As your eye doctor will tell you, this is typically due to common age-related eye conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
- Macular degeneration: This condition, caused by aging, affects the center part of the retina, which allows us to see fine details. This is called the macula. There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration: wet and dry. Both cause blurred vision and can result in trouble reading or driving. Common treatments include drug therapy such as periodic injections and various surgical options.
- Cataract: A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye that allows your eye to refract light and process images. Symptoms can include blurred vision, which can be eliminated by removing the cataract or replacing the lens with a synthetic implant. Cataracts are very common and very treatable.
- Glaucoma: This group of ocular diseases can lead to both loss of vision and pressure in the eye. These symptoms are caused when the pressure in the eye slowly rises far above its normal level. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, causing loss of vision and discomfort. If treated early, sufferers of glaucoma can prevent any long-term vision impairment as a result of the condition.
These are three common eye conditions that occur with aging, but there are others that could also be the cause of your advanced-age eye pain or vision impairment. Find out more by scheduling an appointment with Boston Eye Group or Boston Laser at (617) 566-0062.
