How to preserve vision after 50

How to preserve vision after 50: comprehensive guidance

Age -related changes in vision: inevitability, but not a sentence

After 50 years, vision undergoes a number of changes, which are part of the natural aging process. It is important to understand that visual impairment is not necessarily a loss of vision. Knowing how to respond to these changes and taking preventive measures, you can maintain good vision for many years.

Main age -related vision changes:

1. Presbiopia (age farsightedness): This is perhaps the most common change. The crystal of the eye loses its elasticity, which makes it difficult to focus on close objects. Reading becomes blurry, and often there is a need to push the book or phone further from the eyes.

   • Development mechanism: With age, the lens becomes less flexible and thickens. This reduces its ability to change its shape for focusing on close objects. The muscles that control the shape of the lens also weaken.
   • Symptoms:
     • Difficult reading of small font.
     • The need to keep the text further from the eyes.
     • Eye tension and headaches when reading.
     • Blurred vision when moving from distant objects to loved ones.
   • Correction: Presbiopia is usually adjusted using reading glasses, bifocal or progressive lenses. Contact lenses are also available for the correction of presbyopia. In some cases, surgical correction may be considered (for example, implantation of multifocal lenses).

2. Dry eyes: With age, the production of tear fluid decreases, which leads to a feeling of dryness, burning and discomfort in the eyes.

   • Development mechanism: The lacrimal glands responsible for the production of tear fluids can reduce their activity with age. In addition, some drugs, as well as certain health conditions (for example, autoimmune diseases) can aggravate dry eyes.
   • Symptoms:
     • The feeling of sand or a foreign body in the eyes.
     • Burning and tingling in the eyes.
     • Eye redness.
     • Blurry vision (especially after prolonged reading or working at a computer).
     • Photophobia.
   • Treatment: Treatment of dry eyes includes the use of artificial tears, moisturizing drops and gels. In more severe cases, anti -inflammatory drugs or drugs that stimulate the production of tear fluids can be prescribed. It is important to avoid factors that aggravate dry eyes, such as a long stay in dry rooms, working at a computer without interruptions and smoking.

3. Increased sensitivity to light: With age, the pupil decreases in size, which reduces the amount of light that falls into the eye. This can lead to increased sensitivity to bright light and difficulty in view in low light conditions.

   • Development mechanism: The size of the pupil decreases with age, which limits the amount of light reaching the retina. In addition, the transparency of the lens and other eyes of the eye can decrease, which also reduces the amount of light entering the eye.
   • Symptoms:
     • Bright light causes discomfort.
     • Difficult vision in low light conditions.
     • The need to use a brighter light for reading.
     • Difficult adaptation to a change in lighting.
   • Recommendations: Use sunglasses with UV protection on the street, and in the room-soft lighting. Avoid sharp transitions from dark rooms to brightly lit.

4. Reduced color perception: With age, the ability to distinguish colors, especially shades of blue and green, can decrease.

   • Development mechanism: The retinal cells responsible for color vision (cones) can lose their sensitivity with age. In addition, clouding of the lens (cataract) can affect color perception.
   • Symptoms:
     • Difficult distinction between the shades of blue and green.
     • The colors seem less bright and saturated.
     • Difficult recognition of objects in low illumination.
   • Recommendations: Although the full restoration of color vision may be impossible, the use of bright lighting and contrasting colors can help improve perception. Regular examinations of an ophthalmologist will help to identify and treat any other problems that can affect color vision.

5. Loss of the transparency of the vitreous body: The vitreous body is a gel -like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina. With age, cloudings (the so -called “flies” in front of the eyes) may appear in the vitreous body.

   • Development mechanism: The vitreous body can compress with age and exfoliate from the retina, which leads to the formation of cloudings that look like “flies”, threads or web, floating in front of the eyes.
   • Symptoms:
     • Visualization of “flies” in front of the eyes.
     • Sensation of floating threads or web.
     • Temporary outbreaks of light in sight.
   • Recommendations: In most cases, “flies” do not require treatment and eventually become less noticeable. However, if the number of “flies” suddenly increases, flashes of light appear or loss of peripheral vision is observed, it is necessary to immediately contact an ophthalmologist, as this may indicate retinal detachment.

Age -related eye diseases: the importance of early diagnosis and treatment

In addition to natural age -related changes, after 50 years the risk of developing serious eye diseases increases, which can lead to significant loss of vision, if they are not diagnosed and not treated in a timely manner.

1. Cataract: This is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to a gradual visual impairment.

   • Development mechanism: With age, proteins, which make up the crystal, begin to denature and stick together, which leads to clouding the lens.
   • Symptoms:
     • Blurry vision.
     • Increased sensitivity to light and glare.
     • Difficult vision at night.
     • Changing color perception.
     • Frequent change of glasses.
   • Treatment: The treatment of cataracts consists in the surgical removal of a clouded lens and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This is one of the most common and successful operations in the world.

2. Glaucoma: This is a group of diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which is usually associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOA).

   • Development mechanism: An increased IOA can exert pressure on the visual nerve, damaging its fibers and leading to a gradual loss of vision. In most cases, the glaucoma develops slowly and asymptomatic in the early stages.
   • Symptoms:
     • In the early stages of the glaucoma, it usually has no symptoms.
     • Gradual loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision).
     • Difficult vision in low light conditions.
     • Rainbow circles around light sources.
     • Headaches and pain in the eyes (rarely).
   • Treatment: Treatment of glaucoma is aimed at reducing IOA. This can be achieved using eye drops, laser therapy or surgical intervention. It is important to note that damage to the optic nerve with glaucoma is irreversible, therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss.

3. Age macular degeneration (VMD): This disease that affects the macula is the central part of the retina, which is responsible for acute vision and color perception.

   • Development mechanism: The VMD leads to the gradual destruction of the cells of the macula, which leads to a deterioration in central vision. There are two types of VMD: dry and wet. Dry VMD is characterized by the formation of Druzov (yellowish deposits) under the retina, and the wet VMD is characterized by the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels under the mesh, which can flow and damage the macula.
   • Symptoms:
     • Blurry of central vision.
     • Distortion of straight lines.
     • Difficult reading and recognition of faces.
     • The appearance of a dark spot in the center of the field of view.
   • Treatment: Treatment of the VMD depends on the type of disease. There is no effective treatment for the dry VMD, but taking vitamins and minerals, such as lutein and zeaxantin, can slow down the progression of the disease. Anti-VEGF preparations that are inserted directly into the eye are available for a wet VMD and help stop the growth of new blood vessels.

4. Diabetic retinopathy: This is a complication of diabetes, which affects the blood vessels of the retina.

   • Development mechanism: The high level of blood sugar can damage the blood vessels of the retina, which leads to their leaks, hemorrhages and the formation of new, abnormal vessels.
   • Symptoms:
     • Blurry vision.
     • Swimming spots in the field of view.
     • Difficult vision at night.
     • Loss of vision.
   • Treatment: Treatment of diabetic retinopathy includes control of blood sugar, laser therapy and anti-VEGF drugs. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required.

Prevention of age -related changes and diseases of the eyes: an active approach to preservation of vision

Although some age -related changes in vision are inevitable, the adoption of preventive measures can help slow down their progression and reduce the risk of serious eye diseases.

1. Regular examinations by an ophthalmologist: This is the most important step in maintaining the health of the eyes. An ophthalmologist can identify signs of eye diseases in the early stages, when treatment is most effective. It is recommended to undergo a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year after 50 years, and in the presence of risk factors (for example, diabetes, glaucomas in a family history) – more often.

   • What includes an integrated eye examination:
     • Checking of visual acuity (visometry).
     • Determination of refraction (selection of glasses).
     • Measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry).
     • Examination of the eye floor (ophthalmoscopy).
     • Assessment of fields of vision (perimetry).
     • Biomicroscopy (inspection of eye structures using a slit lamp).

2. Healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in maintaining the health of the eyes.

   • Balanced nutrition: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish can help protect the eyes from age -related changes and diseases. Particularly important are the products containing antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxantin.
     • Eye products useful:
       • Leaf green vegetables (spinach, cabbage).
       • Bright fruits and vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, sweet pepper, oranges, apricots).
       • Fish, rich omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, sardines).
       • Eggs.
       • Nuts and seeds.
   • Physical activity: Regular physical exercises improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of diabetes and other diseases that can negatively affect vision.
   • Refusal of smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of cataracts, glaucomas and VMD.
   • Control of blood pressure and cholesterol level: High blood pressure and cholesterol levels can damage the blood vessels of the retina.
   • Blood sugar control: It is important to maintain the normal level of blood sugar, especially for people with diabetes, to prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy.

3. Eye Protection from the Sun: Ultraviolet (UV) The radiation of the Sun can damage the eyes and increase the risk of cataracts and the VMD. Therefore, it is important to wear sunglasses with UV protection when being on the street in sunny weather.

4. Proper work at the computer: Long -term work at the computer can lead to eye tension, dry eyes and visual impairment.

   • Rules for working at a computer:
     • Take breaks every 20 minutes: look away from the screen and look into the distance for 20 seconds (rule 20-20-20).
     • Place the computer screen at an extended arm from the eyes and slightly below the eye level.
     • Make sure that there is enough light in the room, but there are no glare on the screen.
     • Use moisturizing eye drops to prevent dryness.
     • Configure the brightness and contrast of the screen.
     • Consider the possibility of using special points for working at the computer.

5. Sufficient sleep: The lack of sleep can lead to tension of the eyes, dry eyes and visual impairment. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.

6. Air moisture: Dry air can aggravate dry eyes. Use a humidifier, especially in the winter, when heating dries the air in the room.

7. Avoid eye friction: Eye friction can lead to irritation and damage to the cornea.

8. Reception of vitamins and food additives: Some vitamins and minerals can be useful for the health of the eyes.

   • Vitamins and minerals for the health of the eyes:
     • Vitamin C: Antioxidant that protects the eyes from damage by free radicals.
     • Vitamin E: Antioxidant that protects the eyes from damage by free radicals.
     • Luthein and Zeaksantin: antioxidants accumulating in the makula and protecting it from damage by ultraviolet radiation.
     • Omega-3 fatty acids: important for the health of the retina and prevent dry eyes.
     • Zinc: is important for the health of the retina and optic nerve.
   • Important: Before taking any vitamins and food additives, consult a doctor.

9. Control over lighting: Proper lighting plays an important role in maintaining the health of the eyes.

   • Lighting recommendations:
     • Use a sufficient amount of light for reading and other activities.
     • Avoid sharp glare and reflections.
     • Use adjustable lighting to adapt it to various conditions.
     • Avoid reading in the dark.

10. Relatives training: If you have a family history of eye diseases, it is important to warn your relatives about increased risk and recommend them to regularly undergo examinations with an ophthalmologist.

11. Use of a magnifier: Use a magnifier to read small font.

12. Regular change of glasses or contact lenses: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, regularly check your vision and change them as necessary.

13. Compliance with eye hygiene: Wash your hands regularly before touching your eyes. Do not use other people’s eye drops or other personal hygiene products.

14. Studying information about eye diseases: Be informed about diseases of the eyes and their symptoms. Early identification of problems can significantly improve the forecast.

15. Consultations with specialists: Feel free to contact an ophthalmologist or other specialists if you have any questions or fears regarding the health of your eyes.

New technologies and treatment methods:

Medicine does not stand still, and new technologies and methods of treatment are constantly being developed, which can help maintain vision after 50 years.

• Intraocular lenses (Iol): Modern Iols allow not only to restore vision after removal of cataracts, but also to adjust astigmatism and presbyopia.
• Laser therapy: Laser therapy is used to treat glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases.
• Anti-VEGF drugs: Anti-VEGF preparations are used to treat moist VMD and diabetic retinopathy.
• Gene therapy: Gene therapy is under development and can be a promising method of treating some hereditary eyes.
• Artificial retina: Artificial retina is developed to restore vision in people with degenerative retinal diseases.

The importance of a positive mood:

Visual preservation after 50 years is a task that requires an active approach and a positive mood. Remember that you are not alone, and there are many ways to maintain good vision for many years. Follow the doctor’s recommendations, lead a healthy lifestyle and do not lose optimism!