In large part, our senses connect us to the world and from them we receive information. But as we age, our senses lose their acuity, especially our eyesight. Sight provides much pleasure, but it’s also an important part of staying safe and independent.
As we get older, we may have a harder time reading small print, take longer to adjust from light to dark and be more sensitive to bright lights. A loss of depth perception could make it harder to judge distances, and perceiving contrasts and colours may become more difficult.
There’s no doubt senior citizens are more prone than younger people to chronic eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss among adults 55 and older. In fact, more than half the people over age 65 have some degree of cataract development. Certain diseases, such as uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), exposure to ultraviolet radiation (like that from the sun) and infrared rays and even poor nutrition may cause cataracts to develop earlier and progress faster.
Sometimes the cause is from an injury to the eye and by certain prescription drugs, such as steroids. In any case, surgery is the only way your eye doctor can remove a cataract. (www.eyeinstitute.net)
Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by increased pressure within the eye, destroying the nerve fibres within the retina. It is one of the most common causes of blindness and affects 1 in 100 Canadians over age 40. Although it often occurs in older people, it can develop at any age and has no obvious symptoms. That’s why it is nicknamed the “silent thief.” Only regular opthalmological checkups can spot glaucoma in its early, treatable stages, where it can be controlled with medication or surgery. (www.cnib.ca)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that occurs when the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision) is damaged. This damage can be the result of many factors, including aging, and causes permanent loss of central vision. Regular eye exams can detect the disease early on and laser treatments can slow down central vision loss.
Aside from cessation of smoking and a healthy diet of dark green leafy vegetables and fruits supplemented by zinc and anti-oxidant vitamins (Vitamins E, C, and beta carotene), very little is currently available to help patients with “dry” AMD to prevent progression to more serious stages of debilitating disease. (www.amdalliance.org)
Other common changes that appear with age are:
Presbyopia is the inability to focus on close objects or small print. Reading glasses usually solve the problem. The usual age of onset is 40.
Floaters are tiny spots or specks that float across the field of vision, that are often normal. If a floater appears right in your line of vision, sometimes moving your eye around will make it shift out of your central vision. If you notice a sudden change in the number or types of spots you see, or if they come with light flashes, see your eye doctor as soon as you can. These may be signs of a serious problem.
Dry eyes – the eyes may feel gritty, itchy or burn. Your doctor may suggest using a humidifier in your home, or special eye drops that act as tears. In a few serious cases, surgery may be needed to correct the problem.
Tearing (watery eyes) are another common problem. It may be because you are more sensitive to light, wind or changes in temperature. Simply protecting your eyes by shielding them or wearing sunglasses may solve the problem. The condition can also be a result of an eye infection, eye irritation or blocked tear duct, all of which can be appropriately treated. See your doctor to find the exact cause and treatment.
Diabetic retinopathy – an eye problem linked to diabetes. Changes to blood vessels can cause the retina to become oxygen starved. Symptoms include cloudy vision and seeing spots. This condition goes through many stages and can result in blindness. If you have diabetes, have regular examinations and inform your eye specialist that you are diabetic. Treatment can slow down vision loss. Laser treatment in the early stages often proves successful.
Source: Public Health Agency of Canada
The PHAC also gives some tips for being kind to your eyes:
Turn on the lights. Seeing better can sometimes be as easy as changing a light bulb! Putting 100 or 150-watt bulbs in your lamps can reduce eye strain (but make sure your fixture is designed for that wattage!). Brighter lighting in stairways can help prevent falls.
Don’t smoke. Studies show that tobacco smoking is an important risk factor in the early onset of an eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This disease causes serious and permanent loss of central vision.
Reduce glare. There are many ways of reducing glare, including good lampshades, glare shields on computer monitors, and sunglasses. Wear sunglasses that provide 99 to 100% UV-A and UV-B protection when you go outside during the day. They will protect you from UV rays that can harm your eyes even on a cloudy day.
Protect yourself. Many people suffer vision loss because of accidents in the home. Here are some ways to prevent damage to your eyes:
- put a grease shield over frying foods
- make sure that spray cans and bottle nozzles are pointed away from you
- wear safety glasses in the workshop and when opening and using chemical products like ammonia
- when using bungee cords, be careful of recoil
Eat your carrots. Studies show that a daily dose of the vitamins and minerals found in melons, citrus, carrots, spinach and kale may help slow the progress of age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or cataracts.
So make sure to get your annual eye exam. Finding problems early may make the difference between maintaining good vision and vision loss. There are few things more debilitating than loss of independence.
Posted by Jorg Mardian RHN, CPT 