Age Related Eye Disease - What To Look Out For
It's commonly known, that the older you get the more likely your eyes are to suffer from problem. It's estimated that one in three people over the age of 65, suffer with some type of visual impairment or eye condition. Whilst they are many eye conditions older people can suffer from, there are four main types that affect the population the most and these are typically glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Understanding what these four main types of age related eye disease are will help to ensure you seek treatment as quickly as possible should you suffer from any of the signs and symptoms of them. Keep reading below to find out more about the four most common age related eye diseases.
1. Cataracts
Cataracts are one of the most common age related eye diseases that people suffer from. However, cataracts are one the easiest eye conditions to treat and it typically involved replacing the lens of the eye. Cataracts will appear as a clouding of the eye lens and the longer they go untreated, the worse your vision will become.
Most people suffering from cataracts will complain of issues such as double vision, cloudy eyesight, glares and a number of other vision related problems. It's said women are more likely to suffer from cataracts than men, although that percentage is very narrow. Surgery is the best long term treatment for cataracts.
2. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a disorder that can potential lead to blindless and it's a complication of diabetes. People who suffer from diabetes can suffer from changes in the blood vessels that connect to the retina, which can then break and bleed. When the damaged vessels try to repai they will contract which can lead to a retina detach.
There are a number of symptoms to look out for and these are typically floating shadows, floating dark objects, blurred vision, pain in the eye and partial loss of vision. Whilst the condition can't be cured, there are a number of effective treatments that can prevent a total loss of vision.
3. Glaucoma
When pressure builds within the eye, this can damage the optic nerve which can ultimately result in visual impairments and blindless; this is what is known as glaucoma. When most glaucomas first occur, there is typically no initial symptoms and many people will have them and not even realise it. The progressions of a glaucoma however will lead to more symptoms such as tunnel vision or a failing of their side or peripheral vision.
If you think you are suffering from a glaucoma, then it's important to seek treatment. Some glaucomas can be treated with medication, however others will require surgery.
4. Macular Degeneration
People who suffer from macular degeneration will typically see their central vision reduce dramatically. However, macular degeneration rarely leads to total blindless but people will typically find it difficult to carry out daily tasks and activities, that they would otherwise be able to carry out if they didn't have macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration will typically have very few symptoms before it occurs and it's usually only a person's central vision that is impaired, whilst their peripheral will remain as normal. The eye disease unfortunately doesn't have a cure but there are a number of treatments that can ultimately slow its progression. Smoking and high blood pressure can increase the risk of macular degeneration.
How Yun Wong Eye Surgeon Can Help You
If you're suffering with any visual issues, regardless of how old you are, then it's vital you book an appointment with Yun Wong Eye Surgeon. Operated by Mr Wong a registered ophthalmologist, he will work closely with you to diagnose and treat your eye condition. Mr Wong works with a number of hospitals and medical clinics across the North East and North Yorkshire.