By Dr. Gerard Muraida
Aging affects our eyes. In fact, by age 65, 33% of Americans will have developed some form of vision-impairing eye condition. The top three age-related eye diseases are glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Glaucoma occurs when the pressure within the eye is elevated, which can damage the optic nerve (the main nerve responsible for vision). Untreated glaucoma can result in vision loss and blindness. In fact, the condition is one of the main causes of blindness in the United States. Typically, there are no initial symptoms, so as many as 1 million people may have glaucoma without realizing it.
However, as the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice their side or peripheral vision gradually failing, eventually resulting in tunnel vision if left untreated.
There are many types of medications (in eye drop and pill form) that are used to treat glaucoma. In some individuals, however, medications alone do not successfully lower increased eye pressure, and surgery needs to be performed. One type of surgery, called trabeculoplasty, uses a laser to improve the flow of fluids out of the eye thereby reducing pressure. This can be done in your doctor’s office. There is also a conventional surgery, called trabeculectomy, in which your doctor creates a new drainage path in the eye, under the eyelid.
The known risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history of glaucoma, the use of steroid medications and near-sightedness.
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, especially among individuals over age 60. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s usually transparent lens. The lens is composed of water and protein, but if the protein clumps together, it can start to obscure transmission of light through the lens. Vision may become blurred, contrast sensitivity may become reduced, and nighttime glare may occur.
Getting older is a major risk factor for cataracts, and women are at slightly higher risk than men. Other risk factors include smoking, failure to wear UV-protective sunglasses, and/or having a family history of cataracts.
Fortunately, cataracts are highly treatable. The most common and effective treatment is cataract surgery, whereby the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. Cataract surgery is safe, quick, and highly successful, restoring clear vision in most cases.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that affects central vision. The macula is the part of the retina that is responsible for sharp central vision. AMD exists in two main forms: dry and wet. The dry form is more common and progresses slowly, characterized by the thinning of macular tissue and the presence of yellow deposits. Wet AMD is less common but more severe. It is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina, leading to leakage and rapid vision loss.
Difficulty recognizing faces, along with empty areas in one’s vision, as well as wavy lines are signs of AMD. Difficulty reading and driving may occur. Although there is no cure for AMD, early detection can slow progression. Treatments for wet AMD include injections that prevent abnormal blood vessel growth. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids, avoiding smoking, and managing blood pressure, can also help reduce the risk.
Age is the biggest risk factor for developing AMD. It is estimated that 6.5% of Americans age 40 and older have some degree of macular degeneration. Family history, race (Caucasians appear to have a higher risk than African Americans or Hispanics), high blood pressure, and smoking are other risk factors.
Schedule regular eye exams, make healthy lifestyle choices, and seek prompt medical care if your eyesight is bothering you.
