Which eye diseases are typical for older people?
December 17, 2022 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Laura Bergmann
Dear eye doctor,
my name is Otto Halbscheffel and I am 68 years old. Lately, I have noticed that my vision is deteriorating and I am experiencing more difficulties with reading and driving. I am concerned that this may be due to an eye disease that is typical for my age.
My mother suffered from cataracts in her old age, so I wonder if this could also be the case for me. I have also heard that macular degeneration is common in older people and can lead to a decline in vision. Additionally, I occasionally have dry eyes, which also worries me.
So, what eye diseases are typical for older people like me? How can I determine if I have any of these diseases? Are there ways to treat or prevent them? I would like to learn more about my eye health and know what steps I should take to maintain my vision.
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Otto Halbscheffel
Dear Mr. Halbscheffel,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your vision problems and possible eye diseases in old age. It is understandable that you are concerned and would like to learn more about your eye health.
As you age, the risk of developing certain eye diseases does indeed increase. The most common diseases that can occur in old age include cataracts and macular degeneration.
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens that leads to a gradual deterioration of vision. Symptoms may include gradual clouding of vision, sensitivity to glare, and loss of contrast. The good news is that cataracts are usually well treatable, and surgery to remove the clouded lens and implant an artificial lens can significantly improve vision.
Macular degeneration is a condition in which the central visual cell, the macula, is damaged. There are two forms of macular degeneration - dry and wet. Symptoms may include blurred or distorted central vision. Unfortunately, there is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are treatment options that can slow down the progression of the disease.
Dry eyes are also a common problem in old age and can lead to irritation, burning, and a dry feeling. This can be caused by various factors such as environmental conditions, medications, or hormonal changes. Treatment for dry eyes usually involves the use of artificial tears or special eye drops.
To determine if you are suffering from any of these eye diseases, I strongly recommend making an appointment with an ophthalmologist. Your ophthalmologist can conduct a thorough examination, including a vision test, a slit lamp examination, and an examination of the back of the eye. Based on the results, your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
It is also important to have regular eye exams to detect and treat any problems early. Additionally, you can support your eye health by practicing a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking.
I hope this information is helpful to you and encourages you to take care of your eye health. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Laura Bergmann
