November 1, 2000
A lthough certain changes in the eyes are inevitable as time goes by, many age-related vision problems can be prevented...
CATARACTS
By age 60, most people notice that their vision isn’t as sharp as it once was. They find it hard to see in bright light... and nighttime driving becomes difficult.
In most cases, these symptoms are the result of cataracts, a condition in which crystalline or protein deposits cause the lenses of the eyes to become partially opaque.
Anyone who lives long enough is almost sure to develop cataracts. Research suggests, however, that exposure to sunlight may accelerate the process by which cataracts form.
If you’re concerned about cataracts: Consider wearing wraparound-style sunglasses, along with a visor or broad-brimmed hat, whenever you venture outdoors in sunlight.
What if you already have cataracts? The problem can be corrected via an outpatient surgical procedure in which the diseased lens is replaced with a clear plastic lens. The surgery takes about 30 minutes and costs about $1,000.
While the surgery yields excellent results, don’t rush to have it. As long as your reduced vision does not interfere with reading, driving and other activities, you can safely delay surgery.
DRY EYES
As eyes age, tear production wanes. There’s no way to get your eyes to make more tears, but nonprescription artificial tears can ease the discomfort.
Beware: Severe dry eyes can be symptomatic of Sjögren’s disease, an inflammatory disorder associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Patients with Sjögren’s need to be watched closely by a physician, since the condition is associated with lymphoma and other life-threatening ailments.
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is a potentially blinding condition that occurs when pressure builds in the fluid inside the eye. The pressure causes the fluid to press against and slowly destroy the optic nerve, which transmits visual images to the brain.
With rare exceptions, glaucoma is painless. People who have it often fail to realize there’s a problem until they notice that their peripheral vision is blurry -- a result of damage to the optic nerve.
Once the optic nerve has been damaged, there is no way to restore vision.
Unless you have regular eye exams, you could go for years without knowing you’re slowly losing your sight.
Caught early, glaucoma can usually be controlled with prescription eyedrops.
MACULAR DEGENERATION
The leading cause of blindness in the elderly, macular degeneration involves the gradual breakdown of visual cells in the macula.* That’s the portion of the retina responsible for “central vision” -- for reading, driving, sewing, etc.
Once your vision has started to deteriorate, corrective lenses won’t fix the problem. Some cases can be arrested with laser surgery.
What can you do to keep your maculas healthy? Avoid smoking... keep your blood pressure under control... and ask your doctor about taking Ocuvite.
Research has shown that this nonprescription vitamin E/zinc supplement helps prevent or slow the development of macular degeneration.
PRESBYOPIA
If you find yourself having to hold reading material at arm’s length, you may be suffering from presbyopia.
This age-related focusing problem is caused by a stiffening of the normally pliant lens inside each eye. Most people develop at least some level of presbyopia by age 45.
There’s no way to prevent presbyopia. The usual “cure” is to buy a pair of nonprescription reading glasses, like those sold in racks at drugstores. These glasses are okay for individuals who have not worn corrective lenses before.
If you already wear glasses, you’ll probably need to shift to prescription bifocals or trifocals.
If you prefer contact lenses: Consider being fitted with a single lens to correct for the presbyopia. That way, you can continue to use the other eye for distance vision.
If you have presbyopia and nearsightedness (myopia), you can ask to be fitted with two contact lenses -- one for near vision and one for distance vision.
While this “monovision” setup sounds as if it might be distracting, many people who try it find they like it.
REDUCED NIGHT VISION
As they reach their 70s, many people find they have trouble driving at night. The culprit is often cataracts and/or changes in the retina.The only solution is to stop driving at night.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EYE EXAMS
Since many of the problems of aging eyes produce no symptoms until effective treatment is impossible, regular eye exams are essential.
Each exam should include a test of pressure inside the eyes... and a close look at the retinas.
Beginning at age 40, have an eye exam once a year. Exams are of special importance for diabetics, who face an increased risk for retinal problems.
For more information on eye health, call Research to Prevent Blindness at 800-621-0026.
*To receive a brochure on macular degeneration which includes an “Amsler grid” eye chart that helps you check for this condition, send a self-addressed, stamped, business-sized envelope to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Customer Service, Dept. CSMD, Box 7424, San Francisco 94120-7424.
