Introduction - The Aging Eye[edit | edit source] Show
As we age, our sensory modalities (including vision) show gradual deterioration and most of the major eye diseases are age-related. The prevalence of these sight-threatening diseases dramatically increases above 75 years of age. World estimates overall:
The Aging eye - 3 categories of possible problem
Quality of life and Adaptions[edit | edit source]
It is important to remain vigilant of the need for regular eye appointments (NHS provides free annual eye tests to those above the age of 75, such is the importance of eye sight and falls risk it is now part of the NICE falls guidelines). Impairments of Visual Function[edit | edit source]Visual Field Reductions
Functional effects:
Reduced Visual Acuity - Ability of the eye to discriminate fine details of objects, frequently (not inevitably) declines with age.
Functional effects:
Accommodation Difficulties - ie the ability of the eye to focus images on the retina independent of object distances.
Functional effects:
Reduced Colour Perception Changes in the retinal cones and the visual pathways, as well as in the lens, lead to the eye becoming less sensitive to colours that have shorter wavelengths, ie. blues, greens and violets (the cooler colours) and pale pastel and grey colours may become more difficult to distinguish. Functional effects:
Slower Dark Adaptation - ie ability of the eye to become more visually sensitive after remaining in darkness for a period of time
Functional effects:
Other Common Eye Problems[edit | edit source]Floaters - tiny specks or “cobwebs” that seem to float across visual feild.
Tearing (or having too many tears)
Eyelid problems - Can result from different diseases or conditions.
Medical Eye Conditions Affecting Older People[edit | edit source]Macular Degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, polygenic disease in which multiple genetic variants as well as environmental, lifestyle factors contribute to disease risk, each adding a small to moderate amount of increased risk[7]. The risk of developing the disease is three-fold higher in people who have a family member with AMD than in those without a first-degree relative with AMD[8]. Symptoms of AMD include:
Glaucoma Glaucoma is currently defined as a disturbance of the structural or functional integrity of the optic nerve that causes characteristic atrophic changes in the optic nerve, which may also lead to specific visual field defects over time[9]. This disturbance usually can be arrested or diminished by adequate lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world[10] (surpassed only by cataract, see below, which is a reversible condition). In glaucoma the loss of vision often occurs gradually over a long period of time, and symptoms only occur when the disease is quite advanced. Once lost, vision cannot normally be recovered, so treatment is aimed at preventing further loss. Treatment can involve medications to lower intra-ocular pressure (IOP), laser or conventional surgery. Cataracts
Recent studies done show
As a cataract worsens, it gradually reduces the amount of light entering the eye causing;
Corneal diseases and conditions
Dry eye
Diabetic retinopathy.
The 5 minute video below is a summary of 5 common eye diseases.
[17] References[edit | edit source]
What difficulty can affect older adult vision in which there is a progressive thickening of the lens causing vision to become cloudy and distorted?Presbyopia is caused by a hardening of the lens of your eye, which occurs with aging. As your lens becomes less flexible, it can no longer change shape to focus on close-up images. As a result, these images appear out of focus.
What is the most common vision problem in the elderly?Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of loss of vision in people over 65 years of age.
What is one change to the eyes that might affect older adults?As you age, it is normal to notice changes in your vision. A few common changes for older adults include: Losing the ability to see up close. Having trouble distinguishing colors, such as blue from black.
Which of the following are common causes of vision loss in older adults?The most common causes of vision loss among the elderly are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. Age-related macular degeneration is characterized by the loss of central vision.
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