| Reduced vision can be a
natural part of the aging process, but regular eye exams can prevent many age-related eye
problems. In many cases, checkups detect serious eye conditions like glaucoma and macular
degeneration that can lead to blindness if they are not treated.
"As we age, we are more likely to develop a wide range of conditions that can
damage our eyesight," says ADC ophthalmologist
Thomas
Chandler, M.D. "One of the most common is glaucoma. Many people with glaucoma
don't realize they have the disease until they've already lost some vision," adds Dr.
Chandler. "Damage to the optic nerve occurs slowly and painlessly, so the first sign
may be blind spots that appear in the peripheral vision and move into the central field of
vision. By that time, vision is permanently impaired."
Healthy adults over 60 should be screened for glaucoma every one to two years. More
frequent screenings may be recommended for people with risk factors such as African
ancestry, family history of glaucoma (especially siblings), or increased pressure within
the eye. Screenings include a complete evaluation of all risk factors and an examination
of the visual field to determine whether damage has occurred to the optic nerve.
While most forms of glaucoma are painless, angle-closure glaucoma causes noticeable
symptoms such as blurred vision, severe eye pain, headache, haloes around lights, and
nausea and/or vomiting. These symptoms should be reported to your physician at once.
Several treatments are available when glaucoma is detected early. Medication, laser
therapy, and surgery may be used to lower pressure in the eye and limit damage to the
optic nerve. However, there is no treatment to restore vision lost because of optic nerve
damage.
Another common eye problem for seniors is diabetic retinopathy, a complication of
diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of new blindness in adults, is most
common in people with untreated diabetes. It also becomes more likely the longer a person
has diabetes.
"Many people with diabetes don't realize the importance of seeing an
ophthalmologist in addition to their regular physician," says Dr. Chandler. "All
diabetics should have a yearly dilated retinal exam to screen for diabetic eye
complications. The importance of early detection and treatment in preventing blindness
caused by diabetes can not be overemphasized."
Cataracts and macular degeneration are also age-related eye problems. Cataracts, the
clouding of the eye's lens, can be removed with a simple outpatient surgical procedure.
Macular degeneration is an incurable disease that causes loss of vision from the center
out, with peripheral vision usually remaining intact. With proper treatment and low-vision
devices, patients can continue most activities.
"Regular eye exams are the key to saving vision," says Dr. Chandler, who
reminds seniors that January is National Eye Care Month. "If you haven't had a
checkup in two years, take advantage of this opportunity to schedule an appointment
now." |
