Vision Problems in Older Adults - An Overview

Introduction:

Our eyes undergo changes as we age. Even if we had six by six eyesight at a young age, this might change as we age. After 50 years of age, it is wise to have a routine eye check-up with the ophthalmologist. These eye problems can become serious and cause night blindness if left untreated. Some steps can be taken to prevent vision-related problems or reduce their progression. Consult the doctor regarding any early signs of vision disorders to prevent further damage.

What Are the Common Age-Related Problems That Occur in Older Adults?

1. Presbyopia: This is a prevalent problem noticed among people as they age. Presbyopia is when one has difficulty reading small prints in books or seeing close-by objects. Visit the doctor at the earliest, which can be corrected by wearing glasses or contacts.

2. Floaters: These are small spots or specks in the field of vision. These spots are easily noticeable in bright daylight, in a well-lit room, or while looking at a bright digital screen. These often do not pose a serious problem, but when they are seen with flashes of light, then it means that the retina is detached from the back of the eye. So floaters can be an indication of a more serious eye problem. If one sees an increase in the number of spots or flashes of light with it, and if it presents suddenly, then immediately report it to the doctor.

3. Dry Eyes: As we age, our eyes might not produce enough tears, leading to dry eyes. In this condition, the eyes will be itchy, red, and have a burning sensation. The doctor might prescribe a humidifier to stimulate tear production. Tear duct plugs can be given in severe cases, or surgery is sometimes required. It is treatable but might cause a certain amount of vision damage if left untreated.

4. Excess Tearing: This happens when the eyes produce too much tear or the tear duct drainage system is not functioning correctly. This problem can be stimulated by wind, temperature changes, and sensitivity to bright light. Wearing sunglasses can help prevent this but in case of a tear duct blockage or an infection, visit the doctor.

5. Cataracts: This is one of the most common vision problems observed in the elderly population. The vision gets cloudy because a whitish film starts to appear and cover the eyes' lens. This prevents the light from objects from passing through the lens and reaching the retina; hence, the patient has difficulty seeing. This causes no pain or redness. In normal individuals, the lens should be as clear as that of the camera in order to have clear vision. This condition can easily be treated with minor surgery, where the affected lens is replaced with an artificial lens.

6. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve is damaged due to excessive internal eye pressure. If the exchange of watery fluids between the cornea and the lens is not happening normally, it will lead to a build-up in pressure. In the initial stages, one might experience pain. This is when one must visit the doctor. If left untreated, it can cause vision loss. The treatment ranges from eye drops, medications, and surgery.

7. Retinal Disorders: The thin lining at the back of the eye called the retina is affected. These cells transfer images from the eye to the brain. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help correct these disorders. Some age-related retinal disorders are:

   • Diabetic retinopathy.
   • Age-related macular degeneration.
   • Retinal vessel occlusions.
   • Detached retina.

8. Conjunctivitis: The outer layer covering the white portion of the eye is damaged. This can cause redness, irritation, watery eyes, itchy eyes, and a feeling that something is in the eyes. It can be caused by certain irritants, allergies, or infections.

9. Corneal Disease: Here, the cornea is affected due to infection, irritation by chemicals and irritants, injury, or disease. The cornea helps to focus light, and damage to this can lead to pain, redness, watery eyes, reduced vision, and a halo effect. Treatment includes eye drops, medications, wearing glasses, and surgery.

10. Eyelid Problems: Eyelids are important as they protect the eyes from the external environment. In old age, eyelids can get swollen and can droop or twitch.

11. Temporal Arteritis: This is caused by blocked or inflamed arteries in the temple region. It can be caused in old age due to a damaged immune system. Symptoms include pain in the temple region, headache, pain in chewing, and a few weeks later, it can also lead to vision loss in one of the eyes followed by the other. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this vision loss.

What Are the Steps One Can Take To Protect the Eyes and Vision?

• Keep diabetes under control.

• Regular routine check-ups with an ophthalmologist or optometrist to identify any vision-related problems at the earliest.

• Share the list of the medications that one is taking with the doctor.

• Any signs of itching, redness, or irritation should be reported to the doctor immediately to prevent vision loss.

• Use prescribed glasses or contacts regularly. Use sunglasses while going out in the bright sunlight.

• Everyone over 50 should have a dilated eye exam by an eye care professional.

• Maintain normal blood pressure

• Do eye exercises and eye yoga daily.

• Reduce screen time.

Conclusion:

Age can affect vision just as it affects other body parts. People with chronic medical problems like diabetes and hypertension, and those under medications with side effects related to the eyes, like steroids, are at a greater risk of developing vision problems in old age. It should be noted that many eye problems will be painless and show no symptoms, but even slight vision changes should not be neglected. Prevention and early diagnosis can save vision to a great extent, as it is difficult to reverse vision-related changes once they have occurred and progressed.