The 4 most common age-related eye diseases
Las Mercedes Medical Centers | May 6, 2024 | 3 min read time
By age 65, one in three Americans has an eye disease that affects vision. The most common age-related eye diseases (ARD) are glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Understand the symptoms, risk factors and treatments for these diseases.
can help you protect your vision and that of an elderly loved one.
- Glaucoma
What is it?
Glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve and potentially causing vision loss or blindness.
Symptoms:
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision.
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages.
Treatment:
- Medications such as eye drops or pills.
- Laser surgery (trabeculoplasty) to improve fluid flow and reduce pressure.
- Conventional surgery (trabeculectomy) to create a new drainage pathway.
Risk factors:
- Age, family history, steroid medication use and myopia.
- Waterfalls
What is it?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which causes blurred or distorted vision.
Symptoms:
- Glare or halos around lights.
- Blurred or double vision.
- Difficulty seeing at night.
Treatment:
- Surgery to remove the opaque lens and an artificial one.
Risk factors:
- Aging, smoking, sun exposure and family history.
- Women have a slightly higher risk than men.
- Macular degeneration (MD)
What is it?
MD affects the macula, the central part of the retina, reducing the central vision needed for tasks such as reading and driving.
Symptoms:
- Initial stages: No symptoms.
- Advanced stages: blurred or wavy central vision, difficulty seeing fine details.
Treatment:
- Laser surgery or injections of anti-angiogenic drugs to slow progression.
- Low vision devices to maintain independence.
Risk factors:
- Age, family history, race (higher risk for whites), arterial hypertension and smoking.
- Diabetic retinopathy
What is it?
A complication of diabetes in which abnormal blood vessels in the retina leak or grow inappropriately, causing vision problems.
Symptoms:
- Shadows or "floats".
- Blurred or distorted vision.
- Partial loss of vision or eye pain.
Treatment:
- Laser photocoagulation to prevent vision loss.
- Vitrectomy surgery for severe cases.
Risk factors:
- High blood sugar, high blood pressure and certain diabetes medications.
Essential eye exams for the elderly
Regular eye examinations are vital for early diagnosis of age-related eye diseases. Key tests include:
- Visual acuity test: Measures how well you see at different distances.
- Pupil dilation: Expands the pupil to allow a complete examination of the retina.
- Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure, often with a painless "puff of air" test.
A complete ophthalmologic examination every 1-2 years is crucial for early detection and treatment of diseases such as glaucoma and DM.
Protect your vision today
Age-related eye diseases are manageable when detected early. If you or a loved one is experiencing vision changes, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Las Mercedes Medical Centers today.
Source: AgingCare.com
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