The Aging Eye

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Growing Older with Good Vision

 Today’s seniors are in better health than ever before and good health allows them to stay active and live independently.

 Having good vision is a vital part of good health. However, vision changes naturally throughout life. For example, with age:

·       Your eyes need more light to see

·       It becomes harder to tell the difference between some colors, particularly shades of blue and green

·       It becomes more difficult to focus on things that are near

·       Adjusting to glare and darkness can become more troublesome

Learning more about vision changes                                 

 Knowing more about how vision changes as you grow older and how to detect, treat and safeguard your sight can help you deal with any problems you may experience.

 Talk to your doctor about your eyes and your vision. Read brochures that are available from your eye doctor, library or hospital or the Chautauqua Blind Association to learn more about your eyes and aging. (Also see eye conditions below)

 Regular Eye Exams

If your vision exam is overdue or if you have never been to an eye doctor, schedule a visit and then follow your doctor’s advice about how often you should have your eyes checked.  Prevention and treatment of eye disease is the best action you can take for lifelong healthy vision.

Eye Conditions:

Diseases: These are some of the common diseases that may occur in the elderly.

Some of the most common diseases that many people may not realize they have:

Cataracts Glaucoma Diabetic Retinopathy Macular Degeneration 

Cataracts:

    A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eyes. Most people over the age of 65 years of age have some degree of cataract.  If cataracts are causing restrictions in the way you live, they can be removed through surgery, resulting in a definite improvement in vision.  Click the word to learn more about cataracts.

Glaucoma:

      Glaucoma is an eye disease that is marked by increased pressure within the eye and is a leading cause of blindness.  Most cases of glaucoma develop slowly, with gradual loss of vision that particularly affects peripheral (side) vision.  Eventually, total blindness may result.

            Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored.  However, once detected through the eye exam, most cases of the disease can be controlled by medication.  Some people may require surgery.  In general, older people are at a higher risk for glaucoma.  To learn more about glaucoma, click the word glaucoma.

Diabetic Retinopathy:

      This disease is a major cause of blindness in young and older adults.  It begins with an improper blood supply in the retina, and later it causes blurred vision or possibly blindness.  The longer one has had diabetes, the greater the likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy.  Early treatment with laser therapy, however, can be effective in reducing the risk of severe vision loss.  Vision can be protected further through regular eye exams and proper care of diabetes.  Here, more information is available about diabetic  retinopathy.

Macular Degeneration:

        Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of new blindness among older Americans.  The degeneration affects the macula, the central area of the retina that is responsible for sight in the center of your field of vision, which is important for reading and other activities.  As a result, the ability to see fine details is impaired.  Laser treatment can be effective for certain types of macular degeneration, but it must take place early in the course of the disease.  Some people rely on low- vision aids, such as magnifiers, to make the best use of their remaining vision.  Click the link for a more in-depth look at macular degeneration.

When you go in for an eye check-up, talk to your doctor about your eyes and your vision.  Read brochures available from your eye doctor, library or hospital, or the National Society to Prevent Blindness, to learn more about your eyes and aging.

Chautauqua Blind Association - 501 West Fifth Street - Jamestown">