Premier Senior Vision Care

One of the most common problems older people encounter are cataracts. This is the clouding of the lens that occurs as a natural consequence of aging. Cataracts can be treated effectively, though, with surgery.

Another problem that displays itself more in older people is macular degeneration (MD). This is an inherited condition in which the macula, an area at the center of the retina, becomes damaged. As a result, a person can lose their ability to focus in the center of their visual field. There are two types of MD: wet, in which there is leakage of blood or serum, and dry, in which there is not. Wet MD can be treated with injections that although can’t cure the condition can slow or keep it in remission. The injection treatment, however, does not work with dry MD.

Another disease more pronounced in older adults is glaucoma. People in their later years are more prone to the effects of this disease in which the pressure of the eye becomes too high. It can be treated with medication or surgery depending on the severity of the disease.

Many people develop Type II diabetes later in life. Eyesight can be affected by this systemic condition that can contribute to cataracts and glaucoma, as well as cause diabetic retinopathy, which can damage the eye retina.

Perhaps, though, the most common vision problem for older adults is presbyopia. This condition often begins around age 40 when eye muscles responsible for focusing on near objects become worn. This problem can be corrected by wearing reading glasses or bifocal/progressive lenses, or as a by-product of cataract surgery, depending on the type of artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL) implanted.

By and large, eye physicians (including here at Hattiesburg Eye Clinic) recommend a routine eye exam once a year for older adults, unless your eye or vision condition warrants greater monitoring. During the exam we will check your visual acuity (clarity), eye fluid pressure, structural issues such as with the cornea or retina, and for any development of cataracts.

It depends on the policy, but typically Medicare will cover 80% of charges related to a medical problem. Medicare doesn’t cover routine exams or glasses – people typically obtain a supplemental insurance plan or pay out of pocket for these other aspects of eye care.

You likely have developed a condition called presbyopia, common in middle-aged and older adults. An eye muscle responsible for focusing in near vision can begin wearing out around age 40 or 45. As the muscle weakens a person will need some form of corrective lenses to accommodate the lack in close-up focus. This could include simple reading glasses or prescription bifocal or progressive lenses. You can also improve symptoms as a by-product of cataract surgery, depending on the type of lens implant used.

Presbyopia is a common condition among people over 40. It happens when the eye muscle responsible for focusing in near vision begins to wear out. Beginning as early as age 40, a person may start having trouble reading or seeing up close, especially with fine print or in dim light.

To accommodate this, people often turn to corrective lenses. For people who haven’t needed corrective lenses before, non-prescription reading glasses may serve the need. Others, especially people already wearing glasses for refractive corrections, may need bifocals, which dedicates the lower portion of the lenses to up-close viewing, or its newer version progressive lenses. You may also be able to obtain a progressive prescription with a contact lens.

Progressive lenses are often the solution of choice because they don’t have the noticeable horizontal line of bifocals. These lenses can be even better attuned to an individual patient if they’re produced digitally rather than with the traditional manual lens grinding procedure.

Finally, people undergoing cataract surgery may find their presbyopia symptoms reduced. This will depend, though, on the type of lens implant or intraocular lens (IOL) to replace the removed natural lens. Some but not all IOLs potentially correct existing refractive problems including presbyopia.

Type II diabetes is an all too common systemic condition afflicting many older adults. In terms of vision, diabetes can contribute to the development of cataracts and glaucoma.

Another common condition associated with the disease is diabetic retinopathy (DR). In the various stages of DR, blood vessels can develop tiny weaknesses called micro-aneurisms. These can cause bruising or bleeding in the retina, progressing to bleeding in the back of the eye. When this happens the fluid in the eye can contract (known as progressive diabetic retinopathy), which we must then treat with laser or surgery.

Diabetes is a progressive condition that is one of the leading underlying causes of blindness in the U.S. Anyone diagnosed with diabetes or who has a family history of the disease should have their vision checked at least once a year.

Macular degeneration (MD) is an inherited, non-curable condition in which the macula, an area at the center of the retina, becomes damaged. As a result, a person can lose their ability to focus in the central portion of their visual field making activities like reading or looking straight ahead difficult. The disease must be managed to limit the level of vision loss.

There are two types of MD: wet, in which there is leakage of blood or serum, and dry, in which there is not. Wet MD can be treated with injections that although can’t cure the condition can slow or keep it in remission. The injection treatment, however, does not work with dry MD.

Anyone diagnosed with macular degeneration (MD) should be evaluated by a retinal specialist. At Hattiesburg Eye Clinic we can examine and diagnose MD and provide treatment up to a certain point. But for the most complete treatment and therapy, we often refer patients to a specialist in this field.

Many older people complain of objects in their field of vision that aren’t really there. However, they’re not seeing things – the objects they’re viewing are within the eye itself.

In the back of the eye a space exists filled with a fluid called vitreous. Within this space tiny tissue particles can exist that have been there all our lives but not noticeable if the fluid doesn’t move. As we get older, though, these particles can grow larger while simultaneously moving within the vitreous that is now more active than when we were younger. This creates the conditions for seeing the particle movement which are called floaters.

While distracting, floaters aren’t harmful to the eye. However, you should still have your eyes checked if you see them, especially if symptoms come on suddenly and include flashes of light. These could be signs that the retina has become detached or is bleeding, so you should undergo an examination as soon as possible.

Dry eyes are typically caused by not having enough tear fluid in the eyes. It’s very common with older adults, as well as with those suffering from diabetes or thyroid disease. Certain medications can also produce dry eyes as a side effect. If you have dry eyes, you can supplement the eye’s natural fluid with artificial tears solutions sold over the counter at stores or pharmacies. For certain dry eye conditions we may prescribe a drug like Restasis® to help relieve symptoms.