Eyes over 60
As one reaches 60 and beyond, a range of normal vision changes appear, which can include cataracts. Aging also increases the risk for certain types of sight-threatening eye conditions that can lead to blindness as are glaucoma, age related macular degeneration and other retinal problems.
Healthy lifestyle choices and regular eye exams can significantly improve ones chances of maintaining good eye health even as one ages.
While many eye problems can occur at any age, they are more common in elderly people. Visiting the eye doctor regularly is the best way to maintain healthy vision for a lifetime, even as one grows older.
Being aware of the warning signs can also help to take appropriate steps for the detection and early treatment of potentially serious problems, particularly if visual symptoms occur suddenly. In many cases, such as with a retinal detachment or rapid onset of glaucoma, prompt intervention can solve the problem before vision loss becomes profound and / or permanent.
These are just a few of the signs and symptoms which can indicate the need for immediate eye care:
Sudden appearance of a great number of spots and floaters in the field of vision.
With aging, the eye's gel-like interior called vitreous gel liquefies and at some point in time separates from the retina. As a consequence any denser part of the vitreous previously attached to the retina becomes free to move within the eye giving the sensation of seeing floating shades. This is a benign condition called vitreous detachment. Unfortunately this sudden onset of spots and floaters can also be caused by a serious, sight-threatening tear or detachment of the retina. Experiencing a sudden shower of spots and floaters warrants an immediate visit to the eye doctor’s office.
The sensation that a dark curtain settles across the field of vision.
This could be caused by a retinal detachment. A rapid diagnostic and surgical planning is necessary, as the retina needs to be reattached the sooner the better.
Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, eye redness, nausea, and vomiting.
These symptoms can signal an attack of acute narrow-angle glaucoma, which can permanently damage the eye's optic nerve. Immediate treatment is required to prevent permanent vision loss.
Seeing distorted or wavy instead of straight lines near or within the centre of one’s field of vision.
These symptoms may be caused by age related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among older western population. Recently, several new medical treatments can sometimes effectively halt vision loss due to macular degeneration. Some treatments may even help you regain some vision lost to AMD, if therapy is initiated soon enough.
Cloudy and blurred vision, halos around lights at night, loss of bright colour vision.
These vision changes may be due to cataracts. Cataracts tend to worsen gradually over time and although they are not a medical emergency, need to be removed surgically in order to prevent the loss of vision. Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial one. If cataract surgery is postponed long enough, the cloudy lens can harden and become more difficult to remove, increasing the possibility of intra-operatory complications.
Blind spots in the field of view, accompanied by floaters and blurred vision.
These symptoms may be due to the onset of diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye exams are essential for diabetics. The evaluation of the condition of the retina can also provide valuable information regarding the control and severity of the diabetes.
Scratchy or irritated eyes and tearing.
These are most commonly due to dry eye syndrome. Symptoms can be severe, particularly in older patients and need careful assessment and treatment.
back to top
Cataracts
Cataracts is the name used for a natural, age related process consisting in the progressive loss of transparency of the crystalline lens of the eye. Initially, it can just produce an increase sense of getting "blinded" by sharp lights like those seen while driving, or a sense of insecurity while driving by night. This is because the initial cataract can produce an abnormal scattering of the rays of light when they pass trough the lens towards the retina. Consequently, the image reaching the retina is blurred and pale.
Some of the more common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurred vision
- Glare
- Fading or yellowing of colours
- Poor night vision
- Double vision in one eye
- Halos around lights
The treatment of the cataract is surgical. In experienced hands, this is the most frequent and secure procedure in the world. The first step in the preparations for the cataract surgery is a comprehensive eye exam which can detect any other additional problems, as their presence can affect the visual outcome. It follows a series of tests directed to the calculation of the optical power of the IOL (intraocular lens) - the device to be implanted within the eye once the cloudy natural lens is removed. The IOLs perform the same task as the young transparent crystalline lens.
Cataract Surgery is an out-patient procedure which only lasts from 10-20 minutes, and is routinely performed using a technique called small incision phacoemulsification.
Minutes before it is performed, the eye is given drops for pupil dilation, antibiotic and anaesthetic drops. Under a surgical microscope, a tiny (2.5- 3 mm) incision is then made on the edge of the cornea through which the whole procedure is performed.
To remove the lens, an instrument called a phacoemulsifier is used. It is an ultrasonic probe which pulses 40,000 times a second to gently pulverize the cataract into microscopic pieces which are simultaneously vacuumed out of the eye through the incision.
After the cataract is removed, a folded soft, permanent intraocular lens is injected through the original incision. At this point, the intraocular lens unfolds, and is positioned by the surgeon into the right placed and centered. This lens cannot be felt by the patient in any way.
The intraocular lens is specifically chosen by the surgeon to suit the patient’s individual visual needs. The lens will remain inside the eye in its location without moving.
Due to the small size of the incision, no stitches are needed, so it will self-heal within the first weeks post-surgery. Most patients experience noticeably better vision within 24 hours of the procedure. After surgery, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are necessary for a few weeks. Patients are asked to avoid strenuous activity for about 1 week post-surgery and refrain from rubbing the eye for approximately 1 month.
New intraocular lens choices are now available. The ophthalmologists will advise the patient on the lens options best suited to each individual situation. |
