Common Vision Problems for Seniors
As a skilled Houston refractive surgeon,Dr. Andrew Watkins is committed to helping patients of all ages achieve good vision using the latest technology and techniques available. He encourages you to visit his practice and to learn about all the great services out there for each member of your family.
Age-Related Eye Problems
As we get older, we begin to notice that our vision deteriorates to some degree. This is natural and all part of the aging process, but thankfully there are plenty of ways that these vision problems can be properly addressed. We’d like to take a moment to look at some of the common age-related eye problems that people face.
Cataracts
One of the most common vision problems to affect people with advanced age is cataracts. Cataracts are the clouding of the lens of the eye caused by the proteins within the lens clumping together. It should be noted that while advanced age is commonly linked to cataracts, UV exposure, eye injury, and other factors can contribute to cataracts as well. Thankfully cataracts can be dealt with through Houston cataract surgery.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious vision problem that is often hard to diagnose. In fact, many people have dubbed it the silent thief of sight. Glaucoma essentially involves increased pressure within the eye, which can affect the optic nerve and severely impair a person’s vision. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in complete blindness.
Presbyopia
The lens of the eye is not just subject to clouding over time. As you age, the lens of your eye will lose its ability to focus properly, a condition known as presbyopia. Research generally suggests that the lens of the eye loses elasticity with age, making it difficult to focus on objects are various distances.
Macular Degeneration
A major cause of blindness in people who are older than 65, macular degeneration involves the deterioration of the central portion of the retina. This part of the retina is known as the macula, which is essential for turning light into discernible images in the brain. When you visit with a skilled Houston ophthalmologist like Dr. Watkins, he will be sure to screen you for this and many other conditions.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Related to retina, another common age-related vision problem is posterior vitreous detachment. During this condition, the vitreous humor within the eye begins to shrink or change consistency, which may peel part of the retina away with it. This retinal damage can severely impair vision if left untreated.
How We Can Help Address These Problems
There are plenty of treatment options available for all of the above age-related vision problems. Where it involves iLASIK for special presbyopic corrections or more advanced therapies to address the overall health of the eye, our team will be here to help restore your quality of vision and quality of life.
Contact Our Vision Correction and Eye Care Center
If you would like more information about eye health issues affecting seniors and what can be done about them, be sure to contact our Houston vision correction surgery center as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you here in person so we can answer your questions in the detail that you deserve.
