3 Eye Problems to Watch for Starting at Age 65
Our bodies age as we grow older and our eyes are no exception. If you are nearing the age of 65 or are past it, there are specific eye conditions that you should know about so you can catch them early. The earlier you catch certain eye diseases, the longer your eyes will be in good health. Let’s go over a few common eye diseases for those over the age of 65 and how to spot them.
Cataracts
Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases as people age. The lens of your eye becomes more and more opaque over time, looking cloudy and affecting your ability to see. If you have cataracts, it will be challenging to see at night, and you’ll have some sensitivity to light and glare. If you notice any or all of these symptoms, talk to your eye doctor immediately. Thanks to advanced medical technology, we now have a surgery to remove and replace the eye’s lens, fixing cataracts. This surgery can only be done before cataracts have advanced to a particular stage, so always report your symptoms as soon as you notice them.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma represents a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve in your eye. It affects your peripheral vision, or your ability to see what is beside you when you aren’t directly looking at it. The damage most commonly occurs from high intraocular pressure, and the pressure is relieved when you receive treatment for glaucoma. If you have noticed changes in your peripheral vision, contact The Eye Institute.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is an eye disease associated with aging that affects the macula, which is responsible for the most acute central vision. It can damage your sharp central vision and can cause you to stop seeing fine details and colors. However, unlike glaucoma, your peripheral vision is not affected. Tasks such as reading, driving, and watching TV can become difficult — or even impossible. Our currently available treatments can help slow down the progression of the disease and prevent further vision loss. However, there are lifestyle changes you could make to reduce the probability of getting this disease.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Report your symptoms to your eye doctor today to keep your eyes in the best possible health. Waiting can only worsen your condition, and most of the time, treatments or even cures are available if you catch it in its early stages.
