Seniors Eye Care

PREVENTIVE EYE HEALTH

1. Eat nutrient-rich foods:
   • Foods to eat most of - Whole grains and grain products.
   • Foods to eat lots of - Fruits and vegetables.
   • Foods to eat some of - Protein rich foods.
   • Foods to eat occasionally - Fats and sweets.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Monitor fat and cholesterol intake.
5. Keep you eye lids and lashes clean.
6. Help lubricate dry eyes.
7. Wear sunglasses for ultraviolet protection.
8. Prevent eye injuries.
9. Avoid harmful substances - alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
10. Arrange for regular eye examinations.
11. Watch for warning signs:
    • pain in the eye, especially accompanied by headache or nausea.
    • blurred vision, narrowing of the visual field or distortion of vision.
    • partial or complete loss of vision.
    • flashes of light in the eye.
    • swelling, inflammation or prolonged redness.

CATARACTS

A cataract is a cloudiness that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye, so it is actually a condition of the eye rather than a new growth. A natural lens is referred to as a cataract if it has turned cloudy. When this clouds, light is distorted and eventually blocked out.

Cataract Symptoms:

• a gradual loss of color vision.
• increasing haziness causing blurred and distorted vision.
• objects appear yellowed.
• the appearance of dark spots or shadows that seem to move when the eye moves.
• an increasing need for more light to see clearly.
• glare at night - haloes or colored rings around lights.
• a tendency to become more nearsighted because of the increasing density of the lens.
• double vision.
• a stage where it is easier to see without glasses than with them.
• in advanced stages , a change in the appearance of the pupil.
• may appear white or yellow.

The solution to the cataract problem is to have the cataract removed surgically. First the cloudy part of the natural lens must be removed, and second, the lost focusing power must be replaced. The lost focusing power is replaced with the insertion of an intraocular lens. The insertion of an intraocular lens removes the need to wear thick glasses in order to see. For those who did not have an intraocular lens implanted at the time of surgery, it is often possible to implant one at a later date.

MACULAR DEGENERATION

Macular degeneration is the breakdown of the macula, a very sensitive area of the retina on the back inside wall of the eye. Progressive macular degeneration often results in a complete loss of central vision but it does not lead to total blindness.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

• a gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly.
• distorted vision.
• objects appear to be the wrong size or shape or straight lines appear crooked.
• a gradual loss of clear color vision.
• a dark or empty area in the center of the vision.

Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for most cases of macular degeneration, however in certain cases, laser treatments are able to provide control.

If you normally wear corrective lenses for reading, wear them for this test. While covering one eye, look at the dot in the center of the grid. If any of the lines around the dot appear wavy or distorted , you may have a macular or diabetic retinopathy problem. Repeat this procedure with the other eye covered. Should this occur you should make an appointment for an eye examination as soon as possible.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are not able to lubricate themselves sufficiently in the normal way.

SYMPTOMS:

• tiredness of eyes, especially at the end of day - redness.
• foreign body or burning sensation.
• blurriness of vision - excessive tearing.
• pulling or pressure sensation in or behind the eyes.
• loss of lustre.
• corneal deterioration.

Treatment for dry eyes includes:

• blink often.
• conserve natural tears (dry climates, wind and air conditioning tend to dry eyes more quickly than moister conditions.)
• use artificial tears.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem that develops as a complication of diabetes. Vision can be seriously damaged and ultimately lost if the problem is not specifically monitored and treated

SYMPTOMS:

• the only noticeable symptom is blurred vision.

People with diabetes should realize that much of the damage of diabetic retinopathy can occur without any pain. It is therefore essential that they have frequent medical examinations by a specialist.

The treatment for diabetic retinopathy involves using a laser to destroy the abnormal blood vessels. If the vessels are growing out of control, treatment is most likely necessary to save vision.

MAINTAINING GOOD VISION IS SO IMPORTANT TO QUALITY OF LIFE. IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS CALL YOUR OPTOMETRIST FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

The information provided in this article and elsewhere on this website are for informational purposes only, and should NOT be considered a medical diagnosis or advice. When in doubt, please visit your local optometrist for a complete professional evaluation.