What are the most common eye health problems that can occur as we age and how can we prevent them from happening?
Three potential eye health issues to be aware are macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract. In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), changes happen on the retina at the back of the eye meaning that small blind spots appear in the centre of the field of view, while peripheral vision is left alone. Nutritional supplements may help prevent the onset of AMD, stopping smoking and managing high blood pressure have also been shown to be helpful. Glaucoma and cataract are discussed in more detail later but essentially, attending regular eye examinations with your optometrist is the key to early detection along with getting appropriate advice and timely management for all three of these common eye health issues.
See also: Age-related Macular Degeneration
Why does our eyesight deteriorate as we age?
In addition to the common eye health issues discussed in (1) above, people notice that it can become more difficult to focus for near tasks like reading and sewing. This is known as presbyopia and generally starts after the age of 45. It happens because the natural lens of the eye becomes thicker and harder with time, and so it is more difficult for the eye to mould this lens into a fatter shape in order to accommodate for near vision. It means that a separate lens prescription is required for near, which may be in the form of bifocals or varifocals.
What does laser eye surgery involve? Is it painful?
In laser vision correction surgery a laser is used to make small changes in the shape of the window-like cornea at the front of the eye. Changing how curved the corneal shape is adjusts the power of the eye to the correct value required to produce a sharply focused image. The procedure involves the use of local anaesthetic eye drops and in modern all-laser procedures, blades and needles are not involved. Although some mild sensation is involved, most patients report that they found their laser eye surgery to be comfortable and pain-free.
See also: Benefits of Hot Tub Hydrotherapy
What factors should I consider when getting laser eye surgery?
The primary consideration must be that you have confidence in your surgeon. You should meet with the surgeon at least a week before the proposed date of surgery and discuss your needs with them. He or she will often have published biographical details showing their qualifications and experience for your peace of mind. They will typically explain the procedure; offer guidance on what is best for your particular eye health issue, what the likely outcome will be and how to take care of your eyes during the recovery. Any questions arising can then be answered for you before your treatment day
What are cataracts and how can I tell if I have them?
Cataracts is a common eye health issue that usually develops with age; the lens of the eye loses its clarity and vision is reported to become more cloudy and darker and this clouding of the lens is cataract. Far from happening overnight, these changes usually take place very slowly over many years, so patients frequently don’t realise they have cataract until their optometrist or doctor tells them. As cataract develops further, the eyes won’t achieve best vision even with glasses. Medicines can’t clear a cataract, the only solution is for a surgeon to remove the cloudy lens from the eye in a very simple day case surgical procedure, replacing it with an implant lens that may even correct the eye and reduce reliance on glasses.
I have been scheduled to have a vitrectomy. What can I expect from the procedure and how should I care for my eyes after it?
The vitrectomy procedure is normally carried out as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia. It allows surgical access to the posterior portion of the eye for a number of reasons, which may include repair of a detached retina or retinal tear or hole, as well as for the removal of the clear vitreous gel of the eye after a haemorrhage, for instance. Depending on the reasons for the vitrectomy, a gas bubble may be inserted to hold the retina in place. Any discomfort can be managed with painkillers, but it may be necessary to remain lying face down or on your side for several days to keep any gas bubble in the correct position.
I have been diagnosed with diabetes, what can I do to look after my eyes and avoid diabetic retinopathy?
It is possible for sustained high blood sugar levels in diabetes to lead to common eye health issues, generally from microscopic damage to the blood vessels of the retina or iris. Firstly, keeping up regular eye examinations allows for any problems to be detected and managed at an early stage. Modern diabetic eye care includes retinal photography, which means that any changes can be monitored accurately and compared so that any worsening with time can be detected. It is also important to follow dietary advice to maintain good blood sugar control along with sensible exercise and not smoking.
See also: Are You at Risk of Diabetes?
What is diabetic retinopathy and how can it be treated?
If the eye is like a camera, the retina is like the film in that camera and it is a very active tissue requiring an adequate blood supply. The damage caused to blood vessels in diabetes starts with a weakening of the vessel wall, which may swell in the manner of a weak bicycle tyre and leak, leading to dot-like haemorrhages. These background retinopathy changes may worsen over time if the retina is not getting enough oxygen. New blood vessels are formed as the body tries to remedy the situation (proliferative retinopathy), which are more prone to bleed, leading to more serious and possibly sight-threatening haemorrhages. Treatment using injections to stop new blood vessel formation or laser surgery on the retina are possible, but there are preventative lifestyle measures as discussed earlier.
What are floaters? Are they a cause for concern?
Ordinary floaters are just the shadows cast by groups of old cell remnants floating in the vitreous gel. They may be more noticeable with time as the vitreous becomes more liquid in middle age and any trapped material within it may become more mobile. Whilst floaters are very common and usually completely innocent, noticing a sudden shower of them may be a sign of something more serious. This is particularly true if the floaters are accompanied by flashing lights or the appearance of a curtain across part of the vision. Experiencing these symptoms requires an urgent check by an optometrist or doctor, as the retina may be torn or becoming detached.
What is glaucoma and how can I tell if I am developing the condition?
Glaucoma is an eye health issue whose name is given to a group of conditions where the pressure inside the eye is too high for the eye to withstand. It is an unfortunate fact that most cases of glaucoma do not have any symptoms and damage caused by glaucoma can easily go undetected. It occurs most commonly in those over 40 years of age and tends to run in families. Optometrists examine the eye for tell-tale signs of developing glaucoma, measure the pressure in the eye and check for loss of the visual field, tests which form part of every eye examination in the over 40s, so keeping routine eye care appointments is crucial for the detection and prevention of glaucoma.
Our thanks to Optegra for their help with this article. To find out more about their treatments visit optegra.com
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