Common Eye Conditions to Be Aware of as You Age

November 4, 2024

When humans step into old age which is usually considered 60+, then various challenges arise. The most common are issues related to the eyes. So if you are stepping into old age this month then you need to be aware of certain eye conditions that usually affect eye health as we age. Don’t know which eye conditions are these? Well, many like Glaucoma!

Some of them are categorized as silent predators, and we only become aware of them when the situation becomes critical. For old age people understanding and gathering information about eye diseases is imperative. 

Eye Clinic Calgary organizes campaigns in which they educate people about eye diseases, precautions, and remedies. So, keep reading this article to know what eye conditions you need to be aware of.

The Most Common But Threatening, Cataract

As per studies, cataracts can develop in the human eye after 40, but usually, they develop when individuals begin stepping into 60’s age. Sharing about cataracts, the lens of the eye gets covered by a white cloudy substance which causes issues with vision. Persons suffering from cataract struggle with blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light. Over time, this condition can become worse. 

The patient can have trouble with colour recognition and can also notice some halos around lights. Although eye specialists consider cataracts a natural part of the aging process, a thorough diagnosis is necessary to cope with them. 

Apart from following a medicinal procedure, patients can follow some natural remedies such as wearing UV ray sunglasses, following a healthy diet, regular exercise and reducing digital screen time. By following some natural protective measures you can reduce the risk of Cataract.

Glaucoma! Can Lead You To Blindness

The other name of Glaucoma is Blindness. Yes, if precautions are not followed this eye condition can seriously create blindness. What is Glaucoma? In this, the pressure in the eye increases which causes damage to the optic nerve causing blindness.

Symptoms

  • When an individual loses side vision it is a clear sign of Glaucoma.
  • When blind spots begin appearing anytime in a day, be aware it can be Glaucoma.
  • Sudden pain in the eye can occur due to this condition.
  • Intermittent redness can be a symptom of this serious disease

Increase in Sugar level? Diabetic Retinopathy Can Cause Harm!

Another serious but common age-related eye condition is Diabetic Retinopathy. What is it? To end your confusion, then it is a condition in which blood vessels in the retina get damaged due to high blood sugar levels causing serious vision issues. In the beginning, the patient didn’t get to know about it as it often showed no symptoms. 

It can be diagnosed if you regularly visit your eye doctor for scheduled eye exams, especially when you are diabetic. What best can you do? Follow the gym, maintain sugar levels and eat healthy to overcome the signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms

  • If floaters appear in bright sunlight, then do visit an eye specialist. It might be Diabetic Retinopathy causing it.
  • Blurry vision can be another sign of this disease

Age Side Effect, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD happens when there is a gradual loss of central vision after the Macula gets affected. For older people, it causes difficulty reading, driving, and focusing on distant objects. As per eye experts in Calgary, Age Related Macular Degeneration is often categorized into two types which are dry and wet. 

Although we are living in a digital world, still there is not a cure for this serious eye condition. Many optometrists suggest medications that help manage this condition, but they do not cure it.

Symptoms

  • Initially, this disease shows no symptoms but causes harm.
  • Like in other eye diseases, patients face blurred vision, the same happens in AMD.
  • Dark spots are a clear sign that AMD can develop.

Be a Health Freak! If You Can’t Then Optic Neuritis May Cause Serious Damage

As you get old you need to reduce your digital screen time and need to follow a healthy diet otherwise Optic Neuritis can cause sudden vision changes. This eye condition occurs due to an increase in the level of inflammation which is generally caused by digital screens and unhealthy food. To diagnose this disease eye experts need to thorough evaluation to find the cause and occurrence of this disease.

Symptoms

  • The sudden appearance of redness twice or thrice a week.
  • Feeling pain in the eyes before going to bed.
  • Unable to recognize colours.

Last Words!

Taking precautions, switching to a better lifestyle and an on-time eye exam are imperative for old age people to get through different serious eye conditions. Eye Clinic Calgary discusses that eye diseases develop gradually and remain unnoticed for days, months and sometimes for years. That is why a thorough eye exam needs to be scheduled with an interval of two to three months.

FAQ’s

Can lifestyle changes help prevent or slow the progression of age-related eye conditions?

 

Yes, as per health and eye experts following a good lifestyle lets you improve your eye health.

What are some common eye conditions associated with aging?

 

The most common eye conditions with aging are Cataracts, glaucoma, and AMD.