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Age-related eye problems in elderly adults

Ophthalmologist Dr. Madhavi Jeste elaborates.

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Written By: Mansi Kohli | Updated : January 18, 2017 11:19 AM IST

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As you age, your eyes also age. To an extent that many adults believe that due to ageing they face losing of vision and many such eye-related diseases and conditions. But what many elderly patients do not realise is that by applying some preventive measures and going into early treatment, they can keep their vision healthy for long. Dr. Madhavi Jeste, Ophthalmologist at Fortis S.L Raheja Hospital in Mumbai says that when you need glasses to see up close or have difficulty in adjusting to glare or differentiating between same colours, here are a few common eye problems adults should be aware of:

  1. Dry Eyes: Dry eyes can be caused by either excess evaporation or less production of tears. Excess evaporation happens due to air conditioning, too much exposure to any screen such as computer, pollution etc. Less production is due to reaction to certain drugs, vitamin A deficiency and menopause or hormonal imbalance. Dry eyes can give rise to irritation, blurred vision and inability to tolerate light. In severe cases cornea is damaged leading to blindness. It can be treated by rectifying the causes and usage of prescription eye drops. Read here 10 conditions that ail the elderly
  2. Tearing: Tearing can be due to any foreign body in the eye, conjunctivitis, corneal infections or any inflammation of the eye. If the cause is not treated it can lead to severe infection and may cause problems in the vision. Depending on the cause, your doctor will prescribe treatments. Home remedies, if the cause is not serious, include placing a cool wet towel over the eyes a few times a day. However, for persistent tearing, it is best to visit your specialist. Read more about 8 symptoms in old age that warrant attention
  3. Cataract: It is mostly due to old age. Occasionally, there may be other causes that are congenital, or this may be due to eye injuries or prolonged eye infections and inflammation. For diabetics, cataract may occur at a younger age. Untreated cataract is the most common cause of blindness in our country. It can be treated by surgery and person can regain the vision.
  4. Glaucoma: This is the condition in which eye pressure increases causing damage to nerve of the eye leading to blindness. If detected early it can be controlled with medication or surgery. There are no home remedies.
  5. Diabetic retinopathy: This is another leading cause of blindness. It occurs in patients with diabetes that is long standing and uncontrolled. It has to be diagnosed and treated early. If not, it leads to permanent loss of vision.
  6. Age-related macular degeneration: As the name suggests occurs due to old age. A person with this condition could lose central vision. At present, we cannot treat this condition fully. Some vision can be preserved through the use of injections.
  7. Presbyopia: This condition is caused by weakness in the eye muscles. This condition affects vision and requires the use of reading glasses after the age of 40. It cannot be treated at home.
  8. Double vision: This is a serious condition. It occurs due to paralysis of eye muscle. The cause usually lies in the brain and requires immediate medical treatment.

Image source: Shutterstock

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Mansi Kohli

Mansi Kohli

A writer with a twang, Mansi is a fashion, beauty, health and lifestyle writer. An aggressive online shopper, freelance magazine writer, pop culture-ist, Mansi has been writing on health, art, fashion, travel, and multiculturalism since the past five years. Her style ... Read More