Eye Conditions Caused by Aging By William Goldstein on August 02, 2018

Older male patient undergoing eye examinationEvery year, as we celebrate another birthday, it is important to know that our eyes are aging as well. At a certain age, certain eye conditions are more likely to develop. Fortunately, we treat a wide range of eye conditions at Laser Eye Care Center in Detroit, MI.

Dr. William Goldstein treats eye conditions caused by aging. He recommends that these eye conditions be monitored and treated to increase your quality of life and prevent further damage.

Changes to the Eyes Over the Years

As you age, you may notice changes to your eyes, some of which are more significant than others. Maybe your prescription changed, or perhaps you now require reading glasses. No matter what your symptoms are, regular eye exams are essential for maintaining your independence and decreasing your risk for vision loss.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD damages the sharp, central vision you once had. Central vision is essential for seeing objects clearly and performing daily tasks such as reading and driving.

During the early stages of AMD, there are no visual symptoms. Your central vision may appear wavy or blurry, or may disappear completely.

The risk factors for AMD include:

  • Being over 40 years of age
  • Having a family history of the condition
  • Having high blood pressure
  • Smoking or using tobacco products

With proper treatment and early detection, you can help slow the progression of AMD. Laser surgery and anti-angiogenic drug injections are highly recommended. Low-vision devices are helpful to maintain your independent lifestyle.

Cataracts

The lens of your eye should be transparent. When cataracts develop, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. As a result, your vision may appear cloudy or blurry, colors will fade, and glare will increase. Double vision and halos around lights are typical as well.

The risk factors for cataracts include age, smoking, family history, and years of sun exposure.

Surgery is the only way to correct the vision loss associated with cataracts. During treatment, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic intraocular lens.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Also known as diabetic retinopathy, this condition is a leading cause of blindness. This eye disease damages the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak, swell, and grow in places where they shouldn’t. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include eye pain, floaters in the field of vision, and blurry or distorted vision.

Treatment options for diabetic retinopathy includes laser surgery to seal off leaky blood vessels, injections of medication to reduce inflammation, and surgery to remove vitreous gel or address retinal detachment.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when eye pressure elevates to the point that it damages the optic nerve. In many cases, patients don’t realize there is a problem until blind spots develop in peripheral vision.

Other symptoms of glaucoma include tunnel vision, pain or redness of the eye, worsened or blurry vision, the appearance of halos or rainbows around light sources, and headaches.

Treatment includes eye drops and oral medications. In more severe cases, surgery is required.

Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams Are Essential

When it comes to age-related eye conditions, routine exams alone are not enough.  Patients who are 50 or older should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam every year. This is the only way to detect eye diseases in their early stages.

Many eye diseases offer no early warning signs or symptoms before vision loss begins to occur. Therefore, early intervention can save your eyesight.

Contact Our Practice for More Information

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all age-related eye conditions. To learn more about age-related eye conditions, schedule a visit at our practice. You can call our office at 586-323-2020 or contact us online.

Related to This

Dr. William S. Goldstein

Laser Eye Care Center

William S. Goldstein, MD, has been practicing laser eye surgery since 1991. He was one of the first doctors to offer advanced eye care in all of Michigan and is a member of several prestigious organizations: 

  • American Board of Ophthalmology
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

If you are ready to enhance your vision, call our office at (586) 323-2020 or request a consultation online.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite
Google map image of our location in 47670 Van Dyke Ave  Shelby Township, MI

Shelby Charter Township Office

47670 Van Dyke Ave
Shelby Township, MI 48317

Open Today 8:15am - 5:00pm

(586) 323-2020 Send a message