Healthy vision after 50: Care and prevention

Healthy vision after 50: Care and prevention

1. Age -related vision changes: what to expect

After 50 years, vision undergoes a number of natural changes due to the aging of the body. It is important to understand these changes in order to take measures to maintain eye health and prevent serious problems.

• Presbiopia (age farsightedness): The most common change in vision after 40 years, usually manifested by 50 years. The crystal of the eye loses its elasticity and the ability to focus on close objects. Symptoms include blurry vision near, the need to push the text further from the eyes, headaches and eye fatigue. Presbiopia is adjusted by reading glasses, bifocal or multifocal lenses.

• Dry eyes: With age, the production of tear fluid is reduced, which leads to dry eyes. Symptoms include the feeling of sand in the eyes, burning, redness, increased sensitivity to light and sometimes even lacrimation (like a reaction to dryness). Dry eyes can be facilitated with artificial tears, humidifiers of air and proper nutrition.

• Clouding of the lens (cataract): Cataract is a clouding of a natural lens of the eye, leading to a gradual decrease in vision. Symptoms include blurry vision, dull colors, increased sensitivity to light and halo around light sources. Cataract usually develops slowly and can be successfully removed surgically.

• Increase in the risk of glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure. Symptoms of glaucoma are often invisible in the early stages, so regular examinations of an ophthalmologist are extremely important for timely detection and treatment. An absurd glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness.

• Age macular degeneration (VMD): The IDMD is a disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina, which is responsible for acute vision. The VMD leads to a gradual loss of central vision, which complicates reading, driving and recognizing faces. There are two types of VMD: dry and wet. Dry VMD develops slowly, and the wet VMD progresses faster and can lead to a more serious loss of vision.

• Changes in the colorfulness: With age, the ability to distinguish colors can decrease, especially shades of blue and purple.

• Deterioration of adaptation to darkness: Age -related changes in the retina can make it difficult to adapt to the darkness, which can be a problem when driving at night.

2. Risk factors affecting vision after 50

The eyes of the eyes after 50 years are influenced by various factors, both genetic and lifestyle related to the way of life.

• Age: The most important risk factor. The probability of developing most eye diseases increases with age.
• Genetic predisposition: If your close relatives had cataracts, glaucoma or VMD, you have increased the risk of developing these diseases.
• Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of cataracts, VMD and glaucoma.
• Solar radiation: A long -term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage the eyes and increase the risk of cataracts and the EMD.
• Inal meals: The lack of vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the eyes can increase the risk of eye diseases.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the eyes, increasing the risk of glaucoma and other eye diseases.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a disease that damages blood vessels in the retina and can lead to blindness.
• Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and hypertension, which, in turn, increase the risk of eye diseases.
• Some drugs: Some drugs, such as corticosteroids, can increase the risk of cataracts and glaucomas.
• Eye injuries: Eye injuries can increase the risk of cataracts and glaucomas.

3. Regular examinations of an ophthalmologist: importance and frequency

Regular examinations by an ophthalmologist are a key element of maintaining the health of the eyes after 50 years. They allow you to detect diseases in the early stages, when treatment is most effective.

• Examination frequency: Most people after 50 years are recommended to undergo an integrated examination by an ophthalmologist at least once a year. If you have risk factors, such as a family history of eye diseases, diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend more frequent examinations.

• What includes an integrated eye examination:

  • Measurement of visual acuity: Checking the ability to see at different distances.
  • Refraction: Determining the need for glasses or contact lenses.
  • Eye view (ophthalmoscopy): Inspection of the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels in the eye.
  • Measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry): Checking on the glaucoma.
  • Research of fields of vision (perimetry): Assessment of peripheral vision.
  • Biomicroscopy: Inspection of the front of the eye (cornea, lens, iris).
  • Other tests: Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, your doctor can conduct additional tests, such as optical coherent tomography (OKT), for a more detailed study of the retina and optic nerve.

• Why are early examinations important: Many eye diseases do not have obvious symptoms in the early stages. Early detection and treatment can prevent or slow down the progression of these diseases and maintain vision.

4. Eating for the health of the eyes: which products are useful

Proper nutrition plays an important role in maintaining the health of the eyes. Some vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are especially useful for vision.

• Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These antioxidants accumulate in the makula and protect it from damage by free radicals. They are found in large quantities in dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale cabbage and broccoli.

• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from damage to free radicals. It is found in citrus fruits, berries, pepper and other fruits and vegetables.

• Vitamin E: Another important antioxidant that helps protect the eye cells from damage. It is found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables.

• Zinc: It is necessary for the normal operation of the retina. It is found in meat, poultry, fish, legumes and nuts.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Important to the health of the retina and can help reduce dry eyes. They are found in fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), linen seed, chia and walnuts.

• Vitamin A: It is necessary for vision in the dark. It is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and liver.

• General recommendations for nutrition for the health of the eyes:

  • Eat a variety of foods rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Limit the consumption of processed products, sugar and saturated fats.
  • Maintain healthy weight.
  • Drink enough water.

5. Protection from the Sun: The importance of sunscreen glasses

Solar radiation can damage the eyes and increase the risk of cataracts, VMD and other eye diseases. Wearing sunglasses is an important way to protect the eyes from the sun.

• The choice of sunglasses:

  • Make sure the glasses block 100% UVA and UVB ray: This is the most important characteristic of sunglasses.
  • Choose glass glasses: They provide better protection from the sun from the side.
  • Pay attention to the color of the lenses: Gray, brown and green lenses are least distorted by colors.
  • Polarizing lenses: They reduce glare from water, snow and other reflective surfaces.

• When to wear sunglasses: Wear sunglasses every time you are on the street, even on cloudy days. Ultraviolet radiation penetrates through the clouds.

• Special protection near water and snow: Water and snow reflect the sun’s rays, increasing the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the eyes.

6. Exercises for the eyes: myths and reality

There are many myths about the exercises for the eyes and their ability to improve vision. Although some exercises can help reduce eye fatigue and improve focus, they cannot cure serious eye diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma or EMD.

• Useful eye exercises:

  • Palming: Close your eyes with your palms for a few minutes to relax the eye muscles.
  • Focusing: Look at the close object, and then at the far, focusing on each of them.
  • Eye movement: Move your eyes up and down, left-right, diagonally and in a circle.
  • Morgatya: Sprinkle regularly to moisten your eyes.

• When the exercises can be useful: Eye exercises can be useful for people who spend a lot of time at the computer or read to reduce eye fatigue and improve focus.

• When the exercises are ineffective: Eye exercises cannot cure serious eye diseases or improve vision in people with myopia, farsightedness or astigmatism.

7. Healthy lifestyle: impact on vision

A healthy lifestyle as a whole has a positive effect on the health of the eyes.

• Control of blood pressure and cholesterol level: High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage blood vessels in the eyes, increasing the risk of eye diseases.

• Regular physical exercises: Exercises help improve blood circulation, which is useful for the health of the eyes.

• Refusal of smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of eye diseases.

• Blood sugar control (diabetes): A high blood sugar can lead to diabetic retinopathy.

• Sufficient sleep: The lack of sleep can lead to fatigue of the eyes and dry eyes.

• Stress management: Stress can negatively affect the health of the eyes.

8. Dry eye: causes, symptoms and treatment

Dry eyes is a common problem, especially after 50 years.

• Causes of dry eyes:

  • Reducing the production of tear fluid with age.
  • Some drugs (antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers).
  • Diseases (shegren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).
  • Contact lenses.
  • Work at the computer.
  • Dry air (heating, air conditioning).
  • Smoking.

• Symptoms of dry eyes:

  • The feeling of sand in the eyes.
  • Burning.
  • Redness.
  • Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Lacrimation (as a reaction to dryness).
  • Blurry vision.

• Treatment of dry eyes:

  • Artificial tears: Lubricate their eyes and moisturize them.
  • Air humidifiers: Increase humidity in the room.
  • Warm compresses: Help stimulate the production of tear fluid.
  • Massage eyelids: Helps to cleanse the Meibomiev glands that produce an oily secret that prevents the evaporation of tears.
  • Medicines: In some cases, the doctor may prescribe drugs to stimulate the production of tear fluid or to reduce inflammation.
  • Occlusion of lacrimal canals: The doctor can temporarily or constantly block the lacrimal channels to keep tears on the surface of the eye.

9. Cataracts: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to a gradual decrease in vision.

• Symptoms of cataracts:

  • Blurry vision.
  • Dull colors.
  • Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Half around the light sources.
  • Deterioration of night vision.
  • Frequent change of glasses.

• Cataract diagnosis: An ophthalmologist can diagnose a cataract during an integrated examination of the eyes.

• Cataract treatment: The only effective way to treat cataracts is the surgical removal of a clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens (intracular lens). The cataract removal operation is one of the most common and safe surgical procedures.

10. Glaucoma: types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure.

• Types of glaucoma:

  • Open -angle glaucoma: The most common type of glaucoma. It is characterized by a gradual increase in intraocular pressure. Symptoms are often invisible in the early stages.
  • Clothing glaucoma: It is characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. Symptoms include severe pain in the eye, redness of the eye, nausea, vomiting and blurry vision.
  • Congenital glaucoma: Glaucoma, which is present at birth.
  • Secondary glaucoma: Glaucoma caused by other diseases or drugs.

• Symptoms of glaucoma: Symptoms of glaucoma are often invisible in the early stages. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

  • Loss of peripheral vision.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Rainbow circles around light sources.
  • Pain in the eye (with closed -angled glaucoma).

• Diagnosis of glaucoma: An ophthalmologist can diagnose glaucomas during an integrated examination of the eyes, which includes the measurement of intraocular pressure, examination of the optic nerve and study of visual fields.

• Glaucoma treatment: The treatment of glaucoma is aimed at reducing intraocular pressure and preventing further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment options include:

  • Eye drops: The most common method of treating glaucoma.
  • Laser surgery: It can be used to reduce intraocular pressure.
  • Traditional surgery: It may be necessary in some cases to reduce intraocular pressure.

11. Age macular degeneration (VMD): types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Age macular degeneration (VMD) is a disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina, which is responsible for acute vision.

• VMD types:

  • Dry AMD: The most common type of VMD. It is characterized by slow progression and appearance of friends (yellowish deposits) under the retina.
  • Wet VMD: It is characterized by rapid progression and formation of new blood vessels under the mesh that can occur and damage the macula.

• Symptom vmd:

  • Blurred vision in the center of the field of view.
  • Distortion of straight lines.
  • Difficulties with reading and recognizing persons.
  • Dark or empty spot in the center of the field of view.

• AMD Diagnosis: The ophthalmologist can diagnose the VMD during an integrated examination of the eyes, which includes a retinal examination and optical coherent tomography (OCT).

• VMD treatment:

  • Dry AMD: The treatment of dry VMD is aimed at slowing the progression of the disease. Treatment options include:

    • Vitamins and minerals (AREDS2 formula): They can help slow down the progression of dry VMD.
    • Regular examinations by an ophthalmologist.

  • Wet VMD: Treatment of a wet VMD is aimed at preventing the formation of new blood vessels and a decrease in their course. Treatment options include:

    • Anti-VEGF injections of drugs: drugs that block the vascular endothelium factor (VEGF), which contributes to the formation of new blood vessels.
    • Laser photocoagulation: used to destroy flowing blood vessels.
    • Photodynamic therapy (FDT): used to destroy flowing blood vessels using a special photosensitive drug and laser.

12. Diabetic Retinopathy: Prevention and Treatment

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that damages blood vessels in the retina and can lead to blindness.

• Prevention of diabetic retinopathy:

  • Blood sugar control.
  • Control of blood pressure.
  • Regular examinations by an ophthalmologist.

• Treatment of diabetic retinopathy:

  • Laser photocoagulation: Used to destroy damaged blood vessels.
  • Anti-VEGF injections of drugs: drugs that block the vascular endothelium factor (VEGF), which contributes to the formation of new blood vessels.
  • Vitrectomy: a surgical procedure for removing blood and clots from the vitreous body.

13. Work at a computer: how to protect vision

Long work at the computer can lead to fatigue of the eyes, dry eyes and other vision problems.

• Rules for working at a computer:

  • Correct distance: Keep the monitor at an extended arm.
  • Correct position: The upper edge of the monitor should be at a level or just below the eye level.
  • Regular breaks: Take breaks every 20 minutes to look at objects located at a distance of 20 feet (6 meters) for 20 seconds (rule 20-20-20).
  • Adjusting brightness and contrast: Adjust the brightness and contrast of the monitor so that they are comfortable for the eyes.
  • Using artificial tears: Lubricate your eyes with artificial tears to prevent dry eyes.
  • Air humidifier: Use a humidifier to increase humidity in the room.
  • Special glasses for working at the computer: They can help reduce eye fatigue and improve vision when working at the computer.

14. Contact lenses after 50: Features and care

Wearing contact lenses after 50 years can be more difficult than in youth, due to age-related changes in vision, such as dry eyes and presbyopia.

• Features of wearing contact lenses after 50:

  • Dry eyes: Dry eye is a common problem after 50 years that can make contact lenses uncomfortable.
  • Presbyopia: Presbiopia may require the use of multifocal contact lenses or reading glasses in addition to contact lenses.
  • The risk of infections: With age, the immune system can weaken, which increases the risk of infections associated with the wearing of contact lenses.

• Contact lens care rules:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching contact lenses.
  • Use only recommended solutions for cleaning and storing contact lenses.
  • Do not use tap water to clean or store contact lenses.
  • Change the contact lens container regularly.
  • Do not sleep in contact lenses if this is not recommended by your doctor.
  • Remove contact lenses if your eyes turned red, pain or discomfort appeared.
  • Regularly visit an ophthalmologist to check your eyes and contact lenses.

15. Auxiliary remedies for visually impaired

Various auxiliary means can help people with weakened vision caused by various eye diseases.

• Types of auxiliary means:

  • Glasses with large lenses: Increase the image.
  • Telescopic glasses: Provide a greater increase than ordinary glasses.
  • Lups: Manual, desktop or backlight.
  • Electronic lups: Increase the image and display it on the screen.
  • Reading programs from the screen: Read the text aloud.
  • Programs for increasing text: Increase the text on the computer screen.
  • Special lamps: Provide good lighting for reading and other activities.
  • Large -format books and newspapers: Facilitate reading.

• Specialist consultation: A specialist in the rehabilitation of visually impaired can help choose the most suitable auxiliary means and teach them to use.

16. The latest developments in ophthalmology

In ophthalmology, new methods of diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases are constantly being developed.

• New diagnostic methods:

  • Optical coherent tomography angiography (octa): Allows you to study the blood vessels in the retina without the use of a contrast medium in detail.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosis: AI is used to analyze images of the retina and optic nerve to identify signs of eye diseases.

• New methods of treatment:

  • Gene therapy: Used to treat some hereditary retinal diseases.
  • Implantable telescopic lenses: Used to improve vision in people with VMD.
  • Stem cell treatment: It is investigated as a method of treating various eye diseases.
  • New drugs for the treatment of VMD and diabetic retinopathy: New drugs are constantly being developed for a more effective treatment of these diseases.
  • Minimum invasive surgery of glaucoma (MIGS): New surgical methods for reducing intraocular pressure with fewer complications.

17. Preventive measures in everyday life

In addition to regular examinations, the doctor and proper nutrition, there are simple measures that can be taken in everyday life to maintain the health of the eyes.

• Blink regularly: Blinking helps moisturize your eyes and prevent dryness.
• Use a humidifier: The humidifier can help increase humidity in the room and prevent dry eyes.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking is harmful to the health of the eyes.
• Protect your eyes from the sun: Wear sunglasses blocking 100% UVA and UVB rays.
• Ask correctly: Eat a variety of foods rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Take breaks when working at the computer: Take breaks every 20 minutes to look at objects located at a distance of 20 feet (6 meters) for 20 seconds (rule 20-20-20).
• Make sure you have good lighting: Work and read in good light.
• Follow hygiene rules when using contact lenses: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching contact lenses.

18. Myths about vision and their exposure

There are many myths about vision that can lead to improper ideas about the health of the eyes.

• Myth: Reading in weak light spoils vision.
  Fact: Reading in low light can cause fatigue of the eyes, but does not spoil vision.

• Myth: Sitting too close to the TV spoils vision.
  Fact: Sitting too close to the TV can cause fatigue of the eyes, but does not spoil his vision.

• Myth: Wearing glasses make eyes weaker.
  Fact: Wearing glasses does not make eyes weaker. Glasses just help compensate for visual defects.

• Myth: Eye exercises can cure myopia or farsightedness.
  Fact: Eye exercises cannot cure myopia or farsightedness.

• Myth: Carrots improves vision.
  Fact: Carrots contains vitamin A, which is necessary for vision, but the use of carrots will not improve vision if you do not have a deficiency of vitamin A.

• Myth: Cataract is a film in the eye.
  Fact: Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye.

19. Psychological adaptation to visual impairment

Vision deterioration can be a complex experience that can affect the emotional state of a person.

• Emotional reactions: People with visual impairment can experience various emotions, such as sadness, anger, fear, anxiety and depression.

• Adaptation strategies:

  • Recognition of your feelings: It is important to admit and accept your feelings.
  • Communication with others: Communication with friends, family or other people faced with a similar situation can help cope with emotional difficulties.
  • Professional help: A psychologist or psychotherapist can help develop adaptation strategies and cope with negative emotions.
  • Using auxiliary means: Auxiliary means can help maintain independence and quality of life.
  • Focus on what you can do: Focus on your strengths and abilities, and not on restrictions.
  • Accepting a new way of life: Accept the fact that you may have to change your lifestyle, but this does not mean that you cannot live a full life.

20. Support and resources for people with vision problems

There are many organizations and resources that can help people with vision problems and their families.

• Ophthalmologists: Specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
• Optometrists: Specialists in checking vision and selecting glasses and contact lenses.
• Optics: Specialists in the manufacture and selection of glasses.
• Rehabilitation centers for visually impaired: Provide services for rehabilitation and training of people with weakened vision.
• Organizations for blind and visually impaired: Provide support, information and resources for people with vision problems and their families.
• Internet resources: Many websites contain information about eye diseases, treatment and auxiliary agents.

21. Plastic Century (blepharoplasty) and vision

Blefaroplasty, or eyelid plastic, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the eyelids. The effect of blepharoplasty on vision depends on the specific indications and operations of the operation.

• Blefaroplasty of the upper eyelids: In some cases, an excess of skin in the upper eyelids can hang over eyelashes and limit the field of vision. Blefaroplasty of the upper eyelids, removing this excess of skin, can improve peripheral vision.

• Blefaroplasty of the lower eyelids: Blefaroplasty of the lower eyelids usually does not affect vision directly, but can improve the comfort of the eyes by eliminating bags under the eyes and swelling, which can contribute to dry eyes.

• Possible complications: Like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty is associated with the risk of complications, such as dry eyes, bruises, swelling, infection and, in rare cases, temporary or constant vision of vision. It is important to discuss these risks with the surgeon before the operation.

• Surgeon’s choice: It is important to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in blepharopoplasty in order to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best result.

22. Laser vision correction after 50

Laser vision correction, such as Lasik and PRK, may be an option for people after 50 years who want to get rid of glasses or contact lenses. However, it is important to consider that after 50 years, vision undergoes natural changes, such as presbyopia.

• Lasik и PRK: These procedures change the shape of the cornea to correct myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism.

• Presbyopia: Laser vision correction cannot correct the presbyopia, so after the operation, most people after 50 years will still need reading glasses.

• Monovias: One of the options is a mono -sound in which one eye is adjusted to vision into the distance, and the other for vision near. This can reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses, but not everyone is suitable for mono -sounding.

• Age -related eyes changes: With age, the risk of dry eyes, cataracts and glaucoma increases. It is important to discuss these risks with an ophthalmologist before considering a laser vision correction.

• Thorough examination: Before laser vision correction, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist to determine if you are a suitable candidate and which method of vision correction is best suited for you.

23. Alternative methods of treatment of vision: what works and what is not

There are many alternative methods of treatment of vision, but not all of them have a scientific justification. It is important to be careful and not trust the promises of miraculous healing.

• Alternative methods with a limited evidence base:

  • Eye exercises according to the Bates method: There is no convincing evidence that these exercises can improve vision.
  • Irid diagnosis: There is no scientific evidence that the disease can be diagnosed by the rainbow shell.
  • Homeopathy: There is no scientific evidence that homeopathy is effective in the treatment of eye diseases.
  • Acupuncture: Some studies show that acupuncture can help with dry eyes, but additional studies are needed.

• Alternative methods with some evidence:

  • Biologically active additives (dietary supplements): Some dietary supplements, such as lutein, zeaxantin and omega-3 fatty acids, can be useful for the health of the eyes. However, before their appointment, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

• It is important to remember: Do not replace the traditional treatment of eye diseases with alternative methods. Always consult an ophthalmologist about any vision problems.

24. The value of lighting in the house for the eyes of the eyes

Correct lighting in