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Eye Diseases and
Disorders Common
in Older People
 | Cataracts are cloudy areas in part or all of the eye lens. The lens
is usually clear and lets light through. Cataracts keep light from easily
passing through the lens, and this causes loss of eyesight. Cataracts often
form slowly and cause no pain, redness, or tearing in the eye. Some stay
small and don’t change eyesight very much. If a cataract becomes large or
thick, it usually can be removed by surgery. |
| During surgery, the doctor takes off the clouded lens and, in most
cases, puts in a clear, plastic lens. Cataract surgery is very safe. It is
one of the most common surgeries done in the United States and Canada. |
| Glaucoma results from too much fluid pressure inside the eye. It
can lead to vision loss and blindness. The cause of glaucoma is unknown. If
treated early, glaucoma often can be controlled and blindness prevented. To
find glaucoma, the eye doctor will look at your eyes through dilated pupils.
Treatment may be prescription eye drops, oral medications, or surgery. Most
people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain from increased pressure. |
| Retinal disorders are a leading cause of blindness in the United
States. The retina is a thin lining on the back of the eye. It is made up of
cells that get visual images and pass them on to the brain. Retinal
disorders include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy,
and retinal detachment. |
| Age-related macular degeneration. The macula is part of the
eye with millions of cells that are sensitive to light. The macula makes
vision possible from the center part of the eye. Over time, age-related
macular degeneration can ruin sharp vision needed to see objects clearly and
to do common tasks like driving and reading. In some cases, it can be
treated with lasers. |
| Diabetic retinopathy. This disorder can result from
diabetes. It happens when small blood vessels stop feeding the retina
properly. In the early stages, the blood vessels may leak fluid, which
distorts sight. In the later stages, new vessels may grow and send blood
into the center of the eye, causing serious vision loss. In most cases,
laser treatment can prevent blindness. It is very important that people with
diabetes have an eye exam through dilated pupils every year |
| Retinal detachment. This happens when the inner and
outer layers of the retina become separated. With surgery or laser
treatment, doctors often can reattach the retina and bring back all or part
of your eyesight.. |
| Conjunctivitis happens when the tissue that lines the eyelids and
covers the cornea becomes inflamed. It can cause itching, burning, tearing,
or a feeling of something in the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by
infection or allergies |
| Corneal diseases and conditions can cause redness, watery eyes,
pain, reduced vision, or a halo effect. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped
"window" at the front of the eye. It helps to focus light that
enters the eye. Disease, infection, injury, toxic agents, and other things
can damage the cornea. Treatments include changing the eyeglass
prescription, eye drops, or surgery.. |
| Eyelid problems can come from different diseases or conditions. The
eyelids protect the eye, distribute tears, and limit the amount of light
entering the eye. Pain, itching, tearing and sensitivity to light are common
eyelid symptoms. Other problems may include drooping eyelids (ptosis),
blinking spasms (blepharospasm), or inflamed outer edges of the eyelids near
the eyelashes (blepharitis). Eyelid problems often can be treated with
medication or surgery. |
| Temporal arteritis causes the arteries in the temple area of the
forehead to become swollen. It can begin with a severe headache, pain when
chewing, and tenderness in the temple area. It may be followed in a few
weeks by sudden vision loss. Other symptoms can include shaking, weight
loss, and low-grade fever. Scientists don’t know the cause of temporal
arteritis, but they think it may be a disorder of the immune system. Early
treatment with medication can help prevent vision loss in one or both eyes. |
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