COMMON EYE DISORDERS

Regular eye examinations should be part of a good health maintenance routine along with regular physicals and a healthy lifestyle. Most people, however, use a "if-it-isn't-broken, don't-fix-it" approach to eyecare that can be dangerous for older adults. For seniors, eye examinations should be done annually, and should be thought of as part of their overall health maintenance routine. Here's why:

Cataracts - When the clear lens within the eye becomes cloudy, it is called a cataract. Cataracts vary from extremely small to large cloudy areas. The frequency of cataracts increases with age. With some cataracts, only prescription lenses are needed to maintain good vision. Cataracts that affect vision for daily living are surgically removed. Vision is usually restored with an intraocular lens implant. Such surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis and patients can resume normal activities in a matter of days.

Glaucoma - The leading cause of blindness in the U.S., glaucoma involves an increase in the fluid behind the eye to a point that pressure damages the optic nerve. Mist likely to strike after age 40, glaucoma has no early symptoms but can be diagnosed in early stages during a thorough eye examination. Glaucoma has many forms but the most common type occurs when the fluid in the eye is unable to drain out at the same rate it is produced. Early diagnosis and treatment help minimize vision loss. Treatment usually takes the form of eye drops and medicines. In some cases, surgery is required.

Macular Degeneration - Likely to occur after age 60, macular degeneration results in a blurring or loss of central vision, making close work difficult. It most likely involves changes in the blood vessels nourishing the retina. If these blood vessels leak and this is discovered early, laser therapy is helpful in some cases. When vision loss occurs, an eye doctor prescribes special optical aids and lenses to improve remaining vision. Regular eye examinations and an awareness of symptoms aid early diagnosis. Symptoms include: straight lines appearing bent, letters and numbers appearing in multiple images, or letters appearing distorted or jumbled in size.

These, as well as other eye health problems, require routine examination and monitoring above and beyond when the patient feels their glasses may have changed. Since most eye health problems have easier management and fewer permanent effects if they are detected early, obtaining annual eye examinations from you eye doctor allows them to do the best possible job for you in maintaining your vision. After age 40, annual eye examinations are recommended to insure that both eye health and vision are the best they can be.

Written by John F. Amos, O.D. and Glenn G. Hammack, O.D., UAB Optometry

To make an appointment with UAB Optometry, call (205) 975-2020

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