Introduction:
Vision is the most important bodily sense for daily activities and work. But, just like all bodily organs and functions, even the eyes cannot escape the inevitable aging processes. This article looks at some of the most prevalent age-related disorders and their prevention using the most conservative approach.
The list of age-related eye disorders is endless, and these same chemical and molecular processes which manifest during aging can be accelerated in a few younger individuals as well, making an appearance at a young age. The main issue with these disorders is their nature of irreversibility, the inevitability of aging for all people, and the fact of the evanescent life.
What Are the Most Notable Age-related Diseases?
1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD):
This disease is one of the most common causes of low vision or blindness in older age groups, although in a few cases, it can be seen earlier around 50 years. This disease affects the part of the eye which is most crucial for vision called the macula. The problem is quite significant if the macula gets involved as it has the highest photoreceptor density and the eye functions in such a way as to bring light to focus straight onto the macula.
Modes of Prevention:
This disease has important risk factors, which can be tackled to prolong its inevitable onset and prevent its worsening are:
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Dietary deficiency - Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin deficiency is known to worsen ARMD. According to the AREDS-1 study, the supplementation of vitamin A in smokers led to lung cancer. This led to the formulation recommended by AREDS-2, which included lutein and zeaxanthin to replace vitamin A in smokers. This cocktail of vitamins and micronutrients is readily available over-the-counter with the generic name 'AREDS 2 formulation'. This formulation has been known to slow the progression in moderate ARMD, although it has been shown to be of doubtful benefit in both the mild and severe forms of the disease.
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Hypertension, and Cardiovascular Disease - These are also known to be risk factors, so consultation with a physician would be most appropriate here.
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Smoking - It is a very well-known risk factor and patients are advised to quit smoking to prevent the quick progression of the condition.
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Ultraviolet Exposure - It is a notable risk factor. Avoidance of outdoor activities and use of appropriate sunglasses with UV protective anti-reflective coats or polarized sunglasses avoids ultraviolet exposure.
2. Cataract:
A cataract is the most common cause of low vision in healthy older adults and aged populations. Although a universal phenomenon in all races of people, the onset is much faster in people with the following risk factors:
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Diabetes (Type 1 or 2) - Diabetics suffer from a host of vision-related problems. Cataract formation in them is accelerated due to the deposition of higher amounts of sugars in their lens, caused by higher amounts of sugar in their blood. The best mode of prevention is the treatment of their high blood sugar and yearly visits to an ophthalmologist.
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Ultraviolet Light Exposure - It is again a risk factor as it can cause vision impairment and permanent or transient blindness in a person.
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Co-existent Eye Disorders - The presence of diseases such as uveitis, fundus dystrophies, glaucoma, and high myopia can also lead to the accelerated formation of cataracts. The best prevention is to not neglect these problems and get an eye examination done.
3. Glaucoma:
It is a disease that is very commonly seen and is being given due importance nowadays due to the availability of sophisticated diagnostic modalities which enable its early detection and monitoring. Studies show that its prevalence may be around 2 percent of the world's population over 70 years.
It has numerous subtypes and diagnostic modalities, but the main problem in glaucoma is that it is a progressive disease of the nerve of sight (optic nerve), but the frightening part about this disease is that the patient is completely unaware of it. The patient would usually be completely free of any symptoms, thus arises the need for regular visits to the ophthalmologist.
The first line of treatments is with drops which lower the eye pressure and later the need for surgery may arise.
4. Presbyopia:
Presbyopia refers to an age-related decrease in near vision. It is caused by an age-related weakness in the mechanisms involved in near vision. This disease may be complicated by the concurrent existence of problems such as ARMD and macular disease. Although it is seen in everyone roughly over the age of 40 years, the problem can be easily corrected by using presbyopic glasses.
The power of the glasses keeps changing once every one or two years, which again is age-related. Apart from glasses, the patients can also be treated with contact lenses, refractive surgery, and intraocular lenses.
Hence, old age comes with a host of eye disorders, and regular screening visits will help detect and treat these disorders early.
5. Dry Eyes:
This condition arises when the tear glands of the eyes do not work properly and cause burning, stinging, and sandy sensations in the eyes. It is a common age-related eye disorder and is more prevalent in women. The eye care professional usually recommends the use of an air purifier or humidifier at home in such cases or may also prescribe artificial tears or eye drops and ointments for treating dry eyes condition.
Conclusion:
Age-related disorders are inevitable and a person also has a greater risk of developing eye conditions and diseases with growing age. Therefore, people should get regular eye check-ups done so that these age-related problems of vision can be detected and rectified at the earliest. Sometimes, a few changes in the eyes with aging does not affect the vision as such but can be a symptom of some serious eye condition. These can only be diagnosed by an eye care professional, therefore, a person must visit an ophthalmologist regularly if they encounter any signs of vision defect.
