Important Vision And Eye Problems In The Aged

As we age, most of the organs of our body also age and become weaker; this also applies to several eye problems that become common with age.

Some vision and eye problems in the aged:

Presbyopia: This refers to loss of ability to see closer objects or small print as one age. It occurs frequently in those above the age of 40 and is corrected by prescription of reading glasses and contacts. 

Dry eyes: This problem arises when the tear glands of the eyes are not able to produce enough tears or produce poor quality tears. There could be itching, burning, redness and in rare cases a loss of vision. Your eye specialist may prescribe humidifying the house and special eye drops to stimulate real tears. In more serious conditions of dry eyes tear duct plugs, prescription eye drops or surgery may be needed. 

Floaters: This indicates tiny spots or specks that float across the field of vision especially in well-lit rooms or outdoors on a bright day. Considered normal they could sometimes indicate serious eye problems like retinal detachment when they are accompanied by light flashes. Consult your eye specialist urgently if you notice a sudden change in the type or number of spots or flashes you see. 

Tearing: This refers to a condition when an elder is sensitive to light, wind and temperature changes and has too many tears; in normal cases it would suffice to use sunglasses. However tearing could also denote a serious problem like eye infection or blocked tear duct that requires consultation with an eye specialist. 

Retinal disorders: There could be disorders in the thin lining on the back of the eye made up of cells that collects visual images and passes them on to the brain; they include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vessel occlusions, and retinal detachment. Early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions is important to maintain vision.

Cataracts: They are cloudy areas that cover part of or the entire lens inside the eye and stops light to get to the lens easily and results in impaired vision. Cataracts often form slowly, without pain, redness, or tearing in the eye, with some becoming large and thick; they are removed only by surgery.

Corneal diseases: Disease, infection, injury, and exposure to toxic agents can damage the cornea causing pain, redness, watery eyes, reduced vision, or a halo effect. Treatments include making adjustments to the eyeglass prescription, using medicated eye drops, or having surgery.

Eyelid problems: There could be pain, itching and tearing of the eyelids that protects the eye, distribute tears, and limit the amount of light entering the eye. There could also be drooping eyelids, blinking spasms, or inflamed outer edges of the eyelids near the eyelashes. Eyelid problems are often treated with medication or surgery.

Glaucoma: This condition occurs due to increased fluid pressure inside the eyes where the normal flow of the watery fluid between the cornea and the lens of the eye is blocked. Glaucoma is less commonly caused by other factors such as injury to the eye, severe eye infection, blockage of blood vessels, or inflammatory disorders of the eye If not treated early, this can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness, so regular check up of your eyes by a eye doctor is necessary. The treatment includes prescription eye drops, oral medications, or surgery.

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