Which eye diseases are particularly common in older people?
September 11, 2022 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Laura Bergmann
Dear Doctor,
I am reaching out to you because I am very concerned about my eye health. My name is Marie Schottmann and I am 65 years old. Over the past few weeks, I have noticed that my vision has slightly deteriorated and I sometimes have trouble seeing things clearly in the distance. I already wear reading glasses for up close, but it still feels like my eyes are getting weaker overall.
I am very worried that I may develop an eye disease, especially because I have heard that older people are more susceptible to certain eye conditions. I am wondering which eye diseases are particularly common in older people and if my symptoms could possibly indicate one of these diseases.
Could my vision problems be a sign of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or cataracts? Are there other common eye diseases that I should be aware of? What symptoms should I look out for and when should I see an eye doctor? Are there ways to maintain or improve my eye health, such as through certain lifestyle changes or supplements?
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and am grateful for any advice and recommendations to protect and care for my eyes optimally. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Marie Schottmann
Dear Marie Schottmann,
Thank you for your message and your interest in your eye health. It is understandable that you are worried when your vision deteriorates and you have trouble seeing things clearly in the distance. It is important that you take these symptoms seriously and take care of your eyes.
As we age, certain eye conditions are indeed more common. These include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and cataracts. AMD is a condition of the retina that can lead to a gradual deterioration of central vision. Glaucoma, on the other hand, is a condition of the optic nerve that, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible vision loss. Cataracts refer to a clouding of the eye lens that can result in a gradual deterioration of vision.
The symptoms you described could indicate one of these conditions, but they could also have other causes. It is important that you visit an eye doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis. An eye doctor can determine through a thorough examination whether an eye disease is present and what treatment options are available.
In addition to the eye diseases mentioned, there are other common conditions to watch out for. These include dry eyes, eye inflammation or infections, retinal detachments, and diabetic retinopathy in people with diabetes.
To maintain or improve your eye health, there are various measures you can take. A healthy diet with sufficient vitamins and antioxidants can help protect the eyes from damage. Regular exercise and adequate sleep are also important for the health of your eyes. Additionally, it is advisable to have regular eye exams to detect and treat any potential problems early on.
I strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to have your eyes thoroughly examined. Only then can you determine the exact cause of your vision problems and potentially receive appropriate treatment. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions or concerns.
I wish you all the best for your eye health and am here to provide further support if needed.
Best regards,
Laura Bergmann, Ophthalmologist
