The human body naturally deteriorates with age. As we age, our once strong physical and mental health may start to suffer. When we reach our 40s, one of the health problems that may arise is eye health. As we age, our eyes change, leading to eye diseases in the elderly. What are they and how can we prevent them? Let’s take a look.
Common eye diseases in the elderly
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a condition in which the ability to focus on objects that are close up decreases with age. It is caused by the lens becoming harder and less flexible. Therefore, it is unable to adjust its shape to be bulging to focus light on the retina. When looking at objects at a close range. This results in not being able to see objects that are close up clearly. It usually occurs after the age of 40 and vision will stabilize around the age of 60 and up. People with presbyopia, when they want to read a book, instead of seeing letters at a distance of 30 centimeters. They have to hold the book with their arms extended to see. If they look closely at something close up, they will experience headaches or eye strain. They should consult an ophthalmologist to get glasses that are suitable for their vision.
Dry eye disease
As we age, our tear glands produce fewer tears. Sometimes, the tears produced are not of good quality, are not concentrated enough, or evaporate too quickly. This results in burning, blurry, and irritated eyes, similar to dust in the eyes. Some people may have sticky mucus that stretches into lines or continuous tears. For patients with dry eye disease, the doctor may recommend. That you install a humidifier or use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist at all times. If the dry eyes are severe, surgery may be required.
Symptoms of continuous tears
It is caused by the lacrimal glands producing too many tears. Because the eyes are sensitive to light, wind, or changes in temperature. This can be initially fixed by wearing sunglasses. However, if the symptoms do not improve, it may be a sign that you have an eye problem that requires immediate treatment, such as an eye infection or blocked tear ducts.
Cataract
Cataracts are caused by the lens of the eye becoming cloudy due to deterioration. Causing the light that passes through not to hit the retina as usual. The image seen is blurry and hazy. Most cataracts occur slowly. The patient will not have eye pain, red eyes, or tears. Sometimes the cataract may be very small and not affect vision. But if the cataract starts to cause problems. It can be treated with cataract surgery and replacement with an artificial lens.
Glaucoma
A group of diseases caused by abnormal circulation of the eye’s fluid, resulting in increased eye pressure and damage to the second pair of cranial nerves or the optic nerve, which is the nerve related to vision. Most patients will not have symptoms in the early stages, but if not treated in the early stages, it will cause a slow loss of vision until eventually becoming blind. Currently, it is considered the number one cause of permanent blindness in the Thai population. And one of the top in the world population.
Retinal Disease
The retina is the part of the eye that is behind the innermost wall. It is a thin layer that has the function of receiving images and sending the images to the brain. When there is a disease of the retina, it will result in a problem with vision. Common retinal diseases include:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
is caused by the loss of cells in the macula, a small spot in the center of the retina that is densely packed with photoreceptors. The macula is responsible for separating details and colors in images. When the macula degenerates, the clarity of vision decreases, the image becomes distorted, and the center of the image is not clear, but other areas are still clear. If you smoke or have smoked, you may be at higher risk of developing this disease.
Diabetic Retinopathy in Diabetic Patients (Diabetic Retinopathy)
is a complication of diabetes caused. By degeneration of capillary walls, causing blood and substances to leak out of the blood vessels. In the early stages, there may be bleeding spots on the retina, resulting in blurred vision or no symptoms at all. However, if it becomes more severe, it may result in permanent loss of vision or blindness. Diabetic patients should therefore have their eyes examined annually and control their blood sugar levels to be normal in order to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Retinal detachment
occurs when the retina separates or detaches from its original position, causing the patient to experience a burning sensation similar to a camera flash, see black dots or black lines that look like spider webs floating around, or see distorted images that seem to be floating in water, along with blurred vision. It is common in people age 50 years and older. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Temporal arteritis
It is caused by inflammation of the arteries in the temples, resulting in severe headaches on one or both temples, pain when pressed on the temples, pain in the jaw, tongue. And temples when chewing food, and blurred vision during the pain. It is common in people aged 50 years. And older and occurs more in women than in men.
Eye diseases in the elderly… can be prevented and cured
Eye problems that occur in the elderly may be a normal part of aging, but can be prevented and corrected with these methods.
Regular health check-ups
You should check your blood sugar and blood pressure levels regularly to see if you are at risk of diabetes or high blood pressure. If these conditions are left untreated. They can lead to eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and eye stroke.
Have your eyes checked at least once every two years.
A comprehensive eye exam, such as dilating eye drops, can help determine if you are at risk for eye disease and determine if you should wear glasses or contact lenses.
Don’t ignore the warning signs
If you notice any changes in your vision, such as double vision, blurred vision, difficulty seeing clearly in low light, or signs of serious eye problems, such as red eyes, seeing flashes of light, seeing dark shadows floating in front of you, eye pain, or eye swelling, don’t leave it. You should see a doctor immediately.
Exercise regularly
According to a study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, regular exercise, such as walking, can reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by up to 70%.
Protect your eyes from UV rays
If you have to be outdoors, you should always wear sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful UV rays and may also reduce your risk of developing cataracts and pterygium.
Eat healthy foods in the right amounts.
You should eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in the right amounts because several studies have shown that antioxidants may help reduce the risk of cataracts. In addition, research has shown that fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
No smoking
Smoking causes a variety of health problems, including eye disease. People who smoke or have smoked are more likely to develop eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and uveitis than non-smokers.