When you age, your eyes too age and change with time. Age-related vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma become more common as you get older. Not just that, even eye infections become common with age. These eye problems if not detected at the earliest can change your vision permanently. As you age, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly. And any warning signs shouldn’t be ignored. Over here we discuss
7 warning signs that indicate your eyes aren’t ageing well:
- Sudden appearance of eye floaters: Floaters are like small spots or specks that may seem to drift in front of your eyes. Though eye floaters can be normal as people age; however, in some cases they can be a sign of a sight-threatening medical problem. Floaters are more noticeable when you look at a bright screen. They can be a sign of vitreous detachment, a natural part of ageing. However, it could also be a sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, a medical emergency. An untreated retinal detachment can result in permanent vision loss. If you suddenly start seeing an increased number of floaters, see an eye specialist immediately.
- Eye pain with vomiting: If you suddenly experience severe eye pain, a red eye and reduced or blurred vision along with the feeling of nausea, you must rush to an eye hospital. These could be symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, a sight-threatening eye condition. The fluid pressure in the eyes rises very quickly and this can damage the optic nerve. Quick treatment is needed for acute glaucoma. Until you don’t see the doctor, do not cover the affected eye with a patch as it will worsen the situation.
- Double vision: A range of medical conditions can cause double vision, including cataracts. Though problems like cataracts can be resolved with surgery, in some cases underlying causes may involve problems in the muscles or nerves controlling eye function.
- Blurred vision: If you are experiencing blurred vision and you are diabetic, you must see an ophthalmologist. It could be due to the onset of diabetic retinopathy. The condition causes the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. It can lead to serious complications like vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment and glaucoma. In the worst scenario, it can lead to complete vision loss. With early intervention, you can avoid serious vision loss.
- Poor night vision: Finding it difficult to drive at night or read a book, is cause for alarm and you must consult an ophthalmologist at the earliest. It could be due to cataracts. Though it is not a medical emergency, the clouding will cause your vision to deteriorate unless you have surgery that replaces your cloudy lens with an artificial lens. Not treating cataracts can increase your chances of developing serious eye complications.
- Dry and irritated eyes: As you grow older, your eyes produce less tears, leaving your eyes dry and itchy. Dry eye syndrome is quite common among the old people and if you have dry eyes, you will frequently experience a burning sensation in your eyes. Though it is not a very serious condition, it can increase your risk of eye infections.
- Straight lines look wavy: If you are experiencing blurry areas in the centre of your vision and straight lines appear wavy, you must see an eye doctor immediately. It could be a sign of age-related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of severe, permanent vision loss in people over age 60.
If you are in your 60s and are looking for an eye specialist in Kolkata, consult leading eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals. We offer treatment options for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinal detachment and many other age-related eye problems.