5 common eye diseases in the elderly
Many eye diseases in the elderly cannot be observed for symptoms. It is necessary to undergo a detailed eye examination. You should observe for any abnormalities yourself. Children should frequently ask the elderly for symptoms or observe for abnormal symptoms from the elderly if some elderly people do not tell their children or grandchildren about their symptoms.
1. Dry eye condition
“Dry eye” is an eye disease that is commonly found in the elderly because the quality of tears decreases. There is not enough lubricant to coat and moisturize the eyes due to abnormal tear glands or too fast evaporation. It is often a result of age-related tear gland degeneration, blocked sebaceous glands in the eyelids, hormonal changes, or other underlying diseases such as thyroid disease, arthritis, and the use of certain medications. This causes eye irritation, a feeling of foreign objects in the eyes, eye irritation, and possible corneal ulcers. The elderly will experience chronic eye discomfort and poor vision, which can be a cause of accidents.
2. Cataracts
“Cataract” is a degeneration that occurs in everyone as they age. On average, at the age of 60 years and above, the cause is the clouding of the lens inside the eye, allowing less light to pass through the eye, causing vision changes. This is consider age-relate degeneration. Of course, this type of eye problem affects the ability to see. The elderly will experience โปรโมชั่นพิเศษจาก UFABET สมัครตอนนี้ รับโบนัสทันที blurred vision like double vision or see light as scattered light. Wearing glasses does not help, which may result in misjudgement of the distance of steps when walking down the stairs, resulting in falling down the stairs. This can be treated by cataract surgery and artificial lens implantation. Which is currently done quickly with modern equipment, with little pain and a quick recovery. This helps improve the quality of life of the elderly and reduces the risk of accidents in another way.
3. Glaucoma
“Glaucoma” is less common than cataracts, but it is a serious disease that can cause blindness. It is a silent eye disease with no warning symptoms. Can cause permanent vision loss without the elderly being prepared. It is cause by optic nerve degeneration. Often with high intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve. The risk is higher for people over 40 years old, have a family history of glaucoma, use steroids, are nearsighted or farsighted, have had an eye accident, or have other underlying diseases such as diabetes, migraines, snoring, and sleep apnea.
If the eye health screening is neglecte. It may result in permanent vision loss. Caregivers can observe whether the elderly are suffering from glaucoma or not by observing behavior. Patients may have symptoms such as frequently bumping into tables or objects, or picking up things incorrectly due to narrowed vision. Therefore, they should taken to see an ophthalmologist. Before it is too late. It can be treated with medication, laser treatment, or surgery. Depending on the severity of the disease.
4. Retinal degeneration
“Macular degeneration” is a common cause of permanent blindness in the elderly. It is cause by age-related degeneratio. That affects the central macula. Which is the clearest area of the retina.
It is divid into 2 types: wet and dry. Wet AMD is cause by abnormal capillaries behind the retina, which leak fluid into the retina, causing severe and permanent loss of vision. Dry AMD is usually gradual. In the early stages, patients may see blurred vision and black spots or blind spots in the center of the image. After that, the retinal cells slowly deteriorate until permanent vision is lost. Treatment can only done if you consult a doctor in the early stages. However, macular degeneration often does not show symptoms if it is not diagnosed in detail. Therefore, it is recommend that caregivers take the elderly to have their eyes checked every year.
5. Farsightedness
The problem of farsightedness in the elderly is cause by the decreased ability of the eye muscles to focus. It can happen to anyone aged 40 and over, causing unclear nearby vision, slower focus adjustment, having to read books or work at a greater distance. If you try to focus, it can cause eye pain and headaches. It can treated by using eyeglasses, reducing the need to focus. Doing LASIK, depending on the ophthalmologist’s discretion.