Eye Conditions Affecting the Elderly

As you age, you become more prone to developing several eye conditions that may lead to serious visual problems if not properly treated. Here are some of the more common ones:

• Presbyopia -- Presbyopia leads to problems focusing on near objects. It can often develop as early as your 40s, but after the age of 65, it may get significantly worse. Reading glasses are generally required to correct vision issues caused by presbyopia.
  
• Cataracts -- While cataracts can develop at any age, they are most common in people over the age of 65. Cataracts occur when your eye's lens becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision, increased glare at night, and decreased contrast sensitivity. If untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. Surgery is generally required to replace your damaged lens with an artificial lens.
  
• Glaucoma -- Glaucoma is generally caused by increased intraocular pressure and is most common in people over the age of 65. At first, you may experience a loss of peripheral vision; however, over time, untreated glaucoma may lead to blindness. Early detection is crucial to proper treatment.
  
• Macular Degeneration -- As you age, your macula may break down due to reduced blood and nutrient supply. This condition may result in mild to severe vision loss.
  
• Dry Eyes -- As you get older, your tear glands start producing fewer tears, resulting in dry eyes. Symptoms of dry eyes include dry, gritty, and burning eyes.
  
• Epiphora -- This condition is somewhat the opposite of dry eyes. As your skin loses elasticity, the openings in the inner corners of your eye lids begin to droop, inhibiting tear drainage. As a result, you may experience excessive tearing.
  

It is important to remember that as you age, you should go for an annual eye examination with your ophthalmologist to make sure you are not developing one of these age-related eye conditions. Early detection is always the best way to ensure proper treatment.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.