Share |

Aging Eye Problems

By Diane Hanson

Few people realize how fast their eyesight deteriorates. As we age, a number of eye problems are also likely to occur – blurry vision, floaters, cataract, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are some of the most common eye diseases associated with aging. Regular eye check-ups can help you detect many eye disorders in their early stages, and prevent vision loss.

What Are Some Common Eye Problems in Older People?

1. Floaters

Floaters are small, dark, spots and marks floating across your field of vision. They are usually harmless, but if the floaters change or you suddenly experience bright flashing lights at the same time, seek medical attention immediately. It may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment.

Floaters are also warning signs of more severe eye problems, including eye melanoma, and eye cancer.

2. Cataracts

Cataracts cause your vision to become cloudy, blurry or dim. They affect 71% of people over 85 years but may not be noticed until they're quite serious.

Although cataracts develop due to natural aging of the body, it can also occur in people who may have underlying health problems such as diabetics, and in those taking medication such as steroids.

Cataracts can’t be managed by drugs, and surgery is the only effective solution. It involves removing the clouded lens and possibly replacing it with a clear lens implant.

3. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness it the world; it is caused by an elevated fluid pressure in the eye. If left untreated, the retina and nerves become damaged and vision deteriorates. You may also notice pain and redness, with certain types of glaucoma. There are many reasons why pressure builds, some of are hereditary.

Depending on the type of glaucoma, treatment may include medication, usually prescription eye drops, or surgery to help fluid in the eye to drain correctly and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMG)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AM) is a change in the center of the eye (macular) causing slow loss of central vision. When AMD occurs, day-to-day activities such as reading, driving and even recognizing faces are affected.

There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but treatments may prevent severe vision loss or slow its progression.

How to Improve and Strengthen Your Eyesight

1. Make sure you’ve good lighting in your home to avoid eye strain. Generally, you need brighter lighting as you get older. Move your computer screen to just below eye level. Your eyes will close slightly when you're staring at the computer, minimizing fluid evaporation and the risk of dry eye syndrome.

Also, look up and away from your computer or book to some distant point for 30 seconds. This helps prevent eye fatigue and eyestrain.

2. Reduce the amount of sugar or sweetener in your diet. Sugar as well as foods high in simple carbs can cause poor eyesight.

On the other hand, blueberries as well as bilberries helps improve vision. Blueberries are one of the richest fruit forms of antioxidants, and a study found that women and men who ate the most amount of blueberries were the least likely to develop age-related macular degeneration.

3. Walk at least 4 times a week. Some evidence shows that regular exercise can reduce the intraocular pressure, or IOP, in people with glaucoma.

If you find your vision is deteriorating, it’s important to visit your doctor or local eye hospital, and have the age-related eye disease treated early. Prolonged vision problems can lead to severe visual loss, if not blindness.

What Foods Help Cataracts?

The risk of getting cataracts increases with age. Learn what foods help prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and keep the eye disease from getting worse.

4 Ultra Soothing Natural Home Remedies to Relieve Tired Eyes

These simple natural home remedies soothe and rejuvenate dry fatigued eyes caused by computer strain or near vision work, leaving tired eyes with refreshed vitality.

Can You Prevent Cataracts?

Read about what you can do to avoid cataracts formation or slow down its progression?

Prevent Osteoporosis in 5 Simple Steps

Osteoporosis is no longer associated with elderly people. Learn what you can do now to slow bone loss and avoid getting osteoporosis in old age.

4 Potent Anti-Aging Herbs to Stay Young

What are the best anti-aging herbs to slow down the effects of aging, and even reverse the damage caused by stress?

10 Powerful Tips to Sharpen Your Memory

Techniques proven to enhance your memory, improve concentration, and increase brain performance.