Vision problems are part of the daily life of many older people. Not everyone has, however, the same problems or the same degree of deterioration in sight. The key to optimal ophthalmic treatment is early detection. Therefore, let's see what are the main vision problems that older people can suffer, and how to take care of their eyesight at JLR Eye Hospital!
Main Vision Problems In The Elderly
Glaucoma
It consists of difficulty on the part
of the optic nerve to transmit information to the brain. Possible risk factors
for developing glaucoma include diabetes or high blood pressure. It is
worrisome to generate a lack of previous symptoms, the main effect being the
reduction of the visual field, which can lead to blindness.
To prevent it, it is best to
periodically check your eye strain. This is especially important after the age
of 40 or if there is a family history of glaucoma.
Macular Degeneration
The main symptom of macular degeneration
is loss of central vision and distorted vision. It occurs due to the
accumulation of various waste substances in the central part of the retina.
Despite this, mobility is not at
risk, since peripheral vision is maintained. Other activities such as reading
and facial recognition will be affected. It is also one of the most important
causes of blindness in the elderly.
Waterfalls
Cataracts occur when the lens in the
eye becomes progressively cloudier, thus preventing light from passing through.
When this happens, the loss of vision occurs progressively and slowly.
Although it can cause blindness, it
also has a treatment. Surgery is usually effective, so this problem is
reversible. Among the most important risk factors are nutritional problems
(diabetes or malnutrition), being a woman, or smoking.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a disease that is a risk
factor for many other diseases. Among others, it can cause damage to the cells
of the retina. This is known as diabetic retinopathy. Some people do not notice
symptoms, but others may notice spots or loss of central vision.
It will be necessary to go to the
doctor and follow the nutritional, exercise, and medication guidelines that he
prescribes. With this, you can lead a normal life despite having this disease.
Dry Eyes
Many problems can cause dry eyes. From hormonal changes to menopause, various medications (such
as antidepressants or anxiolytics), or allergies.
Although the problem may seem less
serious, the symptoms of stinging or burning eyes can be more than annoying.
The first thing the doctor will do is determine the cause of the dryness. You
will most likely need an artificial source of lubrication for the eye
(artificial tears).
Presbyopia Or Eyestrain
With age, the crystalline lens loses
elasticity. This causes aging of the eye which causes a loss of vision. There
will therefore be difficulties in doing tasks such as reading, using the
computer, or knitting. The solution, however, is as simple as the use of
appropriate glasses.
How To Prevent Vision Problems In The Elderly
Vision problems don't just affect
older people's ability to do things like reading or watching TV. They represent
a loss of autonomy and independence of the person. In addition, they can cause
problems such as falls, isolation, depression, etc. It is a chain of events
that we can try to prevent.
Let's see some of the tools at our
disposal to take care of eye health and prevent vision problems in the elderly:
Routine Eye Exams
It is important to go for a review at
least once a year or, at least, once every two years. This is especially
important as we become adults or enter old age. In these reviews, the oculist
will be able to detect those vision changes that may be taking place. These can
indicate possible beginnings of diseases that, in time, can be treated and are
curable and preventable.
Detect Possible Symptoms
Perhaps we realize that it is costing
us more than before to read, write, watch television, go shopping, recognize
faces, etc. If so, it is important to go to the eye doctor as soon as possible.
It may also be that you have seen it in someone.
An older person may accidentally drop
objects, tilt their face to see better, fall, or have difficulty walking. This
can also be a symptom of vision problems in older people.
Maintain A Healthy Diet
Foods rich in vitamins C and E and
zinc are good, not only for general health but also for eye health. We should
take citrus fruits, vegetables, oils, cold water fish, etc. This can help
prevent diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and dry eyes.
No Smoking
Tobacco smoke can affect you if you
are a passive smoker, as well as the toxic substances of tobacco if you are a
smoker. All this can favor the appearance of cataracts, macular degeneration,
dry eyes, etc. It could also lead to cardiovascular disease. These indirectly
affect vision.
Watch Your Health
Control your cholesterol and glucose
levels, as well as your blood pressure. High blood pressure and high sugar
levels can increase the risk of vision loss due to eye diseases. Taking care of
your body not only helps your eyes, but your whole body.
Do Exercise
It may sound exaggerated, but it is
true. Maintaining adequate levels of physical activity helps prevent many
diseases in the body in general. However, they also help eye health. Doing
thirty minutes of exercise can help prevent diseases such as cholesterol,
hypertension, or diabetes. In turn, these affect, as we have seen, many eye
diseases.
Protect Yourself From The Sun
Exposure to ultraviolet rays
increases the risk of many diseases. Among them, we can find cataracts, the
growth of eye masses, or even cancer. Therefore, the use of hats or sunglasses
can be a great preventive measure, and easy to do!
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