by Mark Miranda, Gazette Contributing Writer
 

Loss of vision isn’t necessarily a part of aging. But there are certain eye diseases that are of special concern to older people.
The four most common conditions, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, are treatable in the earliest stages. Unfortunately, they are not easily detected at that time. Often, before you notice a difference in your vision, you may have permanently lost a significant amount of vision.
Cataracts: The most common of eye diseases, three-fourths of seniors have some degree of cataracts which is a clouding of the eye’s lens. Early warning signs of cataracts include blurred vision, double vision or ghosted images, sensitivity to glare and frequent switching of eyeglasses. Surgical removal of the cataract improves vision in most cases.
Glaucoma: The leading source of blindness, glaucoma develops slowly with a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision. Once detected, it can be stopped. However, any vision already lost cannot be restored. Diabetics and African-Americans are at higher risk for glaucoma. Also, a family history of the disease, an eye injury or having used cortisone medication for a long period of time increase risk.
Symptoms to watch for include loss of side vision, difficulty in adjusting to a darkened room, blurred or foggy vision especially upon awakening and frequent switching of glasses.
Macular Degeneration: The macula, a small spot in the center and most sensitive part of the retina, is responsible for the sharp vision you need to read or to see colors clearly. If degeneration occurs, center vision may become blurred or distorted or you may have a blind spot. It can happen slowly or quickly and can occur in different forms. Early treatment can help.
Warning signs of macular degeneration include sudden hazy or blurred vision, recurrent pain in or around the eyes, double vision, “halos” around lights, unusual sensitivity to light or glare, change in color of iris and sudden development of “floaters.”
Diabetic Retinopathy: Everyone with diabetes should have their eyes examined at least once a year because diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina, and vision may become blurred. Untreated, it can lead to blindness. Laser therapy to the blood vessels can help stem vision loss. But good control of blood sugar levels can greatly reduce the risk of blindness. Blurred vision is the most common symptom to watch for if you are a diabetic.
As you get older you may experience watery eyes or dry eyes, reduced night vision, difficulty in focusing and floaters. You may need more light to see, more time to adjust to glare or darkness, and it may be harder to distinguish some colors.
To protect your eyesight, see an eye doctor at least once a year. Ophthalmologists on the Kessler Medical Staff include Donald Ferretti, MD and Jean Claude Pilet, MD. Call the Physician Referral Service at 561-6700, ext 5454 for information about these and other physicians on the Kessler Medical Staff.