• Doctors
    • Eddie Kadrmas, MD
    • Daniel J. Townsend, MD
    • Aimee Gray, OD
    • Ashley Sousa, OD
  • Patients
    • Resources >
      • Eye Health & Care Blog
      • Retina Digest
    • CV-19 Statement
    • Eye Conditions >
      • Cataracts
      • Common Eye Problems >
        • Allergies
        • Amblyopia
        • Astigmatism
        • Blepharitis
        • Chalazion / Stye
        • Conjunctivitis
        • Corneal Abrasion
        • Floaters & Flashes
        • Hyperopia / Farsightedness
        • Myopia / Nearsightedness
        • Presbyopia
        • Strabismus
      • Corneal Diseases & Disorders >
        • Corneal Ulcers
        • Fuchs’ Dystrophy
        • Herpes Zoster / Shingles
        • Keratitis
        • Keratoconus
        • Pterygium
      • Diabetic Eye Disease
      • Dry Eye Syndrome
      • Eyelid Diseases & Disorders >
        • Dermatochalasis
        • Ectropion
        • Entropion
        • Eyelid Lesion
        • Ptosis
        • Tear Duct Obstruction
        • Tumor
      • Eye Trauma / Injury >
        • Blunt Trauma
        • Chemical Injury
        • Penetrating / Perforating Injury
      • Glaucoma >
        • Open Angle Glaucoma >
          • iStent
        • Narrow Angle Glaucoma
        • Neovascular Glaucoma
        • Inflammatory Glaucoma
      • Macular Diseases & Disorders >
        • Macular Degeneration
        • Macular Hole
        • Macular Pucker
      • Neurological Eye Diseases >
        • Blepharospasm
        • Double Vision
        • Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
        • Stroke / Visual Field Defect
        • Temporal Arteritis
      • Retinal Diseases & Disorders >
        • Retinal Tears & Detachments
        • Retinal Vascular Diseases
      • Uveitis & Iritis
    • Videos >
      • Eye Anatomy
      • Cataract
      • Laser Cataract Surgery
      • Children's Vision
      • Common Eye Problems
      • Corneal Conditions
      • Diabetic Eye Disease
      • Dry Eye Syndrome
      • Glaucoma
      • LASIK Over 45
      • LASIK Under 45
      • Macular Degeneration
      • Plastic Eye Surgery
      • Retinal Conditions
      • Refractive Errors
      • Routine Eye Exams
    • Forms & Policies >
      • New Patient Forms
      • HIPAA Policy
      • Referral Forms
    • Financial Information
  • Services
    • Routine Eye Exams >
      • Children
      • Adults
    • Hearing Therapy
    • Specialized Eye Exams >
      • Dilated Eye Exam / Slit Lamp Examination
      • Fluorescein Angiogram
      • Indocyanine Green Angiogram
      • Nerve Fiber Analysis
      • Optical Coherence Tomography
      • Refraction
      • Tonometry
      • Visual Acuity Testing
      • Visual Field Testing
    • Medical, Injection & Surgical / Laser Eye Care
    • Contact Lenses >
      • Contact Lens Types
      • Contact Lens Care & Safety
    • Oculoplastic Surgery & Cosmetic Procedures >
      • Blepharoplasty
      • BOTOX®
      • Restylane®
  • Locations
    • Plymouth
    • Wareham
    • Mashpee
    • Surgery Centers
  • About
    • News
    • Affiliations
    • Patient Reviews
  • Careers
  • Contact
Kadrmas Eye Care New England
  • Doctors
    • Eddie Kadrmas, MD
    • Daniel J. Townsend, MD
    • Aimee Gray, OD
    • Ashley Sousa, OD
  • Patients
    • Resources >
      • Eye Health & Care Blog
      • Retina Digest
    • CV-19 Statement
    • Eye Conditions >
      • Cataracts
      • Common Eye Problems >
        • Allergies
        • Amblyopia
        • Astigmatism
        • Blepharitis
        • Chalazion / Stye
        • Conjunctivitis
        • Corneal Abrasion
        • Floaters & Flashes
        • Hyperopia / Farsightedness
        • Myopia / Nearsightedness
        • Presbyopia
        • Strabismus
      • Corneal Diseases & Disorders >
        • Corneal Ulcers
        • Fuchs’ Dystrophy
        • Herpes Zoster / Shingles
        • Keratitis
        • Keratoconus
        • Pterygium
      • Diabetic Eye Disease
      • Dry Eye Syndrome
      • Eyelid Diseases & Disorders >
        • Dermatochalasis
        • Ectropion
        • Entropion
        • Eyelid Lesion
        • Ptosis
        • Tear Duct Obstruction
        • Tumor
      • Eye Trauma / Injury >
        • Blunt Trauma
        • Chemical Injury
        • Penetrating / Perforating Injury
      • Glaucoma >
        • Open Angle Glaucoma >
          • iStent
        • Narrow Angle Glaucoma
        • Neovascular Glaucoma
        • Inflammatory Glaucoma
      • Macular Diseases & Disorders >
        • Macular Degeneration
        • Macular Hole
        • Macular Pucker
      • Neurological Eye Diseases >
        • Blepharospasm
        • Double Vision
        • Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
        • Stroke / Visual Field Defect
        • Temporal Arteritis
      • Retinal Diseases & Disorders >
        • Retinal Tears & Detachments
        • Retinal Vascular Diseases
      • Uveitis & Iritis
    • Videos >
      • Eye Anatomy
      • Cataract
      • Laser Cataract Surgery
      • Children's Vision
      • Common Eye Problems
      • Corneal Conditions
      • Diabetic Eye Disease
      • Dry Eye Syndrome
      • Glaucoma
      • LASIK Over 45
      • LASIK Under 45
      • Macular Degeneration
      • Plastic Eye Surgery
      • Retinal Conditions
      • Refractive Errors
      • Routine Eye Exams
    • Forms & Policies >
      • New Patient Forms
      • HIPAA Policy
      • Referral Forms
    • Financial Information
  • Services
    • Routine Eye Exams >
      • Children
      • Adults
    • Hearing Therapy
    • Specialized Eye Exams >
      • Dilated Eye Exam / Slit Lamp Examination
      • Fluorescein Angiogram
      • Indocyanine Green Angiogram
      • Nerve Fiber Analysis
      • Optical Coherence Tomography
      • Refraction
      • Tonometry
      • Visual Acuity Testing
      • Visual Field Testing
    • Medical, Injection & Surgical / Laser Eye Care
    • Contact Lenses >
      • Contact Lens Types
      • Contact Lens Care & Safety
    • Oculoplastic Surgery & Cosmetic Procedures >
      • Blepharoplasty
      • BOTOX®
      • Restylane®
  • Locations
    • Plymouth
    • Wareham
    • Mashpee
    • Surgery Centers
  • About
    • News
    • Affiliations
    • Patient Reviews
  • Careers
  • Contact

Recognizing Age-Related Eye Problems Early | Healthy Aging Month

9/12/2017

 
Picture
​It’s no surprise that our bodies change with age. But did you know our eyes also undergo age-related changes?

​While certain age-related changes are considered normal, other symptoms can be a sign of a potentially serious eye condition. 
​

Common Age-Related Eye Conditions

​It’s important to not write off all changes to your eyes as an inevitable part of aging. Recognizing symptoms of age-related eye conditions might help you seek answers, help, and treatment early and protect your vision.
 
Three common age-related eye conditions include glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We’ll look at each of these in detail below.
​

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that is typically caused by increased pressure in the eye. Normally, our eyes produce intraocular fluid, which flows through our eyes and out the eye’s drainage system. The rate that the fluid is secreted should balance the rate it drains. But in people with glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system can become blocked, and fluid can build up. When fluid builds, it increases pressure in eyes, which can damage the optic nerve.
 
People at greater risk for developing glaucoma are those who:
  • Are over the age of 60
  • Are African-American and over the age of 40
  • Have a family history of glaucoma
 
Other risk factors for glaucoma include:
  • Elevated eye pressure
  • African American ancestry
  • Hispanics over age 60
  • Farsightedness or nearsightedness
  • Past eye injury (Blunt trauma or penetrating injury)
  • Steroid use
  • Thinner central corneal thickness
  • Systemic health problems, including diabetes, migraine headaches and poor circulation
  • People of Asian decent appear to be at increased risk for angle-closure glaucoma
 
There are different types of glaucoma, but the most common type, called primary open-angle glaucoma, usually does not cause symptoms early on. As the condition progresses, blind spots in side vision may begin to develop and progress.
 
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in people over 60 years old, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. But early treatment may prevent blindness.

Since early symptoms may not be present, it’s essential to see an ophthalmologist regularly to have eye exams. Early treatment can prevent further damage from developing. Treatment may include medication and surgical procedures to promote fluid drainage and decrease eye pressures.
 
To learn more about glaucoma, please visit our Glaucoma resources on our website:
  • Glaucoma Webpages
  • Glaucoma Blog Posts
  • Glaucoma Videos
​

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. The lens may become cloudy due to changes in the lens tissue caused by injury or, more commonly, aging. As we age, proteins may clump and begin to cloud lens in the eyes. Over time, more of the lens becomes clouded, which affects vision.
 
Although cataracts can start to develop in middle age, they usually do not affect vision until they become larger, which may not occur until after age 60. According to the Mayo Clinic, other risk factors for cataracts than aging include smoking, diabetes, and prolonged exposure to UV rays.
 
Symptoms of cataracts include cloudy vision, poor night vision, and double vision. Cataracts do not have to be removed if they are not causing any symptoms. But if symptoms are present, surgery may be an option. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
 
To learn more about cataracts, please visit our Cataract resources on our website:
  • Cataract Webpages
  • Cataract Blog Posts
  • Cataract Videos 
  • Laser Cataract Surgery Videos
​

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involves the breakdown or deterioration of a part of the retina called the macula. The macula plays a role in processing central vision. Because the macula is small and paper thin, it is susceptible to deterioration. As the macula breaks down, central, sharp vision decreases.
 
Typically, macular degeneration affects people age 50 and over. According to the National Eye Institute, smoking and having a family history of the disorder also increase your risk.
 
Although macular degeneration may not cause total blindness, it can have a significant effect on your quality of life. It leads to central vision loss, which can affect your ability to drive, read, and perform everyday activities.
 
Macular degeneration is divided into two subtypes, including dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is the most common form of the disease. It involves a slow thinning of the macula.
 
Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration causes small deposits of protein to form on the retina that, at first, do not affect vision. In fact, you may not know you even have them. But your ophthalmologist can spot the deposits during an eye exam. As the condition progresses, the deposits can lead to blind spots in the central vision.
 
Wet Macular Degeneration
The second type is wet macular degeneration, which is less common and more severe. In wet macular degeneration, there is an abnormal growth of blood vessels in the back of the eye, which can rupture and lead to vision loss. Regular eye exams can detect macular degeneration early.
 
Current, there are no treatments that can reverse the effects of macular degeneration. It’s vital that it be diagnosed early, which is why we recommend complete eye examinations every 2-4 years starting in your 40s and complete eye examinations every year starting in your 50s.
 
Depending upon the type and stage or severity of macular degeneration, your ophthalmologist may recommend medical and / or injection treatments to slow the progression of AMD and decrease your risk of developing advanced AMD. For some patients with wet AMD, your ophthalmologist may recommend a laser treatment called photocoagulation, which helps to stop leaking of ruptured blood vessels in your eye.
 
To learn more about AMD, please visit our macular degeneration resources on our website:
  • Macular Degeneration Webpages
  • Macular Degeneration Blog Posts
  • Macular Degeneration Videos
 
Regular eye exams are important at any age. But they become even more critical as you age and are at an increased risk of certain eye problems. If you have any questions about how to keep your eyes healthy as you age or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists, please call our office at 508-746-8600. Our medical eye doctors who specialize in the diagnosis of and latest treatments for glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration are here for you:
  • Eddie F. Kadrmas, MD, PhD, Specialist in Macular Degeneration
  • Richard W. Strecker, MD, Specialist in Glaucoma & Cataracts
  • Steven A. Nielsen, MD, Specialist in Glaucoma, Cataracts & Laser Cataract Surgery
  • Lawrence I. Rand, MD, Specialist in Macular Degeneration
 
Stay tuned for our next post, “Protecting Your Vision as You Age,” as we continue with Healthy Aging Month!

Comments are closed.

    EYE HEALTH BLOG

    CLICK HERE to sign up for our eye health / care newsletter and have it delivered automatically to your inbox each month!

    Categories

    All
    AMD
    Astigmatism
    Blepharoplasty
    Cataract
    Children's Eye Health
    Color-blindness
    Conjunctivitis
    Contact Lens
    Cornea
    Cosmetic Eye Surgery
    Covid 19
    Diabetic Eye Disease
    Driving
    Dry Eyes
    Eye Allergies
    Eye Cancer
    Eye Exam
    Eye Health & Safety
    Eye Infections
    Eye Strain
    Floaters
    Glaucoma
    Hyperopia
    Injuries
    Iris
    Low Vision
    Lupus
    Macula
    Myasthenia Gravis
    Myopia
    Organ Donation
    Photokeratitis
    Photophobia
    Presbyopia
    Retina
    Retinopathy
    Scleritis
    Senior Eye Health
    Sports
    Stroke
    Stye
    Uvea
    Vision Correction
    Vision Loss
    Women's Eye Health

    Archives

    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    May 2015
    October 2013
    January 2013
    September 2007
    September 2006
    February 2006
    March 2005
    December 2004
    October 2004
    December 2002
    July 2002

    RSS Feed


    Picture
Kadrmas Eye Care New England
55 Commerce Way, Plymouth, MA 02360
14 Tobey Road, Wareham, MA 02571
133 Falmouth Road (Rt 28), Mashpee, MA 02649
Phone Number:
1-508-746-8600

Hours:
Monday through Friday — 8 AM – 4:30 PM
KadrmasEyeCare.com Privacy Policy  — Disclaimer of Medical Liability
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Doctors
    • Eddie Kadrmas, MD
    • Daniel J. Townsend, MD
    • Aimee Gray, OD
    • Ashley Sousa, OD
  • Patients
    • Resources >
      • Eye Health & Care Blog
      • Retina Digest
    • CV-19 Statement
    • Eye Conditions >
      • Cataracts
      • Common Eye Problems >
        • Allergies
        • Amblyopia
        • Astigmatism
        • Blepharitis
        • Chalazion / Stye
        • Conjunctivitis
        • Corneal Abrasion
        • Floaters & Flashes
        • Hyperopia / Farsightedness
        • Myopia / Nearsightedness
        • Presbyopia
        • Strabismus
      • Corneal Diseases & Disorders >
        • Corneal Ulcers
        • Fuchs’ Dystrophy
        • Herpes Zoster / Shingles
        • Keratitis
        • Keratoconus
        • Pterygium
      • Diabetic Eye Disease
      • Dry Eye Syndrome
      • Eyelid Diseases & Disorders >
        • Dermatochalasis
        • Ectropion
        • Entropion
        • Eyelid Lesion
        • Ptosis
        • Tear Duct Obstruction
        • Tumor
      • Eye Trauma / Injury >
        • Blunt Trauma
        • Chemical Injury
        • Penetrating / Perforating Injury
      • Glaucoma >
        • Open Angle Glaucoma >
          • iStent
        • Narrow Angle Glaucoma
        • Neovascular Glaucoma
        • Inflammatory Glaucoma
      • Macular Diseases & Disorders >
        • Macular Degeneration
        • Macular Hole
        • Macular Pucker
      • Neurological Eye Diseases >
        • Blepharospasm
        • Double Vision
        • Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
        • Stroke / Visual Field Defect
        • Temporal Arteritis
      • Retinal Diseases & Disorders >
        • Retinal Tears & Detachments
        • Retinal Vascular Diseases
      • Uveitis & Iritis
    • Videos >
      • Eye Anatomy
      • Cataract
      • Laser Cataract Surgery
      • Children's Vision
      • Common Eye Problems
      • Corneal Conditions
      • Diabetic Eye Disease
      • Dry Eye Syndrome
      • Glaucoma
      • LASIK Over 45
      • LASIK Under 45
      • Macular Degeneration
      • Plastic Eye Surgery
      • Retinal Conditions
      • Refractive Errors
      • Routine Eye Exams
    • Forms & Policies >
      • New Patient Forms
      • HIPAA Policy
      • Referral Forms
    • Financial Information
  • Services
    • Routine Eye Exams >
      • Children
      • Adults
    • Hearing Therapy
    • Specialized Eye Exams >
      • Dilated Eye Exam / Slit Lamp Examination
      • Fluorescein Angiogram
      • Indocyanine Green Angiogram
      • Nerve Fiber Analysis
      • Optical Coherence Tomography
      • Refraction
      • Tonometry
      • Visual Acuity Testing
      • Visual Field Testing
    • Medical, Injection & Surgical / Laser Eye Care
    • Contact Lenses >
      • Contact Lens Types
      • Contact Lens Care & Safety
    • Oculoplastic Surgery & Cosmetic Procedures >
      • Blepharoplasty
      • BOTOX®
      • Restylane®
  • Locations
    • Plymouth
    • Wareham
    • Mashpee
    • Surgery Centers
  • About
    • News
    • Affiliations
    • Patient Reviews
  • Careers
  • Contact