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Are You at Risk for Degenerative Eye Disease?
7/27/2010 9:00:27 PM
Overview: Eye disease, especially macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts are increasingly prevalent in the aging and elderly. Homewatch CareGivers explores the signs and symptoms of vision problems, as well as preventative care options.
Preventing Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and Cataracts
Degenerative
eye disease affects millions of people worldwide, and the numbers are
continually growing. One out of six adults age 45 and older will be
affected by some type of sight-threatening vision problem. The most
common of these eye diseases are macular degeneration, cataracts and
glaucoma. Although the causes and progression of these diseases have
many factors, a healthy lifestyle may contribute most to maintaining
healthy vision.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Americans 65
years of age and older. The center of the retina, called the macula,
breaks down, causing a gradual or sudden loss of vision. Macular
degeneration is classified as either dry or wet. About 90 percent of
patients have the dry form, which may result from the aging and
thinning of macular tissues, depositing of pigment in the macula or a
combination of the two. The wet form occurs when new blood vessels grow
beneath the retina, leaking blood and fluid. The leakage causes retinal
cells to die and creates blind spots in central vision. Early signs of
macular degeneration are gradual, painless and include: visual
hallucinations, straight lines appearing wavy, fuzzy vision and shadowy
areas in central vision.
In time, a person with macular degeneration may find it difficult or
impossible to read, drive or recognize familiar faces. If a loved one
is experiencing any of the signs or symptoms listed above, it's
important to seek professional help. There are new treatments that may
help to slow or stop the progression of the disease. When vision loss
is experienced, low vision aids can improve eye function and quality of
life.
It's important (and simple) to take steps to prevent macular
degeneration. After considering other risk factors, a study of 4000
people ages 43-86 were found to be 70 percent less likely to have or
develop macular degeneration if they led a healthy lifestyle, including
a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and not smoking.
Individuals
who smoke are up to four times more likely to have macular degeneration
than non-smokers — quitting will decrease your chance of eye disease
and many other health complications.
One
study found that people who consumed the most vegetables rich in
carotenoids had a 43 percent lower risk of developing macular
degeneration than those who ate less of these foods. Maintaining a diet
rich in antioxidants, such as lutein, vitamins C and E, zinc and copper
can help decrease the likelihood of an eye disease.
It’s
also important to eat fish or take a fish oil supplement. A recent
study showed that senior men with the highest levels of fish
consumption were 45 percent less likely to have macular degeneration
and vision problems than those who didn't consume fish. Another study
found that participants who ate fish at least once a week were 40
percent less likely to have beginning-stage macular degeneration
develop than those who reported eating fish less than once a month or
never. The recommended amount is 500 mg/day of DHA/EPA essential fatty
acids.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma classifies a group of vision diseases that can damage the
eye’s optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and blindness. The pressure
inside of the eye is similar to our blood pressure; there is a “normal”
range, but when the pressure becomes higher, it can damage the
photoreceptors we use for sight. Although glaucoma affects people of
all ages, people 40 years of age and older have an increased risk of
being affected. Other risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, lack
of exercise and heredity.
It's
estimated that 4 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, and about
half may not even know they're affected, as the early stages often have
no signs or symptoms. This is a dangerous statistic, as the vision loss
caused by glaucoma is irreversible. The testing for glaucoma is a
standard part of an annual eye examination, so it’s important to make
it to the eye doctor each year. If diagnosed, prescription eye drops
are the most common treatment, but surgical intervention is sometimes
necessary.
A healthy lifestyle can do wonders
for preventing glaucoma. Researchers in Oregon have shown that aerobic
conditioning can lower pressure in and increase blood flow to the eye,
and a further, transient lowering occurs on an acute basis with
exercise. If you are part of any high-risk groups for glaucoma, be sure
to take care of your condition — being in control of health problems
can lower the risk of development. Although there is no proof (yet),
there’s increasing evidence that points to high doses of antioxidants
benefiting some patients with glaucoma.
Cataracts
The
natural lens inside our eye is the clearest at birth. With age and
exposure to environmental elements, protein can clump together and
begin to cloud, blocking the light that passes through. This creates a
cataract, which may grow larger and cloud more of the lens over time,
significantly impairing vision. Symptoms include cloudy or blurry
vision, colors seeming faded, glare (headlights, lamps or sunlight may
appear too bright, and a halo may appear around lights), poor night
vision, double vision or multiple images in one eye, and frequent
prescription changes in contacts or eyeglasses.
By
age 65, about half of the human population has a cataract, and by age
75, almost everyone has a cataract. However, cataracts are highly
treatable, and through advances in both cataract surgery and lens
implants, more people are experiencing full restoration of lost vision
than ever before. It is the most frequently performed surgery in the
U.S., and will continue to benefit the older (and increasingly active
population). Unlike macular degeneration and glaucoma, cataracts are
“cured” by having surgery and will not recur later in life.
Many studies suggest that exposure to UV light is associated with
cataract development. Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat while
outdoors will reduce your exposure. Other external risk factors include
cigarette smoke and air pollution.
Researchers also believe that good nutrition can help reduce the risk
for developing cataracts. A diet full of green, leafy vegetables, fruit
and other foods high in antioxidants can help. Stay away from diets
high in salt, and avoid heavy alcohol consumption.
If symptoms of cataracts appear, it's best to visit an eye care
professional. Being prescribed new glasses, strong bifocals, or using
other visual aids can help. The doctor and patient can decide together
when the time is right for cataract surgery.
As
with most health problems, less risk of development is present
alongside better overall health. Regular exercise, not smoking, wearing
sun protection and eating healthily are the best things one can do for
overall health and healthy vision. Just as routine doctor visits are
important, so are annual eye check-ups — even if you don't notice a
change in vision. The American Academies of Optometry and Ophthalmology
both advise an annual examination for those 60 years of age and older.
Dr.
Kristin Gurholt practices at Boulder Vision Center in Boulder, Colo.
She has been in primary care optometry since 1997, treating patients'
current needs while preventing future problems through education.
Kristin J. Gurholt, O.D.
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