Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in Eye Health
As we age, we gain wisdom, experience, and, unfortunately, an increased risk of certain eye conditions. While aging is inevitable, vision loss doesn’t have to be. Understanding the warning signs of age-related eye conditions can help you protect your sight for years to come.
Keep reading to learn more about three major age-related eye conditions that everyone over 40 should be aware of.
1. Cataracts
A cataract occurs when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. The lens, which should be clear, develops protein clumps that cloud your vision over time.
This is often due to the gradual breakdown of proteins within the natural lens that occurs with age. Most people over 60 experience some degree of lens clouding, affecting nearly everyone eventually.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
The symptoms of cataracts develop slowly. You might notice your vision becoming blurry or hazy, colors appearing faded or yellowed, or increased sensitivity to glare, especially from oncoming headlights at night. Reading may require brighter light than before, and you may have more trouble navigating your surroundings in low-light conditions.
The good news is that cataracts are highly treatable. When they begin interfering with your daily activities, cataract surgery can restore clear vision. During this procedure, your clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL.
Associates in Ophthalmology uses advanced technology for cataract surgery, including the Catalys and Alcon LenSx laser systems. These systems enable precise, customized incisions, leading to faster recovery and improved visual outcomes. They also offer various premium IOL options to match your lifestyle and vision goals.
2. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, typically due to increased pressure inside the eye. To maintain healthy eye pressure, fluid drains in and out of the eye through the drainage angle.
However, when this system becomes blocked, fluid builds up, and pressure rises. This elevated pressure damages the nerve fibers that transmit visual information to your brain.
What makes glaucoma particularly dangerous is its lack of early warning signs. Most people with open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, notice no symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
Protecting Your Vision from Glaucoma as You Age
Studies show that those over the age of 60 are six times more likely to develop glaucoma, making frequent monitoring crucial as you get older. The key to preventing vision loss from glaucoma is early detection through regular eye exams. During a comprehensive exam, your ophthalmologist measures your eye pressure, examines your optic nerve for damage, checks your peripheral vision, and evaluates your drainage angle.
Treatment at Associates in Ophthalmology typically starts with prescription eye drops that lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production or improving drainage. When medications aren’t sufficient, laser procedures like trabeculoplasty or iridotomy can help excess fluid drain properly.
3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects the macula, a small area in the center of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. With AMD, you lose your central vision while your peripheral vision typically remains intact.
AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50, often progressing without obvious symptoms until vision becomes significantly affected. You might notice straight lines appearing wavy or bent, or blank spots in your central vision, and colors may seem less vibrant. These changes can be subtle at first, which is why regular eye exams are so important for early detection.
How AMD is Diagnosed
Your ophthalmologist can identify AMD during a comprehensive exam using several tools, including optical coherence tomography, which provides detailed images of your retina and macula. You may also be asked to look at an Amsler grid, a pattern of intersecting lines that helps detect distortions in your vision.
Do You Remember When Your Last Eye Exam Was?
Regular comprehensive eye exams are vital for protecting your vision as you age, as they allow your ophthalmologist to spot warning signs of conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and AMD before you experience symptoms. If you can’t remember when your last exam was, it’s time to get on top of your eye health by scheduling an appointment at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ, today!
