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6 Eye Conditions to Watch Out For as You Age
Vision loss and other eye problems are a part of aging. Here's what you need to know about common eye conditions and how to prevent and treat them. By Jessica FirgerMedically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MDReviewed: January 28, 2019Medically ReviewediStockAs we age, our eyes age with us.
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According to the Vision Council of America, an industry trade organization, 1 in 28 Americans age 40 and older have some type of visual impairment. Vision loss and decreased eye function can make life challenging, limiting a person's independence and mobility. Impaired vision puts you at risk for other serious health conditions, as well as accidents and falls. Seniors with vision and eye problems are 200 percent more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents, for example. So it's important to be aware of how aging may affect your vision, which symptoms can signal a serious eye condition, and when to seek help from an ophthalmologist or other eye specialist. Here's a rundown of the conditions to look for.1198
Cataracts Cloudy Eye Lenses
PHOTO CREDIT: Science Photo Library/Getty ImagesAccording to the National Eye Institute, more than half of seniors over age 80 suffer from cataracts, which are the most common cause of blindness in the world.
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Cataracts involve the clouding of the lens. This area of the eyes is made up mostly of water and protein, and as a person ages, proteins in the eyes may start to collect and cloud vision.
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Some people develop cataracts as a result of smoking or as a side effect of diabetes. Unfortunately, everyone develops cataracts as they age. Cataracts aren't preventable, but they're highly treatable with surgery. The surgery is quick, relatively painless, and typically performed on an outpatient basis.
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It involves replacing the clouded lens with an artificial intraocular lens.1199
Age-Related Macular Degeneration AMD
PHOTO CREDIT: Nucleus Medical Art/Getty ImagesThis chronic eye disease affects more than 2 million Americans age 50 and older, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss among Americans over 65. The condition is characterized by damage to the macula, the part of the eye that's necessary for seeing objects clearly.
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There are two forms of the disease: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. The majority of seniors have "dry" macular degeneration, caused by the gradual thinning of the macula. About 10 percent of patients develop the "wet" form of the disease, in which abnormal blood vessels may leak blood or fluid from under the retina, causing more damage to central vision.
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Treatment for dry macular degeneration is limited, though nutritional supplements can often slow the progression of the disease. For wet macular degeneration, patients are treated with injections of drugs, such as bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept, which stops the growth of blood vessels.
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Laser eye surgery has also been shown to be effective.1200
Diabetic Eye Disease
PHOTO CREDIT: Medical-on-Line/AlamyAlso known as diabetic retinopathy, this is a chronic condition caused by diabetes. Around 7.7 million Americans have diabetic retinopathy, according to the National Eye Institute.
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Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive area at the back of the eyes. At first the condition will cause minor vision problems, such as difficulty seeing at a distance. But as diabetes progresses, so too will vision loss, and it may eventually lead to blindness.
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Laser treatments can be used to treat diabetic retinopathy. Some patients may have vitrectomy surgery, in which the gel-like matter is removed from the middle of the eye.
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The procedure is followed by laser surgery to remove the blood and scar tissue that forms in the eye. Some doctors may give a patient medication injections, such as ranibizumab, to reduce inflammation or stop the growth of blood vessels.
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All these treatments may slow vision loss, but they can't cure diabetic retinopathy or fully restore vision.1201
Presbyopia Farsightedness
PHOTO CREDIT: nei.nih.govStarting around age 40, eyes begin to lose their focus, a condition that's known as presbyopia. The "aging eye" is a natural part of getting old and affects nearly everyone. But presbyopia can make daily activities — such as reading and working at the computer — especially challenging.
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Fortunately, for many individuals, eyeglasses or contact lenses usually do the trick. They can correct or improve vision, and a doctor can increase the strength of your prescription as needed over time.1202
Glaucoma Damage to the Optic Nerve
PHOTO CREDIT: BSIP SA/AlamyGlaucoma refers to a collection of eye conditions that can eventually damage the optic nerve.
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Often, but not always, a result of increased pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure, glaucoma can lead to loss of peripheral vision and, over time, cause total blindness if left untreated. It's estimated that 2.7 million Americans have glaucoma and 4.3 million will have it by 2030, according to the National Eye Institute. The optic nerve damage of glaucoma, known as the "silent thief of sight," can be prevented by lowering intraocular pressure with topical eye drops or surgery.1203
Dry Eyes Syndrome
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty ImagesFor vision to remain clear, the eyes must be sufficiently lubricated. Many seniors experience dry eyes from low tear production.
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Though this condition is largely benign, it can greatly impact vision, and cause a person to experience eye discomfort, including stinging and burning. There isn't a cure for dry eyes, but saline lubricating drops or artificial tears can help to relieve some of the discomfort and keep vision clearer. There are also prescription drugs to help manage the condition.
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