Eye Common among the Aged

People in their 40s usually experience a slow, but certain, change in their vision. Most often, glasses are required to see objects that are close or for reading print. Some people have trouble adjusting to glare, distinguishing certain colors, or focusing on far away objects like a bird flying in the sky.  

There is no need to panic!

It is all a part of growing up. Or rather, growing old!

In no way can these changes stop you from enjoying an active lifestyle. Neither is your independence at stake!

In these golden years of your lifetime, you can live a perfectly normal and active life. A little awareness on the risks related to eye diseases and conditions is all that is required.

There are two diseases that can be termed most common in old age.

1. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a condition where, due to aging, sharp, central vision is gradually destroyed. It is the central vision that is required for seeing objects clearly and performing daily tasks such as reading and driving.

Detection: Tests may include dilated eye exam, visual acuity test, looking at the Amsler grid, a Fluorescein angiogram, and optical coherence tomography.

Treatment: National Eye Institute researchers say that daily intake of certain high-dose vitamins and minerals can reduce the progression of the disease. About 25% of the risk can be reduced with the intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper. AREDS supplement has proven to be the best for AMD.

2. Cataract

A cataract refers to the clouding that takes place in the lens of the eye. For people with cataract, the vision appears cloudy or blurred. Colors seem faded and there may also be a lot of glare.

A cataract can occur in one or both eyes. However, it is not contagious and does not spread from one eye to the other.

Causes for the formation: The lens of the eye lies behind the pupil and the iris. It is called lens because it works almost exactly like a camera lens. The lens is made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in such a way that the lens is clear and light passes through it easily. With age, some protein gets clumped together and begins to cloud a small area of the lens. This is the formation of a cataract. With time, the cataract can grow larger and cloud more area of the lens. Slowly, it gets harder to see.

There are different types of cataracts:

Secondary cataract: These are cataracts that form after a surgery conduced for other problems of the eye, such as glaucoma. People with diabetes can also be prone to cataract development. Sometimes, cataracts also can be linked with steroid use.

Traumatic cataract: These cataracts are those that develop after an eye injury.

Congenital cataract: Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in their childhood. These are often seen in both eyes. However, they are usually too small to affect vision.

Radiation cataract: Cataracts can develop after exposure to any type of radiation.

Prevention and Treatment: While cataracts can only be rectified through a surgery there are ways to delay the formation of a cataract.

• Wearing sunglasses
• Wearing a large-brimmed hat
• Discontinuation of smoking
• Good nutrition, such as green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.

Meanwhile, a comprehensive dilated eye exam is recommended at least once in two years.