Better Eye Health for the Elderly -The New Indian Express
BENGALURU: Vision and the ability to see are probably most central for a senior citizen to independently navigate the world. Many changes in vision among the elderly occur due to age-related alterations in eye tissues. The effect of these changes could range from mildly irritating changes ( mild dry eye) to serious eye diseases.
Cataract is one of the most common treatable causes of gradual visual impairment in the elderly throughout the world. A clouding of the eye’s natural lens causes a gradual diminution of vision.
“A phacoemulsification surgery with an intraocular lens implant enables almost full recovery of the vision. Though in early stages of cataract, a change in the glass prescription may help one see better, it is important to know that there are no medicines to treat the condition,” says Dr Kaushik Murali, consultant, Sankara Eye Hospital.
Dr Bhujanga Shetty, Director, Narayana Nethralaya, says cataract among elders may not be that big a problem as eye sight can be restored but to have good eye health after reaching 60, very close monitoring by a specialist is needed and one must check on glaucoma at least once in six months. Glaucoma is a condition wherein the optic nerve gets gradually damaged over a period of time due to various causes especially high intraocular pressure (IOP).
Glaucoma can cause irreversible loss of sight and people with eye injury, short sight, diabetes and a family history of glaucoma are more prone to it. Once detected, it needs life-long monitoring and medication.
Eat a healthy balanced diet. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to be good for the eyes. A diet high in saturated fat and sugar may increase your risk of eye disease. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study in the US found that supplements with zinc, luetin and zeaxanthin reduced progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Curated from Better Eye Health for the Elderly -The New Indian Express
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