Aging and Vision Loss

Eye Care
Aging and Vision Loss
Dr. Dennis Ruskin

We expect more from our eyesight now than ever before. Whether at work or play, our sight is precious to our understanding and enjoyment of the fascinating world around us.

Unfortunately, as we grow older the risk of disease causing blindness also increases. In many cases, we are unaware of the early but subtle age-related changes to our eyes, which in some cases may result in irreversible vision loss.

According to a recent poll, Canadians fear losing their eyesight considerably more than losing the use of their legs or hearing. Unfortunately, some adults will experience blindness just because they waited too long before receiving an eye exam. Skipping periodic eye exams are barriers to early detection. Just because you may have 20/20 vision, it does not mean that your eyes are healthy now and will remain healthy in the future too.

Exams performed by optometrists and ophthalmologists can identify sight-threatening diseases such as glaucoma, age-related muscular degeneration, and diabetes before irreversible vision loss occurs.

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve at the back of the eye causing damage to peripheral vision. Glaucoma has been nicknamed “the thief of night”, as the progressive loss in peripheral vision continues to deteriorate slowly over time to unsuspecting individuals. Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma reduces vision loss.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that causes blindness in the center of the field of vision. Central vision is the only part of our vision that gives us the sharp focus we need to read, watch a movie, or drive a car. Nearly one in four, or 23% of Canadians, between the ages of 43 and 64 are likely to develop AMD. Smoking more than doubles the risk. Early identification of patients who are at high risk, changes to lifestyle, and prompt treatment can minimize the harmful effects of AMD.

Diabetes is the most common cause of all new diagnosed blindness. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder resulting from either a lack of insulin (Type I) or increased resistance to insulin (Type II). The disease causes an elevation of the blood sugar in the cardiovascular system causing blood pressure and cholesterol resulting in undue stress on the organs of the body. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the body and particularly the blood vessels in the eye, which can result in permanent vision loss. Periodic eye examination is the best method to ensure that diabetes is not posing a danger to the patient’s vision.

Current scientific research is investigating the importance of nutrition and its effect on the aging eye. Carotenoids are organic pigments within fruit and vegetables that contain powerful antioxidants believed to protect the eye. My office has a new scanner to measure your carotenoid profile on the palm of your hand quickly and without pain.

Increasing your carotenoids by consuming more fruit and vegetables or taking vitamin supplements may be beneficial to reduce or prolong the complications of some ocular and systemic disorders. Diets high in servings of fruits and vegetables may have a positive impact on slowing down progression of cataracts and AMD, and may also be beneficial to diabetics.

Two-years-old or ninety-two-years old, everyone deserves to see the best they can. Take care of your eyes. They have to last you a lifetime!