Common Age Related Eye Conditions

Cataracts:

A cataract is a natural clouding of the lens within an eye.  It is rather like a 'bathroom frosted window' which is difficult to see out of.  Unfortunately, there is no medicine, laser or eye drop that can make it better.  To see things brighter and sharper a cataract operation is necessary.  The correct time to have cataract surgery is when the patient feels that the risks of surgery are outweighed by the benefits; but your Optometrist will tell you when you meet the local guidelines.

For a few days after the operation the eye will feel as though sand has been thrown into it.  After a few weeks, when the vision has settled down your consultant will tell you when you are ready to have your eyes examined at a High Street Optician to enable you to get new spectacles (your old ones will be no good).

       

Before                                                                      After

Macular Degeneration:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a thinning of the macular area of the retina, which can lead to a loss of central vision, affecting the ability to se fine detail, and recognise faces.  There is effective treatment for some AMD, but lifestyle and diet changes could help further.

Age-related AMD is the number one cause of legal blindness in people over the age of 55 in the UK.  The macular (central) area of the retina which is responsible for reading and detailed vision is particularly susceptible to degeneration with age.

What a person with macular degeneration may see:

There are two forms of AMD - wet and dry

Wet AMD: approximately 10% of people with AMD develop the wet form of the disease.  This happens when abnormal blood vessels develop in the eye beneath the macular.  If untreated, leakage of fluid and blood may cause rapid deterioration of sight leading to permanent scarring.  Early detection will offer the chance of treatment to control the advance of the disease before too much damage is done.

Dry AMD:  about 90% of people with AMD have the dry form of the disease.  This is due to wear and tear of the eye, with no abnormal blood vessels.  Although there is no treatment for this form of AMD, vision may be assisted with magnifying aids, or magnifying glasses. 

For al types of macular change stopping smoking can help, as well as increasing the intake of orange fruit, vegetables and dark green leafed vegetables.  These contain Lutein which has been shown to help slow the macular changes in some people.

 Blepharitis: 

This is a name given to inflammation of the edges of the eyelids.  It is a common condition, and can be present for many years before it is properly diagnosed.  Blepharitis can show various symptoms such as a gritty feeling, light sensitivity, tiredness, dry eye, burning and foreign body sensation.  It usually affects both eyes and can contribute towards Styes (an infected gland at the base of the eyelash), eyelid cysts and dry eye discomfort.

Blepharitis can be treated in a number of ways such as warm lid compressions, eyelid cleaning, artificial tears and antibiotics is usually enough to control the symptoms.  It is important to understand that while Blepharitis will last for many the symptoms can be kept under control.

Glaucoma:

There are several types of Glaucoma, but they mainly fall into two groups of 'open' and 'closed' angle glaucoma.

Open Angle Glaucoma

This is also called 'Chronic Glaucoma' and is the most frequent type.  Fluid which is produced within the eye drains out of fine networks on channels.  As a person gets older these channels become less effective at draining the fluid away, and so the pressure can build up within the eye.  A prolonged increase in pressure can damage the Optic Nerve and result in a disturbance in the visual field and sharpness of vision.

Angle Closure Glaucoma

This is also called 'Acute Glaucoma'.  If the drainage channels of the eye suddenly become blocked there is a sharp increase in pressure which can be very painful and cause sight loss.  Acute Glaucoma is an Emergency and requires immediate attention.

Normal Tension Glaucoma

Sometimes the pressure in the eye will be normal, but you can still have a form of Glaucoma.  This is because only part of the damage to the Optic Nerve is due to pressure.  The other part is due to reduced blood supply to the eye.  This is not a separate type of Glaucoma, but really an open angle glaucoma which is less dependent on pressure within the eye.

Ocular Hypertension

Ocular Hypertension is when the pressure of the eye is raised but there is no damage to the optic nerve.  Close monitoring is all that is required, but occasionally a patient will be prescribed drops to reduce the pressure to a lower level.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

With Open Angled Glaucoma there are often no symptoms as the damage to the Optic Nerve is very slow, so many people do not realise that there is a problem until there is disturbance to their visual field or vision.

Acute Glaucoma is very different and produces a painful red eye and reduced vision.  Some people may feel sick, feint and vomit.  Coloured rings around lights in poor illumination can also be a warning sign of this type of Glaucoma.  People who are in their 60s and longsighted are most at risk.

Examination

An Optometrist will examine the Optic Nerves, check the pressure within the eyes (with every examination),  and plot the patient's visual fields (if required).  If there are any concerns the Optometrist will refer the patient to see an Ophthalmologist.

Treatment

Catching as early as possible is important before there is any damage to the visual field.  The aim for anyone diagnosed as having Glaucoma will then be to keep the eye pressure lower.  This can be done with eye drops, laser or surgery.

Note.

The above content is for information use only and any suspected changes to you eyes should be examined by a suitably qualified person.