Eyes are an essential part of our body. With increasing age, the eyes are affected too. Hence, it affects the overall quality of life. Poor vision leads to dissatisfaction with life as well as decreased confidence level. It increases the risk of injuries. Elderly people can save their vision if the disease is detected early. They must consult a professional ophthalmologist and take proper care of their eyes so as to preserve their vision for a long period of time, even in old age.

Common eye problems of old age and their treatment

Ageing can result in various health issues. Talking specifically about the eyes,

With the increase in age, our vision tends to weaken. Also, our eyes start to develop various issues and diseases. The eye problems related to old age are:

Age-related macular degeneration: This disease causes damage to the macula, which results in the loss of central vision, especially in people above the age of 50 years. It makes it difficult for the person to concentrate, read, or recognise faces. Although genetics can also cause this disease, it is commonly caused by old age. Lifestyle and diet can improve eye health initially. In some cases, laser therapy could be done, or eye injections can be suggested for wet AMD.

Diabetic retinopathy is a severe case of eye disease affecting people with diabetes in which retinal vessels are damaged due to chronic high blood sugar. It usually affects diabetic people of elderly age. They experience fluctuating vision and floaters. Also, they find it difficult to recognise different colours. Blood sugar levels need to be managed. Laser surgery is an option if the eyes are severely affected. Also, to get rid of retinal swelling, anti-VEGF injections can be given.

Glaucoma is a common eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged due to high intraocular pressure. It needs to be treated early, as the more time passes, the more it becomes impossible to reverse blindness. There are usually no symptoms seen initially, but it causes gradual vision loss. Eye pressure could be controlled through eye drops. Laser therapy or surgery can be recommended for advanced stages.

Cataract is the most common eye problem in which clouding of the lens of the eye is experienced. It makes it difficult to have a clear vision. Also, cataract causes sensitivity to bright lights and difficulty in seeing at night, too. For the treatment, cataract surgery can be performed to remove the natural, cloudy lens with an artificial one to restore clear vision.

Diplopia refers to the condition in which two overlapping images are visible to the person. It is also called double vision. It affects the daily life of that person too badly, as it causes headaches and confusion. Also, the person faces too much difficulty in focusing. Prisms or corrective lenses can be used. It can also be cured with the help of eye muscle therapy. Surgery could also be performed in severe cases.

Preventive measures for eye care

The safe measures taken on time can reduce the risk of developing eye diseases. Even if you have developed one, if detected early, it can save your eyes. You can save your vision proactively.

People aged 45 and above should opt for regular eye screenings to ensure they do not have any eye problems.
Smoking has a very negative effect on the health of the eyes in later years. You need to quit smoking to prevent future diseases related to the eyes.
Wearing protective eyeglasses can reduce the risk of developing issues like cataracts because of UV rays.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a rich, balanced diet can help support the health of the eyes.

Choose Mitra Eye Hospital

Mitra Eye Hospital and Lasik Laser Centre is a renowned hospital in Phagwara city. Book your appointment now to get your precious eyes tested. Our expert ophthalmologists provide advanced treatment options for all kinds of eye diseases to get the desired results. Also, a 10% discount is available on Wavelight Plus InnovEye surgery till December 31st, 2025.