Over 60: How has your vision changed?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi - Ophthalmologist - General Surgery Department - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
The eyes often show age-related changes, especially when people reach the age of 60 or older. One of the most characteristic changes is farsightedness, cataracts or some other dangerous eye disease that affects the quality of life.

1. Vision changes in the elderly

1.1. Farsightedness After passing the age of 40, it becomes more difficult to focus on near objects. This is because the lens inside the eye begins to lose its ability to change shape. This process is called presbyopia or presbyopia.
In the short term, you can moderate this gradual decline in concentration by keeping the material being read away from the eyes. But in the end, you still need to use glasses or contact lenses to do your vision, reading, etc. activities.
To correct this condition, some people will opt for corrective surgery for presbyopia. Such as: corneal inlay, LASIK, conductive keratoplasty and refractive lens exchange.
However, as you get older and age 50 or older, presbyopia improves more markedly. At this point, you will have to change your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. For example, you may need one pair of eyeglasses for normal activities and another pair for focused activities in order to work with ease and comfort.
1.2. Cataracts Although cataracts are considered an age-related eye disease, they are more common in the elderly. According to the Mayo Clinic, about half of Americans by the age of 65 have cataracts in their eyes. And when you hit your 70s, the rate is even higher.
However, cataract surgery can help improve this condition. This is an extremely modern and safe surgical method for patients, and is effective to the extent that 100% of vision due to loss of cataract formation is restored.
In case, you notice a change in vision due to cataracts, do not hesitate to discuss the symptoms of the disease with your ophthalmologist so that an early diagnosis can be made and an effective treatment plan can be found. fruit.
Early cataract removal treatment will reduce the impact before they leave dangerous complications. Furthermore, patients may have other options such as multifocal lens implants or providing an intraocular lens that corrects all vision. As a result, the need for glasses will be reduced when reading or other activities.

1.3. Reducing pupil size Reducing pupil size is also one of the changes as we age. Then, the muscles that control pupil size and response to light are significantly lost. This will make the pupils smaller and less responsive to changes in ambient light.
Because of these changes, people in their 60s need three times more ambient light to read comfortably than people in their 20s.
In addition, elderly people have more the possibility of being dazzled by sunlight and glare when appearing in dimly lit buildings such as movie theaters. Eyeglasses with electrified lenses and anti-reflective coatings will help with this.
1.4. Dry eyes As you get older, your body produces fewer tears. This especially affects women after menopause. If you start to experience burning, stinging, or discomfort in your eyes, it may be related to dry eyes. To improve this condition, artificial tears can be used when necessary to create comfort for the eyes. Or you can consult with your doctor about choosing products to help improve dry eyes.
1.5. Peripheral Vision Loss Aging also commonly causes peripheral vision loss with the size of the visual field decreasing by about one to three degrees per decade of life. By age 70 or 80, the eye may lose 20 to 30 degrees of peripheral vision.
Loss of visual field can increase the risk of auto accident. Therefore, people of old age should be more cautious when driving. For example, to increase visibility while driving, turn your head and look at the entire intersection so you can control the vehicle safely.
1.6. Decreased color vision Cells in the retina are responsible for the sensitivity to the decline in color vision as the body ages. This process makes the colors less bright and the contrast between different colors less noticeable.
Specifically, the blue color can be faded or “washed out”. While there is no cure for this loss of color perception, some people need to be aware of these effects in order to take corrective action to avoid affecting their work, such as those who do Artists, seamstresses or electricians are required to distinguish between colors well.
1.7. Vitreous detachment As we age, the gel-like lens inside the eye begins to liquefy and separate from the retina. This condition is called vitreous detachment and it is usually harmless. However, when this gel emerges, it can be a sign of the beginning of retinal detachment - this is a serious problem that can cause blindness if not treated early.

2. Some age-related eye diseases

2.1. Macular Degeneration Age-related macular degeneration is also the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), more than two million Americans currently suffer from age-related macular degeneration. Along with the aging of the US population, this number can be predicted to more than double from today to about 5.4 million people by 2050.
2.2. Glaucoma Glaucoma is sometimes called the silent thief of sight, because it goes on without symptoms until the disease causes serious effects. The cause of the disease can be an accumulation of too much fluid and pressure in the front of the eye.
The risk of developing glaucoma with age can increase from 1% in your 40s and up to 12% in your 80s. Glaucoma is also the second leading cause of blindness in the US.
2.3. Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy results from progressive damage to the small blood vessels of the retina. If new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina, they can bleed into the eye and block vision.
More than 10 million Americans over the age of 40 are known to have diabetes. And of these diabetics, the National Eye Institute (NEI) estimates as many as 40% develop diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

3. Some measures to prevent eye diseases

What to do with low vision? is always a question asked by many people, especially the elderly. Although not all factors that contribute to eye disease are irreversible, some preventive measures can be taken by:
Eating healthy foods: Studies show some Nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin found in green leafy vegetables, as well as zinc as well as antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration (AMD). Eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Don't smoke: Smoking increases the risk of developing early-onset macular degeneration, along with other diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and cataracts. Protect your eyes from UV exposure by wearing sunglasses. Moreover, it can also prevent cataracts. Control your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Do exercise . A study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that exercise can reduce the risk of macular degeneration (AMD) by about 70%. Taking care of eye health is an important part of general health. In order to detect the risk of eye diseases early, you need to be examined and diagnosed with eye problems early, to avoid long-term progression of the disease, which can easily lead to unfortunate complications, especially affecting your health. seriously affect the health and life of the elderly.
Eye specialties at Vinmec International General Hospital are international standard medical facilities with the function of examining and treating many diseases, including Ophthalmology with comprehensive quality in both expertise and health services.
Eye specialist at Vinmec has comprehensive vision and eye health care functions for children, adults and the elderly including: refractive error check, laser treatment and surgery. In addition, the department also has the task of coordinating with other clinical departments in the treatment of pathological complications and eye injuries caused by accidents.
Besides, the team of Ophthalmologists at Vinmec are experienced doctors who have performed many types of surgery from routine to difficult surgery, especially techniques that require aesthetics. . With enthusiasm and love for the profession, the team of doctors working at Vinmec always gives customers the best services with the highest service quality.
Doctor CKI Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi has nearly 10 years of experience in the eye field. Treatment of medical eye diseases as well as eye surgery such as: pterygium, entropion, milia, glaucoma and cataract surgery by Phaco method. Besides, it also treats diabetic retinopathy by intraocular Anti-VEGF injection and ophthalmic surgery. Currently, the doctor is an Eye Doctor in the Department of Medical Examination - Internal Medicine, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

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References: aoa.org, allaboutvision.com