How's Your Vision?

Age 60 and Above

As our bodies age, so do our eyes. Early detection of cataracts and age-related eye diseases is the best way to maintain your clear vision now and in the future.

CATARACTS
Hart Eye Center takes a personalized approach to cataract removal utilizing the INFINITI® Vision System and provides patients with a variety of multifocal lens implants to meet their particular vision needs and lifestyle.

Click here to learn more about cataract removal at Hart Eye Center.

AGE-RELATED EYE DISEASES
Hart Eye Center uses state-of-the-art technology to detect and fight age-related eye disease, which, if not properly treated, can cause blindness.

There are three primary age-related eye diseases:
•    glaucoma
•    diabetic retinopathy
•    macular degeneration

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease associated with the buildup of internal eye pressure, which can damage the optic nerve that transmits visual information to the brain.

If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to decreased peripheral vision (edges of vision) and cause blindness. The disease is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States.

Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight,” because it normally does not cause pain or produce symptoms. This condition can be successfully treated, it is important to have your eye doctor check regularly for glaucoma if you are age 60 or over or if your family has a history of the disease.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is the exception to the rule. The condition can cause the sudden occurrence of the following symptoms: blurry vision, halos around lights, intense eye pain, nausea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms you should visit your eye doctor or an emergency room immediately so the appropriate steps can be taken to prevent vision loss.

Action: Get an eye examination if you are over 60 or if you have a family history of glaucoma. Continue regular exams. Hart Eye Center offers FREE SCREENINGS for glaucoma. Click HERE for screening dates.

Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. The condition occurs in diabetics when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue of the retina.

Diabetic retinopathy has multiple stages that if left untreated can lead to blindness. The condition can also cause glaucoma and cataracts.

If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Generally, the disease does not develop unless one has had diabetes for at least ten years, but it is wise as soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes to have a dilated eye exam at least once a year. It is also important to remember that the longer one has diabetes, the higher risk they have of gaining diabetic retinopathy. This condition is treatable, but it is important to be proactive with check-ups and adhere to the lifestyle provisions advised by your doctor.

Diabetic retinopathy does not always produce symptoms. Many diabetic retinopathy patients report seeing floaters in their field of vision, have difficulty reading or doing close-up work or have double vision. If you have any of these symptoms, see your eye doctor immediately.

Action: If you have diabetes, have a dilated eye exam at least once a year.

Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that impairs central vision by progressively destroying the macula. The macula lies in the center of the retina and is responsible for central vision. This condition usually occurs in individuals after age 60, and is the leading cause of blindness for this age group.

Unlike the other age-related eye diseases, the progression of macular degeneration cannot be completely shut down, but with proper treatment its development can be prolonged and vision can be preserved. It is imperative to maintain regular visits with your eye doctor to have your vision tested and protected.

In addition to visiting your eye doctor, if you are concerned you may have macular degeneration, you can monitor your vision through using the Amsler Grid screening test. If you are unable to print the grid, Hart Eye Center has the chart available to take home.

Action: See your eye doctor if you are over 60 or notice vision impairment. Use the Amsler Grid to check your vision periodically. Hart Eye Center offers FREE SCREENINGS for macular degeneration. Click HERE for screening dates.

Click here for more information on macular degeneration.