NATTINEE TEERASAKVICHYA, M.D.
Ophthalmology
As we age, various bodily functions naturally decline, and eye conditions are a common concern. Over 70% of seniors experience impaired vision, which can lead to severe visual impairment or blindness if left untreated. Therefore, family members and caregivers should diligently observe elderly relatives for any vision abnormalities and promptly arrange an ophthalmological examination to prevent permanent vision loss.
Common in both working adults and seniors, dry eyes cause discomfort, irritation, a foreign body sensation, stinging, excessive tearing, and conjunctival inflammation. Untreated dry eyes can lead to blurred vision. Treatment depends on the cause and typically involves artificial tears, lifestyle adjustments, and eyelid hygiene if eyelid dysfunction is present.
Cataracts result from the clouding of the natural eye lens, primarily due to aging. This reduces the amount of light reaching the retina, causing progressive blurry vision. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Treatment involves surgically removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens.
Glaucoma is caused by elevated intraocular pressure, which damages the optic nerve. Risk factors include increasing age, a family history of glaucoma, or prolonged steroid use for underlying conditions. This disease is often asymptomatic until vision loss occurs, characterized by progressive peripheral vision loss and permanent blindness.
Some types, like acute angle-closure glaucoma, present with severe pain, blurred vision, and red eyes, requiring immediate ophthalmological attention. Strict adherence to follow-up appointments and the ophthalmologist's recommendations is crucial.
Macular degeneration involves the deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina, leading to blurred central vision while peripheral vision remains normal. Early stages may be asymptomatic. As the condition progresses, patients experience increased blurred vision, distorted images, a dark spot in the central vision, and central vision loss without pain. It is more common in individuals over 50. Other risk factors include UV radiation exposure, smoking, and hypertension.
Diabetic Retinopathy results from blocked capillaries due to diabetes, leading to retinal ischemia and abnormal new blood vessel growth. This damage is irreversible. Treatment aims to prevent progression. The best prevention involves strict blood sugar control, managing other underlying conditions like hypertension, kidney disease, and hyperlipidemia, and undergoing a dilated retinal exam by an ophthalmologist at least annually.
Presbyopia causes blurred near vision, making reading, writing, and computer work difficult, while distant vision remains normal. Some individuals may experience eye strain or pain. Symptoms typically begin after age 40 due to reduced focusing ability, hardening of the eye lens, and decreased ciliary muscle function. This can be corrected with eyeglasses, but an ophthalmological examination is recommended to rule out other eye conditions.
Beyond addressing specific conditions, general health practices also contribute to eye health. Regular use of sunglasses, consuming eye-healthy foods rich in Vitamin A and protein (e.g., colorful fruits and vegetables), avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can help slow down and prevent age-related eye degeneration.
Seniors should undergo an eye examination by an ophthalmologist at least once a year. Eye screenings not only help detect eye abnormalities in their early stages but also identify diseases before symptoms appear, enabling timely treatment, slowing progression, and preventing permanent vision loss.
Revised: September 13, 2023
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
