As one ages, certain eye changes that are attributed to the
aging process starts occurring. In old people, visual changes due to refractive
error is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation with an eye care
practitioner and
uncorrected refractive error is the most common cause of reduced vision. In addition,
other eye conditions like glaucoma and cataract
are associated with aging.uncorrected refractive error is the most common cause of reduced vision. In addition,
As one ages, the eye might develop one or more of the
following eye conditions.
Presbyopia; The
crystalline lens is a structure inside the eyes that enables us to see clearly
both at far and at near (especially at near). This lens is held in a vertical
position at both ends by a muscle called the ciliary muscle. Contraction and
relaxation of the ciliary muscle changes the shape of the lens which makes us
see clearly. When the two ciliary muscles holding the lens contracts (when
viewing far objects), the lens is stretched (becomes flat) but when these
muscles relax (when viewing near objects), the lens assumes a domed shape.
As one ages, the ciliary muscles and the lens becomes
overstretched (loses their elasticity). The lens becomes thick, hard and less
flexible and is no longer in a domed shape. This makes the eyes difficult to
see near objects clearly.
This condition is known as presbyopia and usually begins at
the age of 38 to 45 years. It is corrected with special type of spectacle
called reading add. Reading adds are prescribed by eye doctors.
Cataract; Cataract
development is a gradual consequence of aging and significant cause of vision
loss. The total number of adults with cataract is expected to increase to 30.1
million by year 2020.
During the aging process, the lens becomes thick, hard and
white (nuclear sclerosis). This process is accelerated by the oxidative damages
that occur in the lens which will eventually lead to cataract development. Antioxidants
can be used to slow down these oxidative damages.
Glaucoma; Just as
hypertension (high blood pressure) is mostly prevalent in old individuals,
glaucoma is usually observed in old people. Unfortunately, approximately half
of all patients with glaucoma do not know they have it and will likely suffer
unnecessary vision loss. This is because glaucoma (90 percent of cases) usually
comes without symptoms except when it becomes worst that the patient starts to
notice reduction in his or her peripheral (sides) vision.
Age-related Macular
Degeneration (ARMD); ARMD is the degeneration of the central point in the
retina (macular) that is responsible for detailed vision. It is the leading
cause of blindness in developed countries, occurring at the age of 59 years or
older. The patient experiences distorted vision and central shadowing.
There are other conditions that affect the eyes due to aging
and their consequences on the visual system includes; reduced visual acuity,
reduced contrast sensitivity, reduced color discrimination, increased
sensitivity to glare and increased time taken to adapt to sudden change in
luminance.
Lighting can be used to compensate for these changes, to
some extent and hence can be used to support the independence and quality of
life to elderly. In addition, regular eye examination has proven helpful.
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