Vexed by Poor Vision 4 Age-Related Eye Diseases and How to Identify Them

As you age, you may notice your vision changing. You may wonder if you're experiencing the normal side effects of getting older or if you have an age-related eye disease. Knowing the signs and symptoms of various eye diseases can help you distinguish between normal vision loss and more serious conditions. 

<h2>Glaucoma</h2> 

In glaucoma, fluid accumulates near the front of the eye. The increased pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve. Early glaucoma may show no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, it can cause a loss of peripheral vision. In some cases, glaucoma comes on suddenly; it may be accompanied by pain, redness, headaches, or nausea. A doctor can diagnose glaucoma during an eye exam before obvious symptoms appear. Medication or surgery can help halt the progression of the disease. 

<h2>Diabetic Eye Disease</h2> 

Diabetes can affect the blood vessels of the eye, which can cause vision loss. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is one of the top causes of vision loss in the United States. Blurred vision may occur with this condition, but diabetic retinopathy often progresses without showing symptoms for a long time. For this reason, people with diabetes should get eye exams regularly. Diabetes may also contribute to a higher risk of developing glaucoma or cataracts. 

<h2>Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)</h2> 

About 1.8 million Americans suffer from AMD. This disease causes damage to the macula of the eye. The result is the loss of central vision. If you have AMD, you might notice that shapes or straight lines look distorted, colors seem less vibrant, and items near the center of your field of vision appear blurry. There is not a cure for most AMD cases, but lifestyle changes may slow the progression of the disease. 

<h2>Cataracts</h2> 

In older individuals, it is common for the lens of the eye to become cloudy. This is caused by a cataract. Symptoms may come on gradually. They can include blurred vision and a brown tint that covers everything you see. You may also experience double vision or have a hard time seeing in low light. If you have a cataract, a doctor can perform surgery to remove it. For post-operative care, sustained release cataract surgery steroids can help resolve inflammation. 

In addition to knowing the symptoms of common age-related eye diseases, the best thing that you can do for your eyes is to get regular eye exams. You and your doctor can work together to preserve your eyesight as you age.