What are age-related eye diseases?
Although many eye diseases aren’t diagnosed until you get older, changes in the eye begin long before your diagnosis and slowly but progressively worsen over time.
The most common age-related eye diseases include:
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic eye disease
- Retinal detachment
- Retinal vein blockage
Routine eye exams are important for preventing age-related eye disease. The optometrists at Valley Eye Professionals can detect the early signs of eye disease during a comprehensive eye exam and begin treatment before you have symptoms or vision loss.
Are dry eyes related to my age?
Dry eyes can occur at any age; it’s estimated that nearly half of all people aged 18 and older routinely experience dry eye symptoms. However, your risk of developing dry eyes increases as you get older.
Tears fill two important jobs: They lubricate and nourish your eyes. When you don’t produce enough tears, or you have poor quality tears, your eyes become dry, irritated, and itchy.
Dry eyes may only seem bothersome at first, but if they’re not treated, your vision can become blurry and you may develop complications such as inflammation and a damaged cornea.
What causes eye infections?
Eye infections develop when microorganisms get into the eye and its surrounding tissues. Most eye infections are caused by bacteria and viruses. Fungal infections are rare, but when they occur, they’re hard to treat.
You can develop an infection in your eyelid, such as blepharitis. This type of infection is caused by bacteria or malfunctioning oil glands.
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are two of the most common eye infections. They’re also very contagious and they’re usually the cause of red eyes.
What conditions lead to red eyes?
Many different eye conditions can make your eyes red, a condition that develops when tiny blood vessels become swollen.
These are only a few examples of conditions and irritants that cause red eyes:
- Conjunctivitis
- Eye allergies
- Eye strain
- Contact lenses
- Eye infections
- Acute glaucoma
Lack of sleep, drinking too much alcohol, and cigarette smoke can also lead to red eyes.
What high-risk medications are associated with eye disease?
The optometrists at Valley Eye Professionals often monitor the eye health of patients taking high-risk medications known to cause eye problems.
If you take amiodarone to treat heart arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation, you should be aware that it can lead to corneal deposits and blurred vision. It may also damage the optic nerve.
Plaquenil, a medication used to treat arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, and other autoimmune diseases, can also affect your eyes. It’s known to cause corneal deposits, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.
To receive expert care for all types of eye diseases and infections, call Valley Eye Professionals or book an appointment online.
