As our age progresses, our bodies undergo multiple transformations and our eyes are not immune to these changes. Aging can bring about several eye-related issues such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) amongst many that may affect our vision and overall eye health. With growing age, our eyes may require specialist care. Before getting into understanding cataract treatment and glaucoma treatment, let’s try to understand various proactive steps we can take to maintain healthy eyes and good vision throughout our lives.
Few Commonly Occurring Age-Related Eye Problems:
- Presbyopia: Presbyopia, a common occurrence as we age, is the loss of the ability to see close objects or small print. It is a refractive error which progressively worsens the eye’s ability to focus and is also known as age-related farsightedness.
- Cataracts: Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the eye’s lens, obstructing the passage of light which can result in blurred vision. Cataracts are very common as one gets older and the proteins in your lens break down. Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital is a globally acclaimed centre for the best cataract treatment with several state-of-the-art facilities and a team of highly skilled doctors
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma, often associated with increased eye pressure, can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness without noticeable symptoms. One of the contributing factors to this disorder is age. Glaucoma treatment at Nethradhama presents the patients with multiple options as per their eye needs.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): AMD involves the loss of cells in the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for detailed vision. While it doesn’t cause total blindness, AMD can lead to blurred or distorted central vision.
Here are a few tips from the expert to keep eyes healthy with age:
To safeguard our eyes from age-related issues, including the following preventative measures in our lifestyle is crucial:
- A Nutrient-Rich Diet: A well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet plays a vital role in preserving optimal eye function. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are rich in essential vitamins, including A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as zinc. Additionally, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids found in certain foods contribute to the prevention of age-related eye problems. Including spinach, carrots, and nuts in the diet can provide the necessary nutrients for maintaining healthy eyes.
- Protecting Eyes from Sun Damage: Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays poses a risk to eye health, potentially leading to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. To shield the eyes, it is recommended to wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wearing sunglasses is the simplest and safest way to protect your eyes from UV rays. Choose sunglasses that that fit well and that block light from coming in around the lenses.
- Annual Eye Exams: Regular eye check-ups are pivotal in identifying potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of the progression of age-related eye problems. A comprehensive eye examination, including dilated fundus examinations, provides a thorough assessment of your eye health. Early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration enables effective management, preserving our vision for years to come.
- Managing Chronic Health Conditions: Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, are closely linked to eye-related complications like diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy. Effectively managing these conditions is significant in safeguarding the vision, especially with progressing age. Working closely with doctors to monitor and control diabetes, lipid profiles, and hypertension through medication, lifestyle modifications, and regular check-ups is important to maintain overall health, including the well-being of our eyes.
- Adequate Sleep and Eye Exercises: Sufficient sleep is not only essential for overall well-being but also plays a role in eye health. It is recommended to aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow the eyes to rest and rejuvenate. Additionally, incorporating eye exercises into day-to-day routine can help alleviate eye strain. Simple exercises, such as focusing on distant objects and blinking regularly, can contribute to maintaining the flexibility and strength of the eye muscles.
As we navigate the aging process, it’s essential to prioritize the health of our eyes. Understanding common age-related eye problems allows us to take proactive steps toward prevention. Regular eye check-ups, management of chronic health conditions, and a nutrient-rich diet are key components of maintaining lifelong eye health. By incorporating these expert-recommended measures into our routine, we can promote healthy vision and ensure that our eyes age gracefully alongside the rest of our body.
Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore