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FAQ > AGED EYES BOOKLET |
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How well you see as you grow older ? |
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What is Presbyopia ? |
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What are Floaters ? |
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What causes Macular degeneration ? |
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What are Diabetic eye problems ? |
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What is Glaucoma ? |
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What is a Cataract ? |
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What causes Dry eye ? |
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How well you see as you grow older ? |
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Many eye diseases and disorders become more common as we age. Advances in ophthalmology allow most people to maintain good vision as they grow older. Many eye problems can be prevented or corrected if detected in their early stages. Regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist are the best way to detect eye conditions early, while they can be treated. The following are eye problems commonly experienced by older people. |
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What is Presbyopia ? |
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When you are young, the lens in your eye is flexible and changes shape easily, allowing you to focus on objects both close and far away. As you grow older, your lens becomes less flexible. By about age 40, the lens cannot change shape as easily as it once did, and it becomes more difficult to read. This normal condition is called presbyopi a. No exercise or medication can reverse presbyopia. You will need reading glasses or bifocals to help your eyes focus. The lens continues to harden, so you will need to change prescriptions as you grow older. |
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What are Floaters ? |
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You may sometimes see small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. They are called floater s. You can often see them when looking at a plain background, like a blank wall or blue sky. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear, gel-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye. The specks that you see are the shadows they cast on the retin a—the layer of light-sensing cells lining the back of the eye. The retina converts light rays into signals that are sent through the optic nerve to the brain and recognized as images.
You should contact your ophthalmologist right away if you suddenly develop new floaters. These symptoms may indicate a torn retina, which could lead to retinal detachment. |
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What causes Macular degeneration ? |
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Macular degeneration is damage or breakdown of the macula of the eye. The macula is the small, central area of the retina that allows us to see fine details clearly. Macular degeneration is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula. Vision loss is usually gradual. In some cases, abnormal blood vessels develop and leak fluid or blood under the macula. Vision loss in this case may be rapid. When the macula doesn’t function correctly, you experience blurriness or distortion in the center of your vision. Macular degeneration makes close-up work, like reading or threading a needle, difficult or impossible. Although macular degeneration reduces reading vision, it does not affect your peripheral vision. For example, you could see the outline of a clock but not be able to tell what time it is.
Macular degeneration alone does not result in total blindness.
If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, have your eyes examined promptly:
- words on a page look blurred in the center;
- straight lines look distorted, especially
- toward the center of your vision;
- a dark or empty area appears in the
- center of vision;
- colors look dim.
There is no proven cure for macular degeneration. In some people who have leaking blood vessels, laser surgery (Laser photocoagulation/PDT/TTT) may slow or prevent additional vision loss. Various low-vision optical devices can help people continue with many of their normal activities. They include
- magnifying devices
- closed circuit television
- large print reading materials
Your ophthalmologist can prescribe optical devices or refer you to a vision rehabilitation specialist or center. Because side vision is usually not affected, a person’s remaining sight can be very useful. A wide range of support services, rehabilitation programs, and devices are available to help people with macular degeneration maintain a satisfying lifestyle. |
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What are Diabetic eye problems ? |
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Many older adults have diabetes, a disease in which the body does not use or store sugar properly. Diabetes can cause changes in the veins and arteries that carry blood throughout your body. This disease can affect your vision by causing cataracts, glaucoma, and, most important, damage to blood vessels inside the eye.
The treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends upon the stage of the disease. In the very initial stages, just periodic follow-ups are advised to look for progression of disease. Laser treatment is recommended when there is significant swelling in the macula, or when there are significant new blood vessels in the retina or iris. In advanced stages of the disease, your ophthalmologist may recommend a vitrectomy. |
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What is Glaucoma ? |
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Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve—the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers, like an electric cable containing numerous wires. When damage to the optic nerve fibers occurs, blind spots develop. These blind spots usually go undetected until the optic nerve is significantly damaged. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results. Early detection and treatment by your ophthalmologist are the keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.
The only sure way to detect glaucoma is to have a complete eye examination. During your glaucoma evaluation, your ophthalmologist will:
- measure your intraocular pressure(tonometry);
- inspect the drainage angle of your eye(gonioscopy);
- evaluate whether or not there is any optic nerve damage (ophthalmoscopy);
- test the peripheral vision of each eye (visual field testing, or perimetry).
- Photography of the optic nerve or other computerized imaging may be recommended.
- Measure retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and optic nerve depth (Optical Coherence tomography/HRT)
Some of these tests may not be necessary for everyone. These tests may need to be repeated on a regular basis to monitor any changes in your condition.
As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eyedrops, laser surgery, and surgery in the operating room are used to help prevent further damage. In some cases, oral medications may also be prescribed. With any type of glaucoma, periodic examinations are very important to prevent vision loss. Because glaucoma can progress without your knowledge, adjustments to your treatment may be necessary from time to time. |
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What is a Cataract ? |
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A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. The lens, which lies behind the pupil, helps the eye to focus. When the lens becomes clouded, it partly blocks light from passing to the back of the eye (retina). This reduces a person’s sight. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. People with cataracts often have one or more of these symptoms:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Poor vision at night or in very bright light
- Trouble driving, especially at night due to glare from oncoming headlights
- Seeing “ghost” images
- Change in color vision
- Loss of contrast
- Poor distance vision
Cataracts do not go away on their own or with drugs. The only way to remove cataracts is surgically. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription may be helpful. No medications, dietary supplements or exercises have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts. M any people with a mild cataract do not need an operation. But a cataract may begin to interfere with your ability to do daily tasks-for instance, reading or driving. When a cataract becomes a problem, it is time to discuss the option of a cataract operation with your ophthalmologist. |
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What causes Dry eye ? |
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Normally, the eye constantly bathes itself in tears. By producing tears at a slow and steady rate, the eye stays moist and comfortable. Sometimes people do not produce enough tears or the appropriate quality of tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. This condition is known as dry eye.
The usual symptoms include:
- stinging or burning eyes;
- scratchiness;
- stringy mucus in or around the eyes;
- excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind;
- excess tearing;
- discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
Dry eyes are treated using artificial tear drops which are similar to your own tears. They lubricate the eyes and help maintain moisture. A person with dry eye should avoid anything that may cause dryness, such as an overly warm room, hair dryers, or wind. In some cases, preservative free lubricating drops may have to be given. |
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