As we age, our eyes are more likely to develop problems. Some of the most common eye problems in the elderly include:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Presbyopia
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye. This can make it difficult to see clearly, especially in bright light. Cataracts are the most common eye problem in the elderly, affecting about 70% of people over the age of 65.
There are a number of risk factors for cataracts, including:
- Age
- Sun exposure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Family history
There is no way to prevent cataracts, but there are treatments available. Cataracts can be removed surgically, and most people who have cataract surgery experience a significant improvement in their vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, the nerve that carries images from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can lead to vision loss, and it is the leading cause of blindness in the world.
There are a number of risk factors for glaucoma, including:
- Age
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Nearsightedness
There is no cure for glaucoma, but there are treatments available that can help to slow the progression of the disease.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, a small area of the retina that is responsible for central vision. Macular degeneration can cause blurry vision, difficulty seeing fine details, and even blindness.
There are two main types of macular degeneration:
- Wet macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessels that grow in the macula. These blood vessels can leak fluid or blood, which can damage the macula.
- Dry macular degeneration is the most common type of macular degeneration. It is caused by a breakdown of the cells in the macula.
There is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are treatments available that can help to slow the progression of the disease.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blurry vision, floaters, and even blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition, but it can be prevented with good diabetes control. If you have diabetes, it is important to have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a condition that causes the lens in the eye to become less flexible. This makes it difficult to focus on close objects. Presbyopia usually starts to develop around the age of 40.
There is no cure for presbyopia, but there are a number of treatments available, including glasses, contact lenses, and surgery.
