Aging results in a reduction in vision and eye function. Regular eye exams can help prevent this condition, especially if you have a chronic disease like diabetes.

Eye diseases related aging

Here are a few age-related eye diseases:

Presbyopia

One of the eye problems that may be experienced with aging is called presbyopia. Presbyopia, often referred to as 'old eyes,' is a condition where a person cannot see objects clearly due to the aging process.

The treatment for presbyopia involves providing convex or plus lenses to improve  vision. Regular eye examinations should be done to prevent the worsening of vision conditions.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) occur when the tear glands do not produce enough tears to moisturize the eyes. As a result, the eyes feel uncomfortable, itchy, and burning, and it can even lead to vision loss.

Generally, doctors will prescribe artificial tear drops to maintain eye moisture. However, in more serious cases, surgery may be required.

Cataract

Cataracts are a condition that causes changes in the eye lens, which becomes cloudy and decreases vision. Symptoms include blurry or cloudy vision, double vision, and increased light sensitivity.

In the early stages, cataracts can be managed with the use of glasses. However, if the condition and symptoms of cataracts worsen, doctors will recommend surgery, where the lens is removed and replaced with a new lens.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that occurs due to damage to the optic nerve or the visual nerve. Damage to the optic nerve can interfere with vision. The optic nerve can be damaged due to abnormally increased eye pressure.

This increase in pressure can occur because of the buildup of eye fluid in the eye cavity. Normally, eye fluid is produced and flows out through the angle between the iris and the cornea.

If there is excessive production of eye fluid or an obstruction in the outflow process of the eye fluid, a buildup of eye fluid can occur. If this continues, the eye pressure will increase and become the cause of glaucoma.

If not treated and controlled properly, glaucoma can lead to vision loss or permanent blindness.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration, or Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is an eye disease that can worsen over time and usually causes permanent vision loss in people aged 60 and older.

Macular degeneration occurs when the small central part of the retina, called the macula, is declining in function. This disease progresses with age. Initially, macular degeneration does not cause blindness but leads to severe vision problems.

Diabetic retinopathy

A complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar in diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that functions to send signals to the brain.

Initially, the symptoms are mild, such as blurry vision, or there may be no symptoms at all. As it progresses, you may see spots (floaters), declining night vision, and blurry vision. Regular blood sugar management can significantly reduce the risk of this disease.

Since these conditions occur with aging, you may only be able to slow down or reduce the complication risk by getting regular eye check-ups, consuming nutrients to maintain eye health, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and managing any chronic diseases you have. Visit and consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms that affect your vision.

If you need other medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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