Vision
As people age, they may experience several vision problems due to various factors. It's important for older individuals to have regular eye examinations to detect and manage these vision problems effectively.
Common vision problems
Some common vision problems that affect older individuals include:
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Presbyopia: This is a natural age-related condition where the ability to focus on near objects diminishes, resulting in difficulty reading small print or performing close-up tasks.
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Cataracts: Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or hazy vision. It is a common condition in older adults and can eventually require surgical intervention to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one.
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It causes a gradual loss of central vision, which can impact activities such as reading, recognizing faces, or driving.
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Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure. It can lead to peripheral vision loss and, if left untreated, can progress to central vision loss.
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Dry eyes: With age, the eyes may produce fewer tears or have poor tear quality, resulting in dryness, itching, and discomfort. Dry eyes can be caused by various factors, including hormonal changes, medications, or environmental conditions.
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Floaters and flashes: Floaters are small specks or spots that appear in the field of vision, while flashes manifest as brief flickering lights. These can become more prevalent with age and are often harmless, but sudden changes may indicate a retinal issue that requires medical attention.
