Staying Fit
Eye issues are a common, even inevitable, part of the aging process. Some conditions are merely annoying, while others are diseases that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. The key? Early detection. Make time for regular eye exams and look out for these 10 age-related eye problems.
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Dry Eye
After the age of 40, our tear production tends to decline. As a result, most people over the age of 65 experience some symptoms of dry eye, which can cause a stinging or burning sensation or gritty feeling in your eyes. Sometimes, ironically, it causes watery eyes (the dryness prompts glands to produce more tears). Over-the-counter eye drops can be helpful for mild dry eye; if symptoms are more serious, you may want to consult an ophthalmologist for treatment.
Floaters
Those tiny specks, strings and squiggles are usually harmless, caused by normal age-related changes in the vitreous, a gel-like fluid that fills the back of our eyes. If floater changes are minor or gradual, there is less cause for concern. But if you notice an increase in the number of floaters — or a sudden onset — see your eye doctor pronto. It could be a warning sign of something more serious, such as a detached retina.
Glaucoma
One of the leading causes of blindness in people over 60, glaucoma usually is the result of fluid not draining properly, leading to a build-up of pressure that can damage the optic nerve. Painless and stealthy (it's sometimes referred to as the “silent thief of sight"), it often affects both eyes — though usually not at the same time — and can cause a significant loss of peripheral vision and, with no intervention, total blindness. Regular eye exams are critical, since blindness can be prevented with early treatment.
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