With aging come multiple complications with all part of the body including the eyes. Disorder, ailments and disease of the eyes are more common with older adults. Laser surgeries and other treatments are available for the correction of the eye ailments and even reverse some of these conditions. The first step is to identify the problems at the earliest. Regular eye check ups from time to time will help us to detect if there are any vision problems before they can turn serious. Here is the list of some common age related eye problems.

Cataracts The eye has lens that helps us to focus. This lens is made up of protein. When the protein molecules clump, a spot that is cloudy appears and is called the cataract. This is more common in elderly people. Cataracts usually grow slowly hence your eye doctor may monitor the cataract till in interferes with your vision. Cataract surgery is one of the commonest eye surgeries done to remove the cataract from the eye.

Dry eye The eyelids have something called the lacrimal glands that form tears, which drain into the tear ducts in the lower eyelids. If the lacrimal glands stop working the eyes become dry and uncomfortable to bear. Though eye drops will help in this situation to some extent but you need to get your eyes checked by a doctor. A simple procedure could help to partially plug the tear ducts to keep the tears from draining too soon.

Glaucoma The eye is usually filled with fluids. When and if too much pressure develops in the eye, it is called glaucoma. Over the time, the build up of this pressure may damage the optic nerve and may lead to blindness. Luckily for some, this pressure comes slowly and regular eye check ups can detect the glaucoma in the eyes before it becomes dangerous.

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) The loss of central vision is known as ‘age related macular degeneration’. The macula is that part of the retina that processes the central vision. With aging, the degeneration of the macula starts. This interferes with activities like reading, driving and so many other tasks of ones daily life. Treatment for this includes laser surgery on the macula which is helpful most of the time.

Diabetic Retinopathy Due to problems with diabetes, the small vessels that supply the oxygen and nutrients to the retina become less effective and this in turn leads to vision problems. Treatment for this includes laser surgery and surgical processes of which one is known as vitrectomy. All diabetics should ensure that they go for eye check ups regularly. Retinal detachment Sometimes the layers of the retina can detach itself from the underlying support tissue. If left untreated retinal detachment can lead to blindness or loss of vision. Symptoms can include and a feeling of ‘floaters’ in the eyes, seeing bright flashes or a feeling of a curtain pulled over the vision or seeing lines that are curvy. Often surgery and laser treatment can reattach the layers of this retina.

About the Author:
Edwin is a postgraduate doctorate from University of North Carolina Rayleigh. He has done his masters in Biomedical Engineering and has been carrying out a very good professional business in Los Angeles, California. He is ardent in writing and is a gifted one. He has written many articles viz in technology, health, politics, education, nature, philosophy etc. Currently he’s writing for an online health pharmacy.