Vision problems are common in the elderly

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi - Ophthalmologist - General Surgery Department - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital. The doctor has 10 years of experience in the field of ophthalmology.

As people age, any organ or part undergoes aging and many problems arise. Let's learn about common vision problems in the elderly through the article below.

1. Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a condition in which the eyes are unable to clearly see nearby objects or read small text clearly.
This is a natural, gradual process as people gradually age. The time to start noticing changes most clearly is around the age of 40. Presbyopia can be easily corrected by wearing glasses.

2. The phenomenon of flies

Flies are small specks that appear transiently in the field of vision. This is a common phenomenon, most noticeable when entering a room with very bright lights or stepping outside in strong sunlight.
Most flies are normal, but it can also be a sign of a more serious eye problem, especially in the case of sudden and severe flies. If you see flies accompanied by sudden flashes of light, it is most likely a warning sign of retinal detachment, seek medical attention immediately.

3. Dry eyes

Dry eye is a condition that occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears or tears of poor quality, causing the eyes to become itchy, burning, and red. Vision loss is a rare consequence, but it can happen.
The doctor may prescribe the use of artificial tears to resolve the condition, or treat it with deeper interventions.

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4. Tears

Watery eyes (not related to emotions) is an excessive production of tears, usually when the body is sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes. In such cases, try wearing sunglasses.
If it doesn't improve, there's a good chance the eye has something more serious, like an eye infection or a blocked tear duct, but it's treatable.

5. Cataract

Cataract is a condition in which the lens from its normally transparent state gradually becomes opaque or white. This condition begins with a part of the lens, gradually progressing to the entire lens, making it impossible for light to pass through to reach the retina.
Cataracts do not cause symptoms such as pain, redness or tearing. Cataracts can be treated with an artificial lens replacement.

6. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eyes and vision. The main cause of glaucoma is a blockage of the flow of aqueous humor in the eye, causing the pressure in the eye to increase. Without timely intervention, vision can be permanently lost, leading to blindness.
Glaucoma has many forms with different symptoms, there is an acute type with obvious obvious signs, but there is a type that silently causes damage to the eyes for a long time without any symptoms. That's the best way to detect it is to have regular eye exams.

7. Disorders of the retina

Disorders in the retina affect the light-sensitive cells here, thereby affecting the transmission of the signals received from these cells to the brain to recognize images.
Disorders in the retina include many different diseases, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinal detachment,...

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8. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a condition in which the conjunctiva in the eye becomes inflamed due to various causes, causing the eyes to become itchy, burning, watery, red, and uncomfortable.
Any age can get conjunctivitis, and the most common causes are bacterial infections, exposure to chemicals and irritants, or allergies.

9. Diseases of the cornea

The cornea is a transparent membrane located at the front of the eye. Diseases, infections, wounds, and exposure to toxins can all damage the cornea. Common symptoms are pain, redness, watering, impaired vision, or seeing halos.

10. Eyelid problems

The eyelid has the function of protecting the eye, draining tears out and limiting the amount of light entering the eye. The eyelids around the eyelash growth may become inflamed. Common symptoms of eyelid problems are pain, itching, and watery eyes.

11. Temporal arteritis

Temporal arteritis (or giant cell arteritis) is a condition in which the temporal artery and other arteries become inflamed and blocked.
Initial signs may be severe headache, pain when chewing, tension in the temples. After a few weeks, suddenly vision in one side is lost, and vision in the other side will also rapidly disappear. Other symptoms include joint pain, weight loss, and low-grade fever.
Temporal arteritis is now considered an autoimmune disease, meaning that for some reason the immune system attacks and damages normal parts of the body. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help prevent vision loss, and this is very important, because in this situation once vision loss is almost permanent. If you suddenly lose vision in one side, go to the emergency room immediately to keep the hope of preserving vision in the other side.

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Reference article source: webmd.com

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