Protect Your Eyes

Sight and sound are the two of the most dramatically affected senses when we age. According to a recent journal article addressing the physiology of aging, all sensory organs are affected when we age but the ears and eyes seem to be prone to the most reduction of ability.

From a physical standpoint, vision reduction is caused by the decline in elasticity of the eye’s lens, which means it struggles to focus incoming light and images. Hearing loss comes from a decline of sensory nerve cells in the ear. Both vision and hearing can affect stability and are both contributed to increased falls in older people. While both are important, the loss of sight might be prevented, depending on your behaviors.

Harvard Health identified six common vision problems, particularly among women, that occur when we age.

1. Presbyopia: This is a condition where the eye loses its ability to focus. General aging is the root cause of such a problem. Oftentimes, this is treated easily with bifocals, trifocals or reading glasses.

2. Cataracts: This condition occurs when proteins collect on the lens causing cloudy vision. Causes can be genetic, but also include diabetes, smoking and excessive exposure to the sun. The most common treatment is the surgical removal of the cataract.

3. Glaucoma: This occurs when fluid builds up behind the eyes and causes additional pressure and damages the optic nerve. General aging is a common cause, but it has also been linked to diabetes and heart disease. Medicated drops and/or surgery may be required as treatments.

4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This disease occurs when the macula (part of your eye) is damaged. The macula provides you with clear vision and its damage is often related to age or genetics. Smoking has also been linked to AMD.

5. Floaters: These are small specks or threads that “float” in your field of vision. It is caused when the vitreous humor (gel-like substances in your eye) shrink and create strands of collagen which float around within the eyeball. Surgery can remove them, but most people learn to live with them. They are typically not a sign of anything serious, except in very rare cases.

6. Dry Eye: This is when your eye cannot create enough tears for lubrication. It is often associated with hormonal changes in women, but can also be prompted by medications such as blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and smoky or dry air. Effective treatments include eye drops, but sometimes surgery is necessary.

Tips to preserve your vision:

1. Wear sunglasses to prevent cataracts

2. Eat plenty of vegetables, especially those high in beta carotene such as carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes.

3. Eat plenty of omega-3 fatty acids such as fish and flaxseeds

4. Don’t smoke, or quit if you already do smoke. This significantly reduces your risks of cataracts and AMD.

5. Try not to stare at your computer or TV screen. Looking away can give your eyes a break and reduce strain.

6. Get your eyes checked at least annually.

 

References

Common vision problems in women. (2013). Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 20(6), 4-5.

Ennis, J. (2013). The physiology of ageing. Practice Nurse, 43(3), 38-42.