New Delhi: As individuals age, their bodies undergo many changes, and maintaining eye health becomes critical. Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, is more crucial in aging people. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss. It is essential to address the issue early to stop vision loss. Dr G.R.Reddy – MS Ophthalmology, G.R.Reddy Eye Care Center – Thadepalligudem, shared a word of caution for older adults concerning glaucoma risk.
Types of Glaucoma in Older Adults
- Primary open-angle glaucoma: POAG is the most common form of glaucoma. This condition develops slowly and goes unnoticed during the early stages due to the lack of symptoms. It occurs when the eye’s nerve becomes blocked, leading to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and chronic optic nerve damage.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: In this, the iris shifts forward, closing the nerve angle. Acute symptoms of this illness may include impaired vision, nausea, and excruciating eye discomfort. It needs medical attention right away.
Aging and Increased Susceptibility to Glaucoma
As people age, changes in their eyes and health can raise the risk of glaucoma. One significant change is that the cornea becomes thinner, making it harder for the eye to drain fluid. This can lead to higher eye pressure. Conditions common in older adults, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, also increase the risk of glaucoma. The optic nerve can become more easily damaged as people age. While some vision changes are typical with age, vision loss from glaucoma can significantly affect a person’s quality of life if not treated properly.
The Importance of Early Detection
Preventing the irreversible visual loss linked to glaucoma requires early identification. The most effective way to make an early diagnosis is still through routine eye exams. To determine the risk factors for glaucoma, these examinations usually involve taking an intraocular pressure reading, checking for damage to the optic nerve, and testing corneal thickness.
Developments in diagnostic technologies have improved early detection capacities. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution retina and optic nerve pictures, enabling eye care specialists to identify even minute glaucoma changes. An early diagnosis can avoid severe visual loss.
Prevention and Management Strategies
A healthy lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of glaucoma, even though it cannot be prevented entirely. Overall, eye health is promoted by a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, regular exercise, and a healthy weight. Glaucoma risk can also be decreased by managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. The risk of glaucoma rises with age, so eye health is crucial. A healthy lifestyle, routine eye exams, and appropriate treatment of medical disorders can help lower the risk of glaucoma and preserve vision. By putting eye health first, seniors can better safeguard their vision and retain a high quality of life.
Developments in diagnostic technologies have improved early detection capacities. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution retina and optic nerve pictures, enabling eye care specialists to identify even minute glaucoma changes. An early diagnosis can avoid severe visual loss. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
