As you age, certain eye problems become more common. This is due to the aging process itself, which affects the whole body in various ways. Here are ten eye problems that become more prominent later in life.
Presbyopia
Your eyes will lose elasticity as you age and there is no known treatment to prevent this. This results in a condition known as presbyopia, where it becomes difficult to read fine print or text that is too close to the eyes. It is usually picked up by noticing that you have to hold books further away to be able to read them. Your ophthalmologist will diagnose this during a routine eye examination.
The treatment is corrective lenses. If you don’t get these, you will strain your eyes and may get headaches.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition where the fluid passing through the eyes slows down, causing it to accumulate and resulting in pressure on the optic nerve. This ultimately damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.
People over fifty years of age are more at risk from glaucoma, which can eventually result in a loss of vision. Those with a family history of the disease are also more prone to developing it.
The treatment aims to decrease intraocular pressure and usually begins with prescription eye drops or oral medication. This may be followed by laser treatment or surgery.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur from clouding of the eye, which prevents light from reaching the retina after passing through the lens. When the image is changed into a nerve signal to the brain, a blurry picture results. Although it can be experienced in both eyes, it is not transmitted from one eye to the other.
Other reasons for cataracts are underlying medical conditions like diabetes, eye injury, exposure to radiation, or too much sun. While anyone can get cataracts, they are more problematic for the over-50s.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is due to damage to the macula, which is responsible for direct, central vision. This can impact your ability to read, drive a vehicle, or perform everyday tasks. While it is not responsible for total blindness, the loss of vision is still extensive.
A dilated eye examination is used to check for AMD. It takes place in three stages, with no symptoms being present in the early first stage. During the second stage, it may be difficult to see clearly in low lighting or there may be some blurriness. In the latest stage, straight lines appear wavy. This is a warning sign to see your private ophthalmologist.
You can book an appointment to see an ophthalmologist through the Circle Health Group if you suspect that your eyes may not be at their best. Circle Health Group has more than 500 specialist consultant ophthalmologists. They are available in over 50 UK hospitals. This ensures that the strictest protocols are followed.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a risk for people with diabetes but is usually asymptomatic. This is why it is crucial for people with diabetes to have an annual eye examination and to maintain blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Laser surgery is used once diabetic retinopathy has developed to an advanced stage.
Strabismus
Strabismus is the result of the two eyes being uncoordinated. Each eye looks in a different direction. There are two forms of strabismus. Esotropia involves the eyes crossing over. Exotropia is when the eyes turn outwards. One of the dangers of strabismus is that the brain tends to ignore the signals from one of the eyes; lack of use of that eye can cause it to lose vision completely. This is known as amblyopia.
Amblyopia
As explained, one eye loses functionality from disuse. The laymen’s term for amblyopia is ‘lazy eye’. It is not noticeable from looking at the eyes and must be diagnosed with an eye exam. Cataracts in older people may be responsible for amblyopia. Between two and three percent of the population have this condition. Amblyopia is more readily treatable in children than in adults.
Amblyopia is more readily treatable in children than in adults. However, treatments like using an eye patch sticker can also be effective for adults in some cases. This method involves covering the stronger eye to encourage the weaker one to work harder, gradually improving vision. While the results may take longer for adults due to reduced neuroplasticity in the brain, consistent use of eye patches alongside vision therapy or corrective lenses can still yield positive results. Early diagnosis and a commitment to treatment are crucial for individuals of any age to address this condition.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia is the medical term for farsightedness. Objects that are far away are easier to see clearly than those that are nearby. With hyperopia, images are not properly focussed onto the retina. Adults with a risk factor for glaucoma must get checked regularly for hyperopia. If symptoms come on suddenly, it is necessary to get an eye examination even if your last one was very recent.
Temporal Arteritis
Temporal arteritis is a disease of the eye caused by inflammation of its blood vessels. It is related to ageing and affects four times as many women as men. It can result in permanent loss of eyesight.
Dry Eye
Dry eye produces a feeling of something stuck in the eye and relates to problems with the tear glands. It is more common in older people and especially females. You may require artificial tears in an eye drop. Surgery is used in severe cases.
With so many eye problems being related to ageing, this is a good reason for regular eye examinations.
