Age-Related Eye Diseases You Should Be Test ed For

As we reach the age of 40, many will find that their vision is changing. If you've never needed glasses, you may find that you now need it for reading, for example. This is a normal part of aging and will not keep you from enjoying life as you did when you were younger. What you have to watch out for, however, is that you also have a higher risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Macular Degeneration refers to the deterioration of part of the retina called the macula. The macula is a small spot near the center of the retina, which is the region of keenest vision. This area is crucial for sharp, central vision, letting us see objects straight ahead of us. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.

AMD advances so slowly in some people that deterioration of their vision takes a long time. As AMD progresses, a common symptom is a blurred area near the center of vision. The blurred area may grow over time or blank spots can develop in your central vision. By itself, AMD doesn’t result in complete blindness. However, the loss of central vision can make simple everyday activities difficult or impossible.

Diabetic Eye Disease Diabetes results in elevated levels of blood sugar that can damage the eyes and cause severe vision loss or even blindness. Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common problem and a leading cause of blindness. This disease progressively damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina, the light- sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Without a healthy retina, you will not see clearly. Diabetic eye diseases also include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

Glaucoma Glaucoma is an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that damages the eye’s optic nerve resulting in vision loss and even blindness. A tendency to glaucoma can be inherited and may not show up until later in life. The risk increases with age. Usually, there are no initial symptoms, but as a person gets older and the disease progresses, vision will gradually fail.

Cataracts A cataract is a mass of protein that clouds the natural lens in the eye making it hard to see. People with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop cataracts. Most cataracts develop slowly and aren’t noticed, but with time will eventually interfere with your vision. A cataract can be removed in many cases and is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It also is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery.

Dry Eye Dry eye is a common and often chronic condition, particularly in older adults, in which they don’t produce tears or their tears are of a poor quality. Tears are necessary to lubricate the eye, for maintaining the health of the eye and for clear vision. This condition if not treated can result in pain, ulcers or scars on the cornea and some loss of vision.

Low Vision Low vision refers to a visual impairment that makes everyday tasks difficult and is not correctable by surgery, medicine, glasses or contact lenses. Characterized by partial sight, such as blurred vision, blind spots or tunnel vision, it also includes legal blindness. People of all ages can have low vision, but is mainly associated with older adults.

Get a Dilated Eye Exam If you are 60 or above, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam, even if you aren’t experiencing any vision problems. The age-related eye diseases and conditions discussed here may not have noticeable symptoms or warning signs in their early stages. A dilated eye exam can spot problems before a loss of vision occurs. If you have diabetes you should have this exam no matter what age at least once a year. African- Americans should start having dilated eye exams at 40 years due to a higher risk of glaucoma.

Your best defense against eye disease is to have regular checkups. Please schedule an appointment for a comprehensive dilated eye exam with your eye doctor. Early detection and treatment can help save your sight. For the latest news and tips on vision care, and age-related eye diseases, visit (EYES) *The medical information on this file is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Arizona Retinal Specialists makes no representations or warranties in relation to the medical information on this file. You must not rely on the information on this file as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.

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