HEALTH OF THE AGING EYE

By Pamela R. Henderson, MD

Glaucoma Specialist and General Ophthalmologist

There are several well-recognized diseases and changes that occur more frequently as we age. These include cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Other common but minor problems associated with aging are dry eyes and floaters. Most of these can be detected and treated by an ophthalmologist.

Age-related cataract is a very common cause of visual impairment in older people. Approximately 50% of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have cataracts. A cataract is a change in the lens in which it becomes thicker and cloudier making vision dimmer. Most people will get a cataract if they live long enough; however, everyone will not require cataract surgery. Cataracts should only be removed, in most instances, when they interfere with vision to the extent that daily activities such as driving or reading are limited.

Glaucoma is another disease primarily affecting older people. At least 2 million people in the United States 45 years of age or older are estimated to have glaucoma. It is six times more prevalent in African Americans than in whites, and it is the leading cause of nonreversible blindness in this population.

Glaucoma is a group of conditions in which the optic nerve, which is in the back of the eye, is damaged in part due to high pressure inside the eyeball. If the nerve becomes significantly damaged, vision can be lost. The most common form of glaucoma, open angle glaucoma, can be treated but not cured. Treatment includes use of drops, laser procedures and surgery. The key to prevention of vision loss is early detection by your ophthalmologist because there typically are no symptoms.

Age-related macular degeneration, a disease of the retina, is the leading cause of central visual loss in people over the age of 50. In this disease, we see degenerative changes in the posterior portion of the retina. There is no cure; however, there is evidence that taking vitamins and minerals may prevent worsening of the disease in some patients. Sunlight exposure also may play a role in the development of macular degeneration; therefore wearing sunglasses may be helpful.

Additional, though less significant, problems that may arise as we age include dry eyes and floaters. Dry eyes cause symptoms such as burning, itching, stinging and the sensation that sand or grit are in your eyes. Artificial tears may help this condition.

Floaters are caused by the vitreous, which is the jelly-like fluid in the back of the eye, becoming more liquid and developing opacities and debris that look like cobwebs or spots in your vision.

A visit to your ophthalmologist can help insure the health of your eyes and detect early any diseases which can be treated before permanent damage can occur. n