© Fotograf: fizkes
The most common eye diseases in old age
Not only can general physical symptoms increase with age, but the eyes can also be affected. In some people, vision deteriorates and the production of tear fluid no longer works as well as it used to. Here is an overview of eye complaints made worse by old age.
What are the most common eye diseases in old age?
Eye diseases, which occur for the first time or more frequently in old age:
- cataract
- glaucoma
- age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- presbyopia
- diabetic retinopathy
- retinal vascular occlusion
- dry eyes
The most common syndrome is dry eyes which cause unpleasant symptoms yet are often ignored and not adequately treated.
sebra - stock.adobe.com
What causes dry eyes in old age?
Tear production decreases with increasing age, and the tear film composition changes. In dry eyes, known medically as sicca syndrome, the cornea and conjunctiva are not adequately coated with tear fluid. This causes unpleasant and even painful symptoms such as:
- burning eyes
- itchy eyes
- red eyes
- tenderness of the eyes
- foreign body sensation
- increased sensitivity to light
- blurred vision
The severity of dry eyes often increases with advancing age. This is due, among other things, to the fact that elderly people suffer more often from certain diseases that promote the drying out of the eyes. Diabetes mellitus and rheumatism, for example, are often associated with dry eyes. Hormonal changes during menopause can also be responsible for women suffering increasingly from sicca syndrome.
Eye complaints during menopause
During menopause, many women experience typical symptoms, such as hot flushes and sweats. But what many do not know: Mucous membranes also undergo alterations as a result of hormonal changes and the reduced production of oestrogen, which becomes noticeable through dry eyes, among other things.
The lacrimal glands then produce less fluid. The remaining quantity of tears is usually not sufficant enough to lubricate the eyes sufficiently. Furthermore, the composition of the tear film can change in general. If, for example, the lipid layer that stabilises the tear film is no longer formed properly, then the tear film ruptures more quickly and the eyes dry out.
Do dry eyes need to be treated?
Many people take dry eyes as an eye complaint lightly and dismiss them as normal signs of old age. Yet if left untreated, this can result in increased infections because the defence against pathogens is weakened. In addition, minor injuries to the corneal surface develop, which can result in scarring and blurred vision. That is why dry eyes should be treated by an eye specialist in order to maintain healthy eyes for as long as possible.
What can I do against dry eyes in old age?
Usually, dry eyes are treated with an eye lubricator. Eye drops wet the eyes and give the surface of the eye the necessary protection against intruders. However, you can also follow these tips to make the symptoms more bearable:
- Drink plenty of fluids: As long as you do not suffer from kidney disease, drink plenty of fluids, preferably water or tea. This way you can support your eyes from the inside.
- Air humidity: Dry air from central heating or air conditioning promote tear film evaporation. So ensure high humidity in closed rooms, for example by distributing several water containers throughout your apartment.
- Avoid environmental stimuli: Do not stay in smoky rooms, avoid draughts, and do not aim the ventilator in the car directly at your face.
- Go easy on your eyes: Try as much as you can to go easy on your eyes. Reduce work in front of the computer screen and do not read in poor lighting conditions. This only places extra strain on your eyes.
- Change your medication: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers for high blood pressure or antihistamines for allergies, can cause dry eyes with regular use. It is best to discuss with your doctor whether you can take another medication instead to improve the discomfort of dry eyes.
- Some people only suffer from dry eyes for a short time, while others permanently need additional lubrication with eye drops.
insta_photos - stock.adobe.com
