Aging has been associated with the root cause of several diseases. Many older people are subjected to different eye problems and other diseases due to aging. But the question is, why aging causes eye problems and diseases in the elderly?
Eyes are one of the most vital organs in a human body because of their role in the five senses.
Like all other human organs, the eyes also start growing from the childhood of an individual, however, after reaching a certain age the performance of eyes starts getting degrading due to various factors.
One of the most common reasons why old people begin to struggle with eye health issues is that their tear production tends to decline with age.
As you can see, our eyes need proper hydration to stay healthy and our natural production of tears helps with keeping our eyeballs moist.
As a person grows older, their tear production takes a backseat and this means the eyeballs don’t get wet easily. This can easily cause irritations from external pollutants like dust and other small debris.
In line with research findings from WebMD, the lacrimal glands responsible for tear production tend to become less effective as individuals age, resulting in decreased tear production. This phenomenon is commonly known as dry eye or age-related dry eye syndrome, which can give rise to a range of discomforts and irritations when the eyes are exposed to external pollutants such as dust and tiny debris.
Then, as the eyes get to deal with symptoms of dry eye, a burning sensation can often be experienced. Over time, all of these issues contribute to the decline of an older person’s eye health.
The extent of eye problems can vary from blurred eyesight to the partial or total loss of eyesight. Any problem occurring with eyes either physically or clinically; obviously impairs the vision of the individuals.
The diseases and problems related to eyes can occur at any time in life, however, while considering only aging as degrading factor; the eyes normally start degrading between the ages of 55 and 65 years.
Various common old-age diseases like diabetes, hypotension, and depression, etc can cause putting up stress upon the eye muscles.For example, diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy, a condition in which the blood vessels in the retina are damaged.
In accordance with the Wayne State University report, diabetes is distinguished by its fluctuating blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar levels can result in damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, including the delicate vessels responsible for supplying blood to the eye muscles. This damage can impede the proper functioning of these muscles and contribute to a range of vision-related concerns.
Hypertension can cause hypertensive retinopathy, which is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to vision loss.
Regular medical checkups and appropriate management of systemic diseases can help to prevent or reduce the risk of eye problems and diseases in older adults.
As outlined in The Lancet report, routine medical checkups, encompassing thorough eye examinations, provide healthcare providers with the ability to identify eye conditions in their early stages. Numerous eye issues, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, often exhibit minimal or imperceptible symptoms during their initial phases. Early detection, made possible through these checkups, is critical for timely intervention and the prevention of further eye-related complications.
Other issues related to aging effects on eyes can be degeneration, contracting or lowered performance of eye muscles, and glaucoma type of problems. The nervous system problems can also contribute a lot to worsening the eyesight in old age.
The decline in an older person’s production of human growth hormones can also affect eye health, although not exactly directly. As you can see, human growth hormones play a vital role in maintaining many organs inside the human body.
These hormones also play a role in helping the body produce other hormones that help to maintain the vitality of organs and bodily functions.
As human growth hormones reduce in amount, so other hormones become lacking, and this, in turn, can cause a plethora of illnesses that then affect eye health.
Various psychological problems, dementia, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiency can also lead to weakened or dried eyes obviously leaving the worst impact upon eyes.
A cataract is another disease that starts developing with the age; in this disease, there are reasonably high chances for patients to get totally blind in most of the cases and partially blind in a few cases.
The retinopathy occurred due to diabetes is also not negligible; it rather has a great impact to leave upon the old age patients. The correct diagnosis of the eye problems in old age is extremely important to proceed further for the treatment.
Also, reduced tear production is another factor that affects the eyes: Tears are important for maintaining the health of the eyes, as they help to lubricate and protect the surface of the eye.
As we age, the glands that produce tears can become less active, leading to dry eyes. Dry eyes can cause discomfort, a gritty sensation in the eyes, and even lead to vision problems.
Apart from that, there are changes in the lens that affect the eyes. Our ability to see clearly is made possible by the lens of the eye, which plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina.
As we age, the lens can become less flexible and thicker, leading to presbyopia. Presbyopia is a common condition that affects most people over the age of 40, and it causes difficulty focusing on close objects.
This is why many older adults need reading glasses or bifocals.
Also, blepharitis is another condition which more common in older adults due to the natural aging process of the eyelids, which can make them more prone to inflammation and irritation.
Other risk factors include poor hygiene, certain medical conditions, and exposure to environmental irritants like dust or smoke. Symptoms may include redness, itching, burning, and crusting of the eyelids.
Conjunctivitis is also more common in older adults due to a weakened immune system and the increased likelihood of exposure to environmental irritants.
It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, allergies, or exposure to certain chemicals. Symptoms may include redness, itching, discharge, and sensitivity to light.
Besides, adults also experience a condition known as pterygium due to cumulative exposure to UV radiation and other environmental factors like dust and wind.
It typically develops on the inner or outer corner of the eye and may cause discomfort, redness, and vision disturbances if it grows over the cornea.
In addition, Fuchs’ Dystrophy is an age-related condition that affects the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye. It is caused by the gradual loss of endothelial cells, which help maintain the cornea’s clarity and function.
Symptoms may include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and halos around lights at night.
Changes to the cornea also impact the ability of the eyes to bend light. The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye that helps to focus light onto the retina.
As we age, the cornea can become less sensitive, leading to difficulties with vision. For example, older adults may have difficulty detecting foreign objects in the eye, which can increase the risk of infections or injuries.
The biggest reason for eye-related diseases and problems in older ages can be the physical degradation of the eyeball, eye muscles, retina, and brain functions related to the performance of the eyes.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Causes Eye Problems In Old Age?
Introduction
As people age, their eyesight often begins to decline. Eye problems in old age may be caused by a number of factors, including changes in the eye structure, diseases, medications, and lifestyle choices. In this paper, we will discuss the various causes of eye problems in old age, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. We will also discuss the risk factors associated with eye problems in old age and the treatments available.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of severe vision loss in people over the age of 65. It is caused by a breakdown of the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for detailed vision. AMD causes blurred vision, difficulty reading, and difficulty recognizing faces. In advanced stages, it can cause complete blindness. Risk factors for AMD include age, smoking, and family history. Treatment options for AMD include vitamins, medications, and surgery.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in people over 65. It is caused by increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Glaucoma often has no symptoms until the vision has already been affected. Risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history, and certain medical conditions. Treatment options for glaucoma include medications, laser treatments, and surgery.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 65. They are caused by the clouding of the lens of the eye, which can lead to blurred vision and decreased contrast sensitivity. Risk factors for cataracts include age, smoking, and excessive exposure to sunlight. Treatment options for cataracts include eyeglasses, medications, and surgery.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to blurred vision, blind spots, and vision loss. Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy include diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking. Treatment options for diabetic retinopathy include medications, laser treatments, and surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eye problems in old age can be caused by a number of factors, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Risk factors for these conditions include age, family history, smoking, and certain medical conditions. Treatment options for these conditions include medications, vitamins, laser treatments, and surgery. By understanding the causes and risk factors for eye problems in old age, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from vision loss.
