Aging Eye Problems and Symptoms

Aging comes with many changes in your body that are not always welcome. One example is eye problems. Some eye issues are mild, but others could worsen and lead to permanent vision loss. The most common eye problems are dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, presbyopia, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and temporal arteritis. These health conditions may look overwhelming at first, but there is an effective solution for all of them. The answer is early detection. 

This post will highlight the significance of detecting the early signs and symptoms of eye problems related to aging. We'll tackle the common eye conditions and their definitions. Also, we'll provide you with essential tips to keep your eyes healthy. If you're ready to learn more, then let's dive in.

Types of Eye Vision Problems as You Age 

Dry Eyes

Our tear production decreases naturally after the age of forty. Studies say that older adults over sixty-five are at risk of developing this adverse eye condition. Dry eyes occur when our tear glands are unable to produce enough tears. 

Symptoms: The most common eye problem symptoms include itching and burning sensations or impaired vision. Worse cases may warrant surgery.

Treatment: Doctors typically recommend specially formulated eye drops to help your tear glands produce quality tears. On the other hand, they might also suggest using air humidifiers at home. 

Watery Eyes 

Watery eyes or tearing is the complete opposite of dry eyes. This time, your tear glands produce too many tears. Several factors contribute to having watery eyes. The most common reasons are aging, infection, allergies, or a foreign object. 

Symptoms: Redness, enlarged - visible blood vessels, soreness, sharp pain, eyelid swelling, blurry vision, or light sensitivity.

Treatment: The treatment methods depend on the cause. Your doctor will provide specific procedures for different cases. For example, if there is an infection, your doctor will administer antibacterial ointments or eye drops. In cases of allergic reactions, antihistamines are the solution. 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the most common eye disorders that causes blindness to seniors over sixty. It causes too much pressure in your eyes, leading to optic nerve damage. If left untreated, it can cause permanent blindness. 

Symptoms: The signs and symptoms of glaucoma depend on its stage. Here are some examples:

Open-angle glaucoma: Patchy blind spots (initial stage) and tunnel vision (advance stage)

Acute angle-closure glaucoma: Intense headache, pain in the affected eye, vomiting, nausea, blurry vision, halos when exposed to lights, and redness in the affected area. 

Treatment: Ophthalmologists may recommend prescription eye drops and oral medications. Laser treatment or surgery is for the advanced stages.

Presbyopia

As you age, the lens of your eyes changes dramatically. They grow harder and less flexible, usually after forty. This eye condition causes you to lose focus when reading books but keeps your vision clear on faraway objects. 

Symptoms: Blurry vision, difficulty reading small prints, strain in eyes, and the tendency to hold reading materials further to get a clearer view.

Treatment: Sadly, there is no cure for presbyopia or methods to reverse its effects. But ophthalmologists developed an alternative for this eye disorder. The treatment method includes corrective glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgeries. 

Cataracts

A cataract is an eye disorder that causes the eyesight to be cloudy or misty. An opacification in the eye's clear lens develops over time, which leads to a gradual decrease in vision. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes. Although development is slow, it can still have adverse effects, especially for people aged fifty-five and older. 

Symptoms: Misty and cloudy vision, light sensitivity, faded colors, double vision, and general vision impairment.

Treatment: The most common and effective way to treat this eye problem is cataract surgery. The procedure involves the removal of the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial clear lens to restore the clarity in vision. 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

A part of our eyes contains millions of nerve cells called macula. These nerves are sensitive to light exposure. A healthy macula is responsible for us to see clarity in details. As we age, these cells deteriorate naturally, causing AMD's eye disorder. Late or advanced stages do not have a cure. On the other hand, early detection can completely treat this disorder.

Symptoms: Blurred vision, wavy vision, and central vision loss.

Treatment: A healthy lifestyle approach can help in managing AMD. One of the treatments that your doctor may recommend is antiangiogenic medication. They keep the blood vessels and nerves healthy. Laser treatment may also be advised, depending on the severity of the disorder. 

Temporal Arteritis

Temporal arteritis causes inflammation of the nerves located in your forehead. The inflamed nerves obstruct the blood flow leading to several adverse health conditions, including eye problems. 

Symptoms: Sudden vision changes, chronic fever, hips or shoulders weakness, and tenderness in the scalp area. 

Treatment: Oral prednisone is the most common treatment for temporal arteritis. Doctors will recommend the correct dosing and duration of the treatment based on the severity of the disorder.

Quick Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy as You Age

Here are a few tips to keep your eyes healthy you grow older:

• Avoid or quit smoking.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Exercise.
• Use protective eyewear against UV light (or work hazards).
• Regular checkups with your ophthalmologist

Keep Your Eyes Healthy with AllMed Medical Center

Our Doctors in AllMed Medical Center have years of experience in their resumes in providing world-class health services. We focus on preventing and managing health disorders, including aging eyes problems. Getting older has its perks and benefits with the help of the Allmed team. Give us a call today, and let's talk about your wellbeing!