Changes in vision in the elderly

Posted by Ann Brown | December 26th, 2009 in Elderly Sight, Eye Health Care | 1 Comment »

elderly eyesThe vision changes of particular value in older people because of their frequency, their importance in maintaining independence and because they are problems that are often overlooked.

1. The sight of the elderly
Eyestrain. This is one of the most common problems in the elderly. While it may be assumed that a young person looks good, this can not be taken for granted when you get older. The vision loss may result in numerous major cases, and these causes may be treatable or not.

But in any case increases the likelihood of accidents, and people who are ill may have problems to function in normal life.

Vision problems can also cause mental and behavioral disorders in the elderly. It is imperative that all couples will be reviewed in the light with some frequency, because it depends on their future livelihoods. In the absence of problems, it is bad advice to get a review each year.

2. Most frequent problems of vision
2.1. Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the loss of accommodation of the lens that occurs when it becomes rigid over the years. The lens is a lens that exists inside the eye, and are designed to focus the light. So presbyopia, also known as “sight”, is presented as difficulty focusing on objects to change the look from far to near. It is a universal change, and is corrected with glasses that enhance the focus on close objects.

2.2. Waterfalls
Cataracts are extremely common. The lens (the lens) becomes increasingly opaque, and is doing vision loss. Appear in both eyes, but its progression can be at different speeds. Occur more often in women, although not known exactly why. They are also more frequent in diabetics, smokers and drinkers. The only effective treatment is surgery, in which the lens is changed by an intraocular lens that makes up their duties. It is a simple operation with very high success rate.

2.3. Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is becoming a serious problem. In the back of the eye is the retina, which is the area that collects and converts images into nerve impulses that the brain interprets. In the center of the retina is an area called macula, essential to vision because it is where the image is focused. Macular degeneration in this area is damaged (it is not known exactly why it happens). The victim begins to see the crooked lines and then lost sight of the central visual field. There are several ways of varying severity, and treatments are very effective yet. Control is required by an ophthalmologist.

2.4. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is increased fluid pressure inside the eye. The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve permanently. There are different forms of glaucoma. The problem is that this disease often produce no symptoms, so it is often diagnosed late. Therefore it is important to get regular checkups. The important thing is to diagnose it at an early stage for treatment. Treatment with medication and with certain transactions is usually very effective.

2.5. Retinal disorders other diseases
Changes may occur in the retina by systemic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. This disease can damage the retina without anyone noticing it, by gradually lose vision. It is believed that diabetic retinopathy is now the leading cause of blindness in adults in developed countries. For these retinopathies are not progressing to blindness is essential to maintain the best possible control of diabetes or hypertension. It is imperative that diabetics with hypertension and attend an annual review by your ophthalmologist.


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One Response to “Changes in vision in the elderly”

  1. I hope people realize hypertension is a serious threat and start to take it more efficiently. Thanks for the good read!

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