Vision Loss in Old Age
By: SudbyTotal Views: 285, Word Count: 538,
Vision loss in old age is a major health care problem. One person in three people has some type of vision-reducing disease after the age of 65.
The most common causes of vision loss in old age are as follows:
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Diabetic retinopathy
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
· It is known as AMD which is the leading cause of loss of vision over 65 years of age.
· AMD is degeneration of the macula, which is the area of the retina in charge for central vision.
· Risk factors for this disease are advancing age, family history and cardiovascular diseases like hypertension.
· Cigarette smoking in old age can also cause AMD
· About 90 percent of persons have the nonexudative AMD form of vision loss.
· About 10 percent of persons develop the exudative form of AMD which is growth of abnormal vessels from the choroidal circulation to the subretinal space.
· A higher dietary intake of foods may lower the risk of developing AMD
· Foods like kiwi, squash, egg yolk, yellow squash, spinach, peas, Brussels sprouts, green beans, honeydew melon, grapes, pumpkin, peppers, apples, corn, celery, scallions, broccoli, cucumber, orange juice, etc. can help to prevent this disease in old age.
Glaucoma
· Glaucoma is defined as group of disorders which take place due to optic nerve damage or visual field loss.
· It causes blindness. 1million Americans over 65 years of age have glaucoma.
· Primary open-angle glaucoma is caused to 10 percent patients. Common factors for primary open-angle glaucoma are family history, increasing age, hypertension, high degree of myopia, and diabetes.
· Medical therapy can be used, so as to treat the glaucoma. Medications help to lower intraocular pressure by reducing the secretion of aqueous humor.
· Surgical intervention like laser or incisional techniques are also considered to be the treatment of glaucoma.
· Primary open-angle glaucoma can lead to visual field loss and affects central vision.
· American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests visiting the eye specialist regularly, so as to avoid eye loss in old age due to glaucoma.
Cataract
· Cataract is very common cause of vision loss in old age
· In US, the blinding effect due to cataract is dramatically reduced because of cataract surgery.
· The occurrence of cataract increases in old age which is known as lens opacities, interfering with vision function.
· Over 90 percent of patients undergo this surgery for visual improvement
Diabetic Retinopathy
· Diabetic retinopathy is nowadays, the leading cause of blindness among old age Americans.
· It also leads to vision morbidity in the elderly
· The diabetic retinopathy rises with increasing period of diabetes
· Intensive blood glucose control can reduce diabetic retinopathy
· Control of hypertension, fluid overload states, and hyperlipidemia may reduce the effects of diabetic retinopathy.
· Surgical options are used to treat diabetic retinopathy
From this, we can conclude that regular follow-up of your eye specialists can minimize vision loss in old age.
About the Author
Robert Sudby has practiced as a General Physician in Cleveland for a number of years. He is retired but still likes to share fitness secrets and tips with people. You can benefit from his articles on fitness and general well being
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