Eye Problems Caused by Aging

Eye Problems Caused by Aging TrueEyeExamCost

Old age affects everything, from movement to hearing to eyesight. Even though kids and young adults suffer poor vision, people who are 60 or older are much more susceptible to eye problems. When they experience vision troubles, they must consult with a doctor right away. There is no need to go to a hospital because they can get optometry and ophthalmology services from stores like Walmart. You can get a Walmart eye exam as soon as you notice your eyesight is not as good as before.

What are examples of urgent vision problems?

If you’re a senior age group member experiencing any of the problems below, get a comprehensive eye exam as soon as possible. These are not emergencies, but early prevention is required.

Irritated eyes

The eye’s feeling can be scratchiness or tearing on the surface, mainly due to the eyes’ dryness. Although it’s not a vision-threatening disorder, it can be scary and a general nuisance. This condition is a problem common to a lot of older people. Aside from changes in the tears’ chemistry, the body also produces fewer tears, which causes dry eyes. Severe symptoms may occur if treatment is not applied quickly. Medications may include prescription, or over-the-counter eye drops recommended by the eye care practitioner.

Blind spots

Besides having areas you cannot see, you’ll also have vision blurring and floaters in your line of sight. Blind spots are usually a problem for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, you must have a regular eye exam. The doctor will evaluate the retina’s condition, and they will provide essential information to your general physician. The optical exam results can determine the severity and control of your ailment.

Blurred and cloudy eyesight

Objects and surroundings will look like they have lost their luminosity and saturation. For example, at night, you will see halo surrounding lights. Cataracts can cause these changes naturally, as aging causes the eye’s lens to cloud. Although not a medical emergency, it does gradually get worse over time. Using surgery, a doctor will replace the cloudy lens with a custom intraocular one. However, waiting too long to get surgery may cause complications, like glaucoma. The lens can also become challenging to remove as it tends to harden.

Loss of central vision

The loss usually happens gradually. Other associated problems include straight lines and objects appearing distorted and wavy. Macular degeneration (AMD) may be the cause of this. Currently ranks as one of the primary causes of vision loss among older people in the United States. Years ago, there was no effective cure for AMD, but now there are new treatments to limit or sometimes halt AMD-related blindness.

Narrowing field of view

A usual sign of glaucoma is the decrease in a person’s ability to see things off to the side. Blindness or tunnel vision can happen if this condition continues to happen. Intervention from the eye experts is necessary.

What are the situations you can consider a medical emergency?

Unexpected fuzziness in one eye

The fuzziness may sign a macular hole development in the retina. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment before permanent blindness happens. Someone over 60 is more likely to get this ailment than a younger person.

Double vision

When you see two ghostly images of the same person or object beside each other, visit your physician as soon as possible because this is a known stroke sign.

Redness of the eyes, vomiting, and nausea

These can be indications of a sudden narrow-angle glaucoma attack. It can permanently damage the person’s optic nerve, thus creating permanent sight loss.

Darkness in the field of view

It happens when the retina detaches from the choroid or blood vessels’ layer. Permanent blindness will result if not returned to its proper place within hours.

A barrage of floaters and spots in your field of sight

Eye floaters are normal conditions experienced by older people. It happens when the eyes’ interior gently detaches from the retina, called vitreous detachment. If this suddenly happens and their numbers are abnormally big, go to the doctor immediately, as this is vision-threatening.

Healthy practices and lifestyles early on will prevent the problems mentioned above. Young people can move away from habits that are detrimental to the eyes’ health. For older people, prevention and cure are of primary importance. The body cannot repair itself as quickly as before, so regular professional assistance will be obligatory.