Are you suffering form the diseases of aging eyes? If yes, read on. According to a recent study conducted and published by the University of Illinois, one of the primary causes of visual impairment in the US is eye diseases related to aging. And the numbers are fore casted to double in 30 years.
Common Age-related Eye Diseases:
The primary causes of visual(reduced vision and complete loss of vision) impairment among the aging American population are:
- Cataract
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Macular Degeneration
- Glaucoma
Cataract:
In cataract, the lens or its capsule becomes progressively opaque. This results in blurred vision.
Age related cataracts are of three main types:
-
Nuclear Sclerosis: The lens hardens and turns yellowish and color differentiation is affected.
Posterior subcapsular Cataract: The back of the lens becomes opaque causing glare and poor vision.
Cortical Cataract:It is opacity of the lens fibers, causing poor vision and glare.
Diabetic Retinopathy:
Diabetic retinopathy is a result of the changes in the retinal blood vessels. Retina is a light-sensitive tissue that is situated at the rear of the eye. Healthy retina is very essential for good eyesight.
However, in this condition, there may be a swelling, resulting in fluid leakage. In some cases abnormal blood vessels are found growing on the retinal surface. This leads to incomplete vision with dark spots occurring in the views and progressively leads to complete blindness. This condition usually affects both the eyes.
Macular Degeneration:
It is a disease that progressively damages the macula (the central portion of retina helps see fine details). As a result, blurring or darkness occurs in the central area of vision. Central vision is essential for activities such as reading and driving and even recognizing faces, which require fine vision. It obstructs performance of day-to-day activities and independent living of the affected. Two forms of the disease are known:
- Dry: Formation of lesions called drusen due to depigmentation of the retina is a characteristic of this form of macular degeneration.
- Wet: Development of abnormal new blood vessels ((Neo-vascularization) below the epithelial layer of retina. These can bleed and cause scarring in the macula that results in severe impairment of central vision.
Glaucoma:
The optic nerve atrophy’s (shrinking and subsequent cupping) leading to vision loss. It is characterized by: elevated pressure in the eyes, optic nerve atrophy and peripheral vision loss. This is called the clinical triad that finally results in impairment of central vision.
Other Diseases of Aging Eyes:
Other common eye diseases occurring with age include :
- Dry eyes: It is a disorder where the eyes become extremely dry because of tear deficiency or excess tear evaporation causing damage to the exposed surface of the eye.
- Presbyopia: Here, the eye loses the power of dynamic accommodation. This means that the eye cannot adjust its focus for viewing objects at various distances. It simply loses its flexibility.
- Blepharitis: Is the chronic inflammation of the eyes. The symptoms include itching, redness and tearing.
