Description
Presbyopia, glaucoma, dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and temporal arteritis are common age-related eye Disease. If you have diabetes, please consult a doctor for an eye check-up.
Introduction
To begin with, a big thanks to all our regular readers for spending your valuable time reading all our articles patiently. In the same way, in this article, you will read about eye disease on the rise in seniors but there is hope.
Eye Disease on the Rise in Seniors, But There’s Hope
Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute collaborated on the 2012 report Vision Problems in the U.S., which found that 24.4 million Americans had cataracts, 14.2 million had at least 3 D of hyperopia, and 34 million had at least 1 D of myopia.
There were 2.1 million cases of age-related macular degeneration, 2.8 million cases of glaucoma, and 7.7 million cases of diabetic retinopathy. Blindness affects 1.3 million Americans, whereas low vision affects 2.9 million.
The rate of diabetic retinopathy has climbed 89% since 2000, macular degeneration has increased up-to 25%, glaucoma has increased up-to 22%, cataracts have increased up-to 19%, and eye sickness is increasing. Despite this, these raw numbers appear excellent. If this trend goes on ahead, our country will face big problems.
Why the increase in eye disease?
The growing “baby generation” population and the ageing of the general population have contributed to this, but they do not fully explain the growth. It’s appealing to learn that the percentage of Americans who are obese, which is up to 35.7% of the population, is growing. We have adopted less healthful eating habits and increased our calorie intake by 25% in the last 30 years.
Our diets currently consist of 35% fat and 50% glucose. America is a more inactive society than ever. 30% of us acknowledge skipping a 30-minute workout the previous week, and 50% of us say we don’t work out frequently. Those people who are overweight exercise less than people who are not.
How can we handle the eye disease?
Lifestyle adjustments are necessary if we are serious about this. A balanced diet that includes enough green, leafy vegetables, regular exercise, and stress management through lifestyle changes are all effective ways to lose weight. Smoking must be avoided. It’s necessary to manage illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Regular doctor’s visits are also essential and the most effective methods for managing disease are preventive medicine and identifying issues before they manifest as symptoms. When it comes to your eyes, it’s frequently too late once the issue has compromised your eyesight. Before it impairs your eyesight, not later, is the ideal time to discover an issue. Over 40s should have annual eye tests as part of their regimen.
Managing vision loss
Unfortunately, some persons over 60 experience vision loss that goes beyond the usual changes brought on by ageing. Various eye health problems, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, can cause irreversible vision loss to varied degrees and in different ways.
A person’s level of visual difficulty cannot be accurately predicted by their visual acuity alone. While someone with worse acuity (such as 20/100) might not have any substantial functional issues, someone with relatively decent acuity (such as 20/40) may have difficulty functioning. Other visual issues, such as poor colour perception, poor side vision, high sensitivity to lighting, and poor depth perception, can also make it difficult for someone to carry out daily tasks.
People who require assistance and resources to restore their independence can benefit from low-vision rehabilitation services. Through these services, people with limited vision can learn a range of methods that enable them to carry out daily tasks with the eyesight they still have.
A doctor of optometry can assist in developing a rehabilitation programme that will allow you to live independently within the constraints of your condition. People with impaired vision have a wide range of rehabilitation choices at their disposal to help them live and work more successfully, efficiently, and safely. The majority of patients gain from at least one low-vision treatment option.
Devices that are more frequently prescribed are:
- Magnifiers mounted on spectacles. A magnifying lens is attached to a specific headband, a pair of eyeglasses, or a microscope system. This enables you to finish a close-up task, like writing a letter, using both hands.
- Telescopes that are handheld or mounted on eyewear. People may see farther with the aid of these little telescopes, such as across the room when watching television. They can also be adjusted for close work, like reading.
- Magnifiers on stands and in hand. These are frequently transportable and practical for quick reading chores including looking at price tags, labels, and instrument dials. Lights are an option for both types.
- Magnification by video. Systems that are head-mounted or table-top (closed-circuit television) magnify text on a video display. You can utilise some systems for distant viewing. Some of them can be used with a computer or monitor, while others are portable systems. Users can alter the illumination, contrast, foreground/background colour, and image brightness.
- Numerous other goods, such as talking timepieces, self-threading needles, large-type books, magazines, and newspapers, can also be helpful to people who have vision impairments. To find out more about your options, speak to an optometrist.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Question)
Are there more eye illnesses now?
As the population ages, more Americans are developing serious eye conditions, and vision loss is becoming a significant public health issue. The number of persons who are blind or have limited eyesight is expected to significantly rise by the year 2020.
What disease of the eyes is growing?
Extremely infectious germs and viruses can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye).
What ailment does an aged person have in their eyes?
Presbyopia, glaucoma, dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and temporal arteritis are a few common age-related eye conditions. It’s essential to keep up with regular eye doctor visits, especially if you have diabetes.
