Age-Related Eye Diseases You Should Be Tested For

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Age-Related Eye Diseases
You Should Be Test ed For
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As we reach the age of 40, many will find that
their vision is changing. If you've never needed
glasses, you may find that you now need it for
reading, for example. This is a normal part of
aging and will not keep you from enjoying life as
you did when you were younger. What you have to
watch out for, however, is that you also have a
higher risk of developing age-related eye
diseases and conditions.
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Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Macular
Degeneration refers to the deterioration of part
of the retina called the macula. The macula is a
small spot near the center of the retina, which
is the region of keenest vision. This area is
crucial for sharp, central vision, letting us see
objects straight ahead of us. Central vision is
needed for seeing objects clearly and for common
daily tasks such as reading and driving.
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AMD advances so slowly in some people that
deterioration of their vision takes a long time.
As AMD progresses, a common symptom is a blurred
area near the center of vision. The blurred area
may grow over time or blank spots can develop in
your central vision. By itself, AMD doesnt
result in complete blindness. However, the loss
of central vision can make simple everyday
activities difficult or impossible.
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Diabetic Eye Disease Diabetes results in
elevated levels of blood sugar that can damage
the eyes and cause severe vision loss or even
blindness. Diabetic Retinopathy is the most
common problem and a leading cause of blindness.
This disease progressively damages the tiny blood
vessels inside the retina, the light-sensitive
tissue at the back of the eye. Without a healthy
retina, you will not see clearly. Diabetic eye
diseases also include glaucoma, cataracts, and
retinal detachment.
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Glaucoma Glaucoma is an increase in fluid
pressure inside the eye that damages the eyes
optic nerve resulting in vision loss and even
blindness. A tendency to glaucoma can be
inherited and may not show up until later in
life. The risk increases with age. Usually, there
are no initial symptoms, but as a person gets
older and the disease progresses, vision will
gradually fail.
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Cataracts A cataract is a mass of protein that
clouds the natural lens in the eye making it hard
to see. People with diabetes are 60 more likely
to develop cataracts. Most cataracts develop
slowly and arent noticed, but with time will
eventually interfere with your vision. A cataract
can be removed in many cases and is one of the
most common operations performed in the United
States. It also is one of the safest and most
effective types of surgery.
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Dry Eye Dry eye is a common and often chronic
condition, particularly in older adults, in which
they dont produce tears or their tears are of a
poor quality. Tears are necessary to lubricate
the eye, for maintaining the health of the eye
and for clear vision. This condition if not
treated can result in pain, ulcers or scars on
the cornea and some loss of vision.
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Low Vision Low vision refers to a visual
impairment that makes everyday tasks difficult
and is not correctable by surgery, medicine,
glasses or contact lenses. Characterized by
partial sight, such as blurred vision, blind
spots or tunnel vision, it also includes legal
blindness. People of all ages can have low
vision, but is mainly associated with older
adults.
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Get a Dilated Eye Exam If you are 60 or above,
you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam,
even if you arent experiencing any vision
problems. The age-related eye diseases and
conditions discussed here may not have noticeable
symptoms or warning signs in their early stages.
A dilated eye exam can spot problems before a
loss of vision occurs. If you have diabetes you
should have this exam no matter what age at least
once a year. African- Americans should start
having dilated eye exams at 40 years due to a
higher risk of glaucoma.
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Your best defense against eye disease is to have
regular checkups. Please schedule an appointment
for a comprehensive dilated eye exam with your
eye doctor. Early detection and treatment can
help save your sight. For the latest news and
tips on vision care, and age-related eye
diseases, visit www.arizonaretinalspecialists.com/
blog/ 623 - 474 - 3937 (EYES)
The medical information on this file is provided
as is without any representations or
warranties, express or implied. Arizona Retinal
Specialists makes no representations or
warranties in relation to the medical information
on this file. You must not rely on the
information on this file as an alternative to
medical advice from your doctor or other
professional healthcare provider. If you have
any specific questions about any medical matter
you should consult your doctor or other
professional healthcare provider.
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