An open eye is more than just a window to the world. And as you progress in age, eyesight starts depreciating. Doctors say that once a person hits 40, eye checkup should happen at frequent intervals.
It is normal for vision to change as you age. But good health practices can keep the damage to a minimum. Good lenses, keeping your blood pressure and sugar levels under control, and reading under well-illuminated lighting are some of the basic things that can be kept in mind.
Common Age-related Eye Issues
Age sometimes brings changes that weaken your vision and eyes. It’s important to remember that heart disease, or high blood pressure or sugar levels can cause damage to your eyes. The most common age-related eye problem is cataracts. Other issues that can affect your eyes as you age include presbyopia, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, dry eyes, and temporal arteritis.
Presbyopia is a condition when your eyes start having trouble focusing on objects close up. The symptoms include the inability to read the small print, headaches, and eye strain. Presbyopia occurs because over time the lens of the eye hardens and muscles around the lens change making it harder for the lens to work.
In India, around 74% of adults over 60 years, have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery. Cataract clouds vision and usual symptoms include double vision with one eye, halos around lights, trouble seeing in dim light, etc. If a cataract worsens and you are unable to work with glasses then cataract surgery is recommended which can remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear lens implant.
Glaucoma often has no symptoms and occurs with elevated pressure within the eyes. Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when there is some weakening or swelling of the tiny blood vessels in the retina of your eye resulting in blood leakage. It could also happen with the growth of new blood vessels resulting in blood leakage and other changes.
Ways to Handle Eye-trouble
A good night’s sleep is essential for our eyes to enjoy continuous lubrication. The eyes clear out irritants such as dust and allergens that may have accumulated during the day. If you suffer from dry eyes, use a home humidifier and eye drops may help. Always read in a well-lit room. Don’t strain your eyes using dim light. Use protective eyewear when out in the harsh sun or when doing recreational sporting activities.
Presbyopia can be corrected with the correct eyeglasses or lenses. Whether you are near or farsighted, you should always wear your prescription eyewear, both in and out of the sun. Not only do they help you see, but they reduce eye strain. A healthy diet rich in Vitamin C, beta carotene, and antioxidants is extremely beneficial to reduce age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Active ageing is the way to go with healthy diet, exercise, and regular eye checkups.