Eye Disease Resources
The largest generation in history is reaching the age where eye diseases become more prevalent. The number of older Americans has increased more than tenfold since 1900, when 3 million people were age 65 or older (4% of the population). By 2030 the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 20% of Americans will be 65 or older.
Prevent Blindness estimates that the number of Americans with age-related eye diseases and the resulting vision impairment is expected to double within the next three decades. Already, 30 million suffer from dry eyes, and 1.6 million feel the effects of macular degeneration. And it's estimated that there are 105 million cases of glaucoma worldwide; many undiagnosed and untreated.
Regular eye exams are an important way to detect disease in early stages, and provide proper eye care. If you suspect you have an eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy, see an optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately. There are also eye vitamins and supplements available, such as vitamins a, c, and e and lutein, which may help prevent various diseases and maintain proper eye nutrition.
Resources on the more common sight threatening eye diseases are below:
Macular degeneration breaks down the macula, the light-sensitive part of the retina. It is diagnosed as either dry (atrophic) or wet (exudative). The dry form is more common than the wet, with about 90% of AMD patients diagnosed with dry AMD. The wet form of the disease usually leads to more serious vision loss. Learn more here:
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindess, affecting millions of Americans. Damage to the optic nerve can be caused by dangerouly high eye pressure. The result is decreased peripheral vision (commonly called "tunnel vision") and, eventually, blindness. There are two major types of glaucoma: chronic or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and acute closed-angle glaucoma.
If you develop glaucoma, medication (typically eye drops) or surgery both glaucoma treatment options. Glaucoma eye drops are usually recommended as a treatment option before glaucoma surgery and are used to control intraoccular eye pressure. Learn more here:
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens focuses light onto the retina, and also adjusts the eye's focus. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. As we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.
If your cataract develops to the point where your vision is significantly impaired, you will need to undergo cataract eye surgery. During cataract surgery your natural lens will be replaced by an artificial one, called an intraocular lens (IOL). There are different IOLs available, including accomodating IOLs (Crystalens), multifocal IOLs (ReZoom, IQ ReSTOR and Technis), toric IOLs (IQ Toric) and many more. Prior to surgery, you should talk with your eye doctor about which lens option is best for you and your lifestyle. Learn more here:
If you are one of the millions of Americans who have Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, you are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. Elevated blood sugar can clog or damage blood vessels, causing damage to the eye's retina over time. The light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) contained in the retina are necessary for good vision.
There are a few options for diabetic retinopathy treatment, including steriod injections and laser photocoagulation. Learn more here:
Need More Info?
For in-depth information on topics like keratoconus, strabismus, and strabismus surgery, ask your eye doctor or see the Consumer Guide to Eye Problems & Diseases.