At every point in your life, it is wise to see a doctor who can perform an overall health analysis. If you experience a loss of vision, pain, or increased headaches, you should consult your eye-doctor immediately. While glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration is common among seniors, treatments are available.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve from flue buildup. Left untreated, the eye pressure can permanently affect one’s vision. Your risk for glaucoma infection increases with age. While glaucoma cannot be completely reversed, there are some treatments for seniors that will help reduce the effects. Glaucoma treatments include eyedrops or prescription medication that helps alleviate eye pressure. Your doctor may also recommend a laser treatment that improves the drainage from your eye. Surgery is another option that can achieve a better eye pressure balance but is more invasive.
Cataracts
Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye’s lens over time. Not everyone develops cataracts, but the symptoms make themselves manifest more commonly in seniors. To keep cataracts from getting worse, you should avoid prolonged exposure to UV light, and wear sunglasses when outside. Ocular steroid treatments can help address postoperative inflammation, though they should only be used as directed and under the direction of a physician so the proper precautionary measures can be taken. In serious cases, cataract surgery may be necessary to remove the cataract and replace the cloudy lens with an artificial lens.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for individuals over 65 years of age. AMD is when the macula degenerates, this is the area of the retina responsible for your central vision. While there is no cure available, there are treatments seniors can use to alleviate discomfort and slow down the degeneration. Treatments to help slow the process include prescription drugs, laser therapy, vitamins, and vision aids. A healthy lifestyle contributes greatly to the health and strength of the eyes.
As the body ages, certain organs cease to function at 100%. The eyes are no exception, through many years of use it is common for eyesight and other eye related issues to occur. It is important to schedule regular checkups with your doctor to determine whether you should see a specialist or not. Watch for symptoms that may indicate cases of glaucoma, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration.
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