The risk of eye diseases increases with age. Vision impairment not only impacts quality of life but also elevates the risk of falls and injuries in older adults. Proactive measures like regular eye exams, monitoring for unusual symptoms, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and protecting eyes from UV rays—can significantly reduce this risk.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a common condition affecting individuals aged 40 and above, making it difficult to see close objects. Those affected often need to hold reading material farther away to see clearly, struggle with small print, require more light, and experience eye strain. In most cases, wearing glasses or contact lenses effectively improves vision.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a common condition where the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy due to protein accumulation over time. In the early stages, the disease may not cause noticeable symptoms, but later, patients experience blurred vision, hazy images, or a yellowish-brown tint.

The risk of developing cataracts increases with age, especially in smokers, individuals with diabetes, or those with prolonged sun exposure. Artificial lens replacement surgery is currently an effective and common treatment.

Age-related macular degeneration

This condition affects the central part of the retina, reducing the ability to see fine details. There are two forms: dry and wet, with the wet form typically progressing faster and being more severe. Patients may experience central blurred vision, distorted images, or blind spots. Treatments such as intraocular injections can help slow disease progression.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when prolonged high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. Initially, the disease may be asymptomatic, but it can later cause blurred vision, black spots, or reduced eyesight. Effective management of blood sugar and blood pressure is crucial to limit disease progression. Treatments include laser therapy, injections, and steroid use in necessary cases.

Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is common in older adults, caused by reduced tear production, leading to insufficient lubrication of the eye's surface. Patients may experience burning, grittiness, redness, blurred vision, or light sensitivity. Using artificial tears and adjusting lifestyle habits help improve symptoms.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure. The disease progresses silently in its early stages but can lead to peripheral vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Some cases of acute glaucoma can cause severe eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, and halos around lights, requiring immediate medical attention.

Watery eyes

Watery eyes, or epiphora, are quite common in individuals over 50, often linked to eyelid laxity, tear duct blockage, or inflammation. In some instances, dry eyes can also stimulate the tear glands to produce more tears, leading to persistent watering.

Floaters

Floaters are small spots or threads that drift across the field of vision, typically associated with age-related changes in the vitreous humor. Most cases are benign, but a sudden increase in floaters or their appearance with flashes of light warrants immediate medical consultation, as it could indicate retinal detachment.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious condition where the retina separates from its normal position. Patients may notice black spots, flashes of light, or a sensation of a curtain obscuring their vision. Without prompt treatment, the condition can lead to permanent vision loss.

Diagnosing eye conditions typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including pupil dilation and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. In some cases, doctors may order additional specialized tests such as tonometry (to measure intraocular pressure), retinal photography, or optical coherence tomography to assess detailed eye structures.

Bao Bao (According to Everyday Health)