AGE RELATED EYESIGHT CONDITIONS
A number of conditions impact the eye and surrounding
areas. Some of are common
to all over the age of 50.
Aging impacts the eyes, just like other parts of the
body. Common complaints include:
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a slow loss of ability to see close objects
or small print. It is a normal process that happens
over a lifetime. Presbyopia can begin in the late thirties,
but by the age of 55, close to 100% of the population
is affected. You may not notice any change until after
the age of 40.
The first sign is letters look fuzzy when reading up
close and you have difficulty reading in low-light situations.
People with presbyopia often hold reading materials
at arm's length. Some get headaches or "tired eyes"
while reading or doing other close work.
Presbyopia is not degenerative on the eye but is a
progressive condition that is best properly diagnosed
and treated by an eye care professional.
More on treating
presbyopia
Floaters
Floaters are tiny spots or specks that float across
the field of vision. They are noticed by many people,
especially in well-lit rooms, bright days outside, or
when reading under a strong light. Floaters are mostly
normal, but may sometimes [when accompanied by light
flashes] warn of eye problems such as retinal detachment.
Seek advice if you hae any sudden change in the type
or number of spots or flashes.
Dry Eyes
When the tear glands don't produce enough tears, dry
eyes result. Dry eyes cause discomfort through causing
itching, burning, and sometimes, loss of vision. Using
lubricating eye drops and maintaining the correct humidity
in your living environment helps to alleviate symptoms.
In more severe cases, surgery may be needed.
Tearing
When eyes are very sensitive to light, wind, or temperature
changes, the eyes can water profusely, known as 'tearing'.
Often just protecting the eyes by wearing sunglasses
helps to solve the problem, however tearing can sometimes
indicated a more serious problem, such as an eye infection
or a blocked tear duct. Both these conditions can be
corrected by your doctor.
Eye Diseases and Disorders with Aging
The most common eye diseases and disorders with age
are:
Cataracts
Cataracts are cloudy areas in part or all of the eye
lens. This clouding prevents light passing correctly
through the lens, causing loss of eyesight. Cataracts
form slowly and are mostly symptom free in early stages.
However, left untreated they can impact on eyesight.
More on treating
cataracts
Glaucoma
Glaucoma results from too much fluid pressure inside
the eye, generally without symptoms. Left untreated,
glaucoma can lead to vision loss and blindness. The
cause of glaucoma is unknown but treated early, glaucoma
can usually be controlled and blindness prevented.
Treatment may be prescription eye drops, oral medications,
or surgery.
More on treating
glaucoma
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Treatments for Eyesight Related Conditions
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