The Eye Care Blog

As long as we can see and our eyes give us no trouble, most of us find it hard to believe that things could go wrong. As we age, however, the risk of conditions such as cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration increases. So the sooner you start taking care of your eyes the better.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common problem, affecting as many as one in four people by the age of 75. It affects the central part of the retina known as the macula: the part of the eye that distinguishes fine detail. First symptoms include a blurring or distortion of vision followed by a gradually enlarging central blind spot. Eventually the condition stabilises and people with AMD rarely lose their sight completely - they are usually left with enough peripheral vision to get around, but driving and reading can become impossible and even watching television may be difficult.

Causes: AMD has been linked to hardening of the arteries and poor circulation, excessive exposure to sunlight and smoking. Long hours spent in front of a computer screen and low levels of antioxidant nutrients may also be factors.

Cataract is another common problem that develops in later years when the protein fibres that make up the lens of the eye undergo chemical changes. The process is similar to that which takes place in the white of an egg as it is cooked. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, although one is usually more advanced than the other.

Causes: Most cataracts are the result of age but they can develop after an eye injury. Other causes include diabetes, smoking, a diet low in vegetables and fruit, excessive exposure to sunlight, raised blood pressure and the simple fact that we tend to live longer than we used to.

Glaucoma results from raised pressure inside the eyeball. The ball itself is divided by the iris into two compartments, one in front of the lens and the other behind it. A fluid called aqueous humour normally flows freely through a narrow drainage channel. Glaucoma develops when the fluid is produced faster than it drains away or because the drain becomes blocked.

Causes: Glaucoma tends to run in families, so if any of your relatives have been affected it is sensible to have regular checks from the age of 40 onwards. It can also occur as part of the natural ageing process or after an eye injury.

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Filed under Dry Eyes, Eye Treatment, Macular Degeneration

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 7th, 2006 at 9:40 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.