|
|
|
|
|
|
Major Causes of Vision Loss in Older Adults |
|
|||
The four major causes of vision loss in older adults are: Macular Degeneration Since Saint Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired works with more older adults than any other segment of the blind or visually impaired population, these eye conditions are most prevalent in the clients seen by the Society.
It should also be noted that many individuals have more than
one diagnosis, which complicates treatment as well as low vision and other
vision rehabilitation services. The following information comes from public
education brochures of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and are available
from the Society.
Macular Degeneration is damage or breakdown of the macula of the eye. When the macula doesn't function correctly, we experience blurriness or darkness in the center of our vision. Macular Degeneration affects both distance and close vision, and reduces vision in the central part of the retina but does not effect the eye's side, or peripheral, vision. Macular Degeneration alone does not result in total blindness. The two most common types of age-related macular degeneration are "dry (atrophic) and "wet" (exudative). Most people have "dry" macular degeneration, which is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula. This vision loss is usually gradual. "Wet" macular degeneration accounts for approximately 10% of all cases and is caused by abnormal blood vessels at the back of the eye. These blood vessels may leak fluid or blood and blur central vision. Vision loss with "wet" macular degeneration may be rapid and severe. Although sometimes only one eye is affected and the other eye continues to see well for years, when both eyes are affected central vision loss may be noticed more quickly. Signs of possible macular degeneration in individuals may include:
Macular degeneration can be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist (medical eye doctor) during an eye examination. Despite ongoing research, there is no cure for macular degeneration, although "wet" macular degeneration can be treated with laser surgery in its early stages. Since a person continues to have some vision, low vision
devices such as magnifiers, closed circuit television, large-print materials,
and other devices can be of assistance to an individual. Additional vision
rehabilitation services can also enable a person to remain active and independent.
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or "fogged" with steam. Common symptoms of cataracts include:
Although the most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye, other causes include family history, medical problems (such as diabetes), medications (such as steroids) long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight, and previous eye surgery. Most cataracts associated with the aging process gradually develop over a period of years while other cataracts in younger people and people with diabetes may progress over a few months. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract, however if symptoms are mild a change of glasses may be all that is needed to function more comfortably. There are no medications, dietary supplements, exercises, or optical devices that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating can provide protection from excessive sunlight, which may help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts. Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts cause
enough loss of vision to interfere with daily activities. You must decide
if you can see to do your job and drive safely, read and watch TV in comfort,
and perform daily activities such as cooking, shopping, yard work or taking
medications without difficulty when deciding with your ophthalmologist
if surgery is appropriate.
Since individuals with diabetes can have changes in the body's blood vessels, veins and arteries that carry blood throughout your body, it can also affect vision by causing cataracts, glaucoma, and damage to blood vessels inside the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that is caused by changes to blood vessels of the eye. When blood vessels in the retina are damaged, they may leak fluid or blood, and grow fragile, brush-like branches and scar tissue. This can blur or distort the images that the retina sends to the brain. The longer a person has diabetes the more risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. There are usually no symptoms of background (early stages) retinopathy, although gradual blurring of vision may occur. You may never notice changes to your vision, so that a medical examination is the only way to find changes inside your eye. As the disease progresses and bleeding inside the eye occurs, vision may become hazy, spotty or even disappear. While there is no pain, immediate medical attention is needed. Pregnancy and high blood pressure may aggravate diabetic retinopathy. Although serious retinopathy can be present without any symptoms, a regular medical eye examination can diagnose the disease and it can improve with treatment. In many cases treatment is not necessary, but you will need to have regular eye examinations. In other cases, treatment is recommended to stop the damage of diabetic retinopathy and improve sight whenever possible. Depending on the need, treatment may consist of laser surgery, cryotherapy (freezing of the retina), vitrectomy (microsurgical procedure replacing the blood-filled vitreous with clear solution), or retinal repair. As with diabetes, treatment is dependent on a persons
attitude and attention to medications and diet. One must maintain blood
sugar levels, avoid smoking and watch your blood pressure.
Glaucoma is an eye disease which is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, yet when diagnosed early is almost always preventable. Glaucoma can produce damage to the "wires" that carry messages to the brain thereby causing blind spots in areas of vision. Glaucoma is caused by the blocking of the aqueous humor (a clear transparent liquid) which flows continuously through the inner eye. When this gets blocked, pressure within the inner eye is increased and can cause damage to the optic nerve. Blockage may be due to one of several reasons: * Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma- A clogging of the flow due to build up of deposits over time. Since it develops slowly over time, vision may be affected so slowly that the person is unaware until the optic nerve is badly damaged. There may be no symptoms associated with this type of glaucoma. * Congenital Glaucoma- The drainage for the flow have been abnormal since birth and may affect the young infant or child. The front of the eye may become cloudy and the infant may be sensitive to light and tear excessively. * Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma- Fluids may back up and increase eye pressure rapidly due to the drainage area being closed off. In this case blurred vision, severe pain, rainbow haloes around lights, and nausea and vomiting should bring the person to a doctor immediately. Unless this condition is treated promptly, blindness can result in a day or two. * Secondary Glaucoma- Other conditions such as injuries, certain drugs, hemorrhages, tumors, and inflammations can block outflow channels in the eye, increasing inner eye pressure. Glaucoma is usually treated and controlled with eye drops given 2 to 4 times a day or by pills given in various combinations. These medications act to decrease eye pressure either by assisting flow of fluid out of the eye or by decreasing the amount of fluid entering the eye. Treatment should be monitored regularly and may need to be changed periodically since glaucoma can get worse (or better) without a person knowing it. Treatment also helps prevent further damage as well as preserving existing vision. Help Is AvailableAlthough there may not be any medical help which may restore lost vision with any of these eye conditions, there is a variety of services available which help a person best utilize their remaining vision and continue to participate in most routine activities. Such Vision Rehabilitation Services are offered by St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired. If you, or someone you know could benefit from the Society's services, you may call the Society at (314) 968-9000 or go to the Make A Referral link. For a free copy of pamphlets on these, or other eye conditions, e-mail your request to the Society or call 314-968-9000. | |||
|
To
Home Page | E-mail us here | To Top of
Page |
|||