Eye Problems in Aging Adults
Although vision problems can occur at any age, the risk of developing them increases with advancing age. The increased risk is the primary reason due to which aging adults must keep their regularly scheduled eye doctor appointments. Some of the common eye problems witnessed due to age are:
Presbyopia
This is a condition where a person loses the ability to clearly see fine print or close objects. Even though this process occurs over a very long period, it is not noticed clearly until the age of 40. Contacts or reading glasses can tackle this problem effectively. ReLEx surgery in Detroit can be used to help with this problem, enabling many patient to stop using reading glasses..
Floaters
These are small specks or spots, which float in the vision field, and are experienced most often on a bright day in the outdoors or well-lit rooms. Even though floaters are a normal phenomenon, they can be an indication of a serious underlying eye condition like retinal detachment. If one experiences light flashes along with floaters, or a drastic change in the number of spots seen, it is vital to go to the doctor immediately.
Dry eyes
When tear glands produce inadequate amount of tears or poor-quality tears, people experience this condition. It can be very uncomfortable and cause, itching, redness, burning and in rare cases even vision loss. For this problem, the doctors usually prescribe having a humidifier in the house and eye drops to stimulate tearing. If the condition is severe, surgery may be recommended but it depends on the cause of dry eyes.
Tearing
If light, temperature change or wind produce more than normal tears in the eyes, this may be an indication that a more serious problem exists. It may be a sign of blocked tear duct or eye infection. For milder cases, treating the condition with sunglasses or shields may suffice.
Cataracts
Cataracts can cover a part or the full eye giving it a cloudy appearance. Cataracts prevent adequate amount of light from entering the eyes and impair the vision. The formation of cataracts is usually very gradual and is not readily noticed. When cataracts impair vision significantly, cataract surgery in Shelby Township becomes necessary.
Retinal disorders
The retina is the area in the back of the eye. It receives light impulses and sends them to the brain. A disorder in the retina disturbs the transfer of these images. Some of the common retinal disorders are diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment and retinal vessel occlusion. It is important to diagnose and treat these problems at early stages to prevent loss of vision.
Most of these eye problems can be easily avoided by recognizing the symptoms early and having regular eye checkups. It is important to note that most people maintain excellent vision as they age.
