It’s Healthy Aging Month

1 in 28 Americans over the age of 40 suffer from vision loss. Furthermore, people over the age of 50 account for more than 80% of all people with vision loss. This number of people suffering from vision loss is expected to grow rapidly over the next 20 years, as the baby boomer generation ages. By 2030, 20% of the American population will be made up of those over the age of 65. That is double the number of people over the age of 65 currently. Aging is inevitable. With aging, comes natural vision loss and declining health. The four main culprits of vision loss in those over the age of 65 are Cataracts, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, and Diabetic Retinopathy. September is Healthy Aging Month, so here at Wile’s Eye Center, we are dedicated to helping educate our patients on the prevention and treatment of vision loss due to aging.

With more than 24 million people suffering from Cataracts, this disease is the most common cause of vision loss among those over the age of 40. A cataract is the clouding of the lens- the part of the eye responsible for focusing and transmitting a clear image to the brain. When cataracts develop, the image one sees becomes blurry, similar to a camera that is out of focus. This blurred vision occurs as natural protein within the eye begins to form clumps and affect vision. Another way cataracts may affect your vision, is by discoloration of the lens. Instead of being clear, the lens of the eye may develop a brown or yellow tint. This discoloration of the lens may not cause blurry vision but can make daily activities difficult, and cause color blindness. With either type of cataract, it can get worse over time. Cataracts may affect one or both eyes, but they cannot “spread” from one eye to the other. Symptoms of Cataracts include blurry vision, fading of colors, glaring, lack of visibility at night, double vision or multiple images in one eye, and frequent changes in eye prescription. Treatment for Cataracts may include new glasses, anti-glare sunglasses, brighter lighting, magnifying glasses, or surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest- surgeries performed in the United States.

The next most common cause of age-associated vision loss is Diabetic Retinopathy. More than 7 million people suffer from this disease. Damage occurs to the blood vessels within the retina- a part of the eye responsible for detecting light. This damage can cause the blood vessels to hemorrhage and distort vision. This damage is associated with high blood glucose levels. This disease has four stages. In the earliest stages, blood vessels swell and hemorrhage. In the final stages, abnormal blood vessels begin to “regrow” themselves, which can lead to complete retinal detachment. Early stages of Diabetic Retinopathy show no symptoms or warning signs. However, toward the final stages, “floating” spots can begin to appear due to the vessels leaking, but they can also recover themselves. Diabetic Retinopathy is just one of the many diseases detected through a comprehensive eye exam, which is why receiving regular exams is so important. Early detection of Diabetic Retinopathy can reduce vision loss by 95%. Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy includes controlling blood sugar levels and receiving regular eye exams. Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy includes injections and surgery.

Glaucoma is the next most common age-associated factor of vision loss. Glaucoma affects nearly 3 million people in the United States. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eyes optic nerve- a part of the eye made up of more than 1 million nerves and connects the retina to the brain. There are two types of Glaucoma. One type of Glaucoma is called Open-Angle Glaucoma, which occurs as a build-up of pressure within the eyes that causes damage to the optic nerve. The other type of Glaucoma is not as common as Open-Angle Glaucoma, and it is called Low-Tension Glaucoma or Normal-Tension Glaucoma and occurs without excess pressure within the eye. Currently, there are no cures for Glaucoma. However, Glaucoma can be treated with a series of medications, laser surgery to reduce pressure within the eye, or conventional surgery.

The fourth most common cause of age-related vision loss is Age-Related Macular Degeneration. More than 2 million Americans suffer from ARMD. Age-Related Macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss among people over the age of 50. ARMD is a condition in which damage occurs to the macula- the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. Symptoms include loss of central vision, blurry or white spots in vision and abnormal blood vessels. There are few symptoms for early stages of ARMD, so regular eye exams are essential for early detection of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration includes medications, laser therapy, and laser surgery.

In order to prevent vision loss with age, it is important to take care of your body and your overall health. Simple steps such as not smoking, and eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can help prevent vision loss with age. The most important factor in reducing the risk for vision loss with age is receiving regular comprehensive eye exams. This step will increase the chance of early detection of any vision-threatening conditions you may develop. It is important to discuss with your eye doctor how often you should receive eye exams. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph's office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.