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SOuTHERN SENIOR MAGAzINE
| Fall 2016
ome people don’t have eye problems but age
brings changes that can weaken the eyes. Most
eye diseases can be treated if they are found
early. Some eye diseases have no early signs or
symptoms. Have a complete eye exam with a
specialist every 1 – 2 years and sooner if a problem appears
such as loss of vision, pain, fluids discharging from the eye,
double vision, redness or swelling of the eye or eyelid.
Thanks to advances in technology, there are machines able
to detect eye diseases before it is too late. Ultimately you must
seek treatment whenever you detect problems with your eyes or
vision.
Glaucoma results from too much fluid pressure inside the
eye which can lead to vision loss or blindness. The cause is un-
known and there are no early symptoms or pain. If treated
early it can be controlled to prevent blindness. Glaucoma can
be treated with drops, pills, laser surgery, traditional surgery or
a combination of these. Vision loss from glaucoma is irre-
versible, but if detected early and treated, most people will not
lose their sight.
Cataract Symptoms include cloudy or blurry vision, prob-
lems with driving at night, problems with glare during the day,
double vision, and changes in the way you see color
There are four types of cataracts but the two that pertain to
seniors are Age-related and Secondary cataracts. These develop
as a result of conditions like diabetes, radiation, exposure to
toxic substances, ultraviolet light and corticosteroids or di-
uretics. We can control other factors that increase the risk of
developing cataracts. They are air pollution, heavy alcohol con-
sumption and cigarette smoke.
Cataracts occur when there is a buildup of protein that
makes the lens cloudy. Change in eyeglass prescription can
help at first. If a cataract becomes large or thick, it can be re-
moved by surgery that is usually done on an outpatient basis
and 90% successful in restoring vision.
Presbyopia is a slow loss of ability to see close objects
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or small print. This usually occurs around the age of forty.
Over a period of time, the proteins in the eye lens harden and
become less elastic. Age-related changes also take place in the
muscle fibers surrounding the lens. Presbyopia is treated with
bifocal or progressive addition lenses, reading glasses, contact
lens, and surgery.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a pro-
gressive eye condition that damages the macular, the part of
the retina responsible for sharp central vision and ability to see
details. The exact cause is unknown. Risk factors are family
history, light colored eyes, and gender. Women get AMB more
often than men.
Risk factors that you can control include smoking, nutri-
tion, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and exces-
sive exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun.
Dry AMD is less severe and progresses slowly. Early signs
may include blurred vision, a need for more light when read-
ing, and a blind spot in the center of vision.
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels bleed. This
leads to more vision loss more quickly. Symptoms include
straight lines appearing wavy or crooked and the sensation that
things are further away than they really are. Taking a high dose
combination of vitamin C and E, beta-carotene and zinc was
found to reduce the risk of progression. However, these aren’t
recommended for smokers due to an increased risk of lung
cancer. Even though vitamins for the eyes can be bought over
the counter, consult your eye care specialist for a recommen-
dation because other specific formulations are available for
smokers.
Intraocular injections are standard treatment for Wet AMD.
Clinic trials have shown that vision was improved in forty per-
cent of patients and stabilized visions in ninety percent of those
tested. Laser Surgery and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) are oc-
casionally used to compliment treatment with intraocular in-
jections and can diminish the number and frequency of
injections to control leakage.
Nutrition for Vision Studies show that nutrients such as
omega -3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and specific vitamins may help
ward off age-related vision problems.
Eat plenty of:
• Green leafy vegetables
• Salmon, tuna and other oily fish
• Eggs, nuts, beans and other non-meat proteins
• Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices
The thought of blindness is scary to me. An older adult suf-
fering with other ailments that affect vital organs may not con-
sider eye disease as a priority and delay in seeking treatment. I
think most of us focus on maintaining function and living in-
dependently. How independent would you be if you were
blind? Testing and treatment should be considered because if
detected early enough blindness may be prevented.
By Joyce Boyd
Age Related
Eye Diseases
