A Brighter Future for the Aging Eye

What can I do to keep my eyes healthy and seeing well? This question is being increasingly asked as the baby boomers mature. As one grows older, there is an increasing risk for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important for protecting your vision and, when possible, preventing permanent vision loss. Early signs of eye disease can develop at as early as 40 years of age to those without a history or symptoms of eye disease. That's why the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that everyone have a baseline eye disease screening at 40.

According to Dr. Howard S. Lazarus, a retinal specialist at John Kenyon American Eye Institute, "Early detection of eye disease has become increasingly important now that we have good treatment for many eye problems. With some problems, like wet age-related macular degeneration, he explains, "Vision loss can most often be prevented with treatment but once vision loss has occurred it cannot always be restored. That's why it's so critical that we get to these patients early-before they lose vision." "Diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, "he explains, "are other examples of eye problems that often go unnoticed by people until irreversible damage to sight has occurred."

Although there have been major advances in the treatment of eye disease over the past decade, he feels that we on the verge of explosive growth in medical technology that will further enhance our ability to treat a variety of eye conditions. That's why it is becoming increasingly important for seniors to be more proactive in caring for their eyes.

Additionally, the American Academy of Ophthalmology offers the following tips for a healthy aging eye:

Review and address your family history of eye disease. If you have a family member with an eye disease, such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes or age-related macular degeneration, you are at greater risk of developing these diseases. So next time you are at a family gathering remember to ask your family if anyone has an eye disease and/or tell them if you do. By doing so you are taking proactive measures to save your sight and the sight of your family.

Protect your eyes from the sun. Spending long hours in the sun without eye protection can damage your eyes by contributing to cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths on the eye, including cancer. Remember to wear 99% and above UV-absorbent sunglasses and a brimmed hat whenever you are in the sun for long periods of time.

Keep your eyes well lubricated. Tear production normally decreases as we age. When your eye stops producing enough tears for healthy eyes this is called dry eye. You can take steps to prevent your tears from evaporating by using a humidifier, wearing wrap-around glasses, and avoiding overly warm, dry rooms, hair dryers, wind, and smoke. Eyedrops called artificial tears can also help lubricate the eyes. These are available without a prescription. However, if you try these and your eyes are still scratchy or irritated, contact your eye doctor.