- People with a family history of glaucoma.
As a result, it's important for
eye specialists to test for the disease during routine eye exams.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the gradual decline
in the ability to focus on close objects or to see small print. Regardless of
your prior vision correction needs, presbyopia is considered a normal and
almost inevitable part of the aging process.
Most people develop presbyopia
around the age of 40. You may feel the impact sooner if you're regularly
involved in near-vision tasks such as reading or working with small objects.
However, using your eyes does not make the situation worse.
Symptoms include:
·
Straining to read newsprint, or
holding it at arms length
·
Confusing similar numbers, such
as 8 and 3
·
Difficulty focusing on pricetags or the time on a wristwatch
Reading glasses, PC lenses, or bifocals
can usually correct this condition. Progressive bifocals or multifocal lenses do not have that tell-tale line, giving
you a clearer, more natural view.
Cataracts usually develop
gradually and without pain as the lens in the eye loses transparency and the
lens material yellows. The result is a gradual loss of brightness and a slight
skewing of color perception that usually goes unnoticed.
Cataracts are the leading cause
of visual disability in people over 65. Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of
the most common and successful medical procedures in the world today.
An annual vision exam is very
important for older adults. Visit your Doctor of Optometry for a complete eye
exam to detect this common disease and discuss treatment options, should you be
diagnosed.
Uncover some myths and facts
about cataracts with information provided by Prevent Blindness America the
nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to
fighting blindness and saving sight.
Other Conditions of the Eye
There are additional conditions
of the eye that may require further examination. Some of those conditions
include:
Floaters
In well-lit areas, some people
may notice "floaters," which are tiny spots or specks that float
across the field of vision. While floaters are usually harmless, they can be a
warning of certain eye problems.
Dry Eyes
One of the most common problems
reported to eye doctors is dry eyes. This occurs when tear glands produce too
few tears and cause itching, burning or even reduced vision. Your doctor may
prescribe "artificial tears" to correct this problem.
Retinal Disorders
Retinal disorders are more common as we age and can often result in blindness. Examples of retinal disorders include age-related macular degeneration. Symptoms include blurring of reading vision or a dark spot in the center of the field of vision. Diabetic retinopathy, in which blood vessels leak fluid and distort vision, and retinal detachment usually, can be surgically corrected.
