Sometimes, age brings about changes that could weaken the eyes as well as vision. If not caught and treated early, vision problems in those who are aged could lead to partial or maybe even complete loss of vision. Herein, we discuss the main types of eye conditions that are faced as one gets older.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD mainly affects the macula, which is a tiny, sensitive area at the center of the retina and responsible for one’s sharp central vision. Those who have AMD will have difficulties doing detail-oriented tasks like recognizing different shades of colors, driving, writing, and reading. AMD’s signs include shadowy, fuzzy, and distorted central vision. Age is one of the primary factors for an increased risk of AMD and is of two kinds–wet and dry.

Cataracts
This is one of the most common main types of age-related eye conditions. When the eye is healthy, the lenses are mostly flexible and crystal clear. With age, the lenses inside the eye see cloudy areas cover them entirely and also become less flexible. This is what happens when one develops cataracts. According to research, 50% of Americans develop cataracts by the age of 75 years. The earliest symptoms of cataracts include poor night vision, blurred or cloudy vision, and colors not appearing as vivid as they once did. Cataracts can only be removed with lens replacement surgery.

Diabetic Eye Disease
Also known as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic eye disease arises from damage to the retinal blood vessels among those who are diabetic. As a result, the blood vessels will either leak or bleed the fluid. If this condition is left as it is, it can lead to permanent loss of vision. Symptoms and signs of diabetic eye disease could include involuntary eye movements and double vision. If someone has early-stage diabetic eye disease, they could be told to control their cholesterol and blood sugar levels.  Advanced stages of diabetic eye disease require vitrectomy surgery and laser treatment.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of related eye disorders that end up damaging the optic nerve which is responsible for transmitting information to the brain from the eye. Glaucoma can be either narrow-angled or open-angled, with the latter one often having no signs or symptoms and the visions staying normal. In most of the glaucoma cases, the eyes have higher-than-normal pressure levels which result in peripheral vision loss. Late symptoms of peripheral vision loss include difficulty in navigating while walking and trouble seeing in dim light. Apart from aging, glaucoma risk is the highest among people who have a family history of glaucoma as well as African-Americans.

Dry eye syndrome
When there is a chronic lack of sufficient moisture, including mucus, water, or oil on the eye’s surface, that’s when dry eye syndrome occurs. This lack of lubrication and moisture occurs due to poor tear quality and insufficient production of tears. Some common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include

• Watery eyes due to excessive tearing
• Blurred vision
• Sore eyes
• Sandy, gritty feeling in the eye
• Burning sensation

The above main types of eye conditions are very common among people as they get older. So, it’s important to maintain good eye health no matter what your age is.