According to Dr. Sujatha T - consulting ophthalmologist, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Kalyan, Mumbai (India), as people age, the body will have changes and one of the most obviously affected organs is the eyes. Impairment can decline over time if not treated and detected promptly.
The impact of aging on eye health
Myopia and hyperopia: Over time, the glasses in the eyes can become stiff and lose elasticity, making it difficult to regulate focus, leading to myopia or hyperopia, especially when reading or looking up close.
Cataracts: This is a common condition in which the lens in the eye become blurred, reducing the ability to transmit light to the retina. This can make vision blurred or bright, especially at night.
Macular degeneration (AMD): This is a disease that affects the yellow spot, the central part of the retina, causing impaired vision of small details, especially in central vision. AMD is common in older adults and can lead to blindness if not treated promptly.
Diabetes: The elderly are susceptible to diabetes, and this condition can cause diabetic retinopathy, disrupt blood vessels in the eyes, and cause reduced vision.
Dry eyes: As you age, the amount of tears produced can decrease, leading to dry eyes, causing discomfort, blurred vision or a feeling of discomfort in the eyes.
Glaucoma: This is an eye disease that can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss if not detected and treated early. This is a common disease in the elderly and has no symptoms in the early stages.
How to protect your eyes as you age
To minimize the impact of aging on eyesight, eye care is extremely important. Here are some tips to protect your eyes as you age:
Regular eye check-ups: Regular eye check-ups help detect eye problems early and treat them promptly, preventing permanent vision loss.
Maintain a healthy diet: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, E and minerals such as zinc can help maintain eye health, especially food products such as carrots, salmon and green vegetables.
Protect your eyes from light: When outdoors, especially in the sun, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Do eye exercises: Simple eye exercises can help reduce eye strain and improve blood circulation in the eye area.
Maintain overall health: Controlling diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure also helps protect the eyes from the negative effects of underlying diseases.
