health
28 OCT - 3 NOV 2011
31
Eye-care advice for the over 60s
AS WE age, our eyes undergo many changes and even those with 20:20 vision while young will most likely require glasses when they reach their 60s and 70s. While some changes are perfectly natural and nothing to worry about, older eyes are also more susceptible to certain issues, which if left undiagnosed and untreated can lead to irreversible damage and sometimes total vision loss. After the age of 60, it is vital that you schedule regular eyetests to allow for early diagnosis of any problems and visit your optician if you notice any significant changes to your vision. Your optician can examine your eye, diagnose the problem and
suggest the correct treatment or course of action to minimise any issues. They can also prescribe the right glasses to counteract the aging process and allow you to lead a full and active life. Optical chain Specsavers has 25 years of experience caring for their patients’ eyes around the world. They have compiled a list of issues to look out for as you get older and how these conditions can be treated. CATARACTS Cataracts are common in over-60s. The lens becomes opaque, blurring vision and even leading to loss of sight if left untreated. Early on, the condition may cause near-sightedness and the reduction in perception of blue colours. Surgery is the most effective way to restore vision. DIABETIC RETINOPATHY Diabetes can cause tiny blood vessels to leak or burst, blurring sight and leaving dark spots on the field of vision. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent loss of sight. FLOATERS Tiny ‘spots’ or ‘blobs’ in the field or vision are often just harmless clusters of cells and will disappear without worry. If they persist, it is worth checking with an optician, however, as they may be a sign of another condition.
GLAUCOMA A build-up of fluid within the eye can increase pressure, which in turn damages the optic nerve. The loss of visual field often occurs gradually and slowly, and may be recognised by the sufferer only when at an advanced stage. This loss of vision can never be recovered, so prompt diagnosis is essential. Treatment is via simple eye drops. MACULAR DEGENERATION In older people, the macula – the centre of the retina which is used for detailed vision – thins and occasionally bleeds. This can lead to distortion of, or even the loss of, central vision. The sufferer may also have trouble discerning colours. Peripheral vision remains unaffected, but central vision loss is serious, so early diagnosis and treatment is vital. Specsavers has four Spanish stores where you can have your eyes checked by a fully-qualified, English-speaking Optician. Visit www.specsavers.es to find your nearest store.