One third of all Americans have been diagnosed with some kind of eye disease by the time they turn 65. Seniors should make sure they get an annual check-up from their eyecare specialist, because they can detect diseases early (that maybe even your doctor missed). When it comes to eye diseases, the following are the “big four” which threaten seniors the most.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye that can lead to blindness if not treated. Cataracts are a common problem faced by seniors as they age, and over half of all Americans have had to deal with cataracts by age 80. Signs you have cataracts include:
- Blurry vision
- Faded colors
- Sensitivity to light
- Poor night vision
- And double vision.
If you have cataracts, you can try dealing with the symptoms, such as by wearing sunglasses around bright lights and increasingly stronger eyeglasses. But if the problem continues to worsen, you will need cataract surgery. Fortunately, the operation is relatively routine and most procedures to remove cataracts are completely successful.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and is a major cause of blindness in the United States. African Americans are particularly at risk, as are those with a history of diabetes or whose family members have had glaucoma. Over three million Americans suffer from it, but many are not aware. Glaucoma usually does not manifest any symptoms in early stages. As it gets worse, your field of vision will narrow, but very slowly, so it may be hard to detect.
If you manage to catch glaucoma early, it may be fought with medication. Beyond a certain point, surgery will be necessary. Nothing, however, can reverse the vision loss that has already occurred.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related Macular Degeneration blurs your central vision. If you notice your vision has become blurry, you may have AMD and should ask your doctor. Women, smokers, those with high cholesterol, and those over 75 are among the most at-risk groups.
Treatment can delay or even halt AMD if the disease is caught early. Most forms of AMD cannot be treated in the advanced stages, although some can.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes is a major health problem in America, and those who suffer from it are far more likely to suffer vision problems than those who do not. Diabetes not only comes with its own set of eye diseases, it increases the risks of cataracts and glaucoma as well.
Millions of diabetes sufferers are unaware they even have the disease. If you learn that do, make sure you never miss your annual eyecare checkups, as they are now especially needed to catch the early warning signs of diabetes-related eye disease. By catching things early, your doctor will likely be able to prevent any serious complications.
Comments on this entry are closed.