Eye diseases related to aging include drooping eyelids, dry eyes, presbyopia, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Among these, cataracts and macular degeneration are the primary causes of blindness.
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(Photo: TTO) |
Eye diseases associated with aging include drooping eyelids (a skin condition), dry eyes, peripheral corneal opacity, presbyopia, cataracts, age-related degeneration of the retinal membrane, and macular holes. The two most significant conditions, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, are leading causes of blindness. Recently, there has been an increase in elderly patients visiting the Central Eye Hospital for age-related macular degeneration, which is a concerning issue.
The earliest eye condition caused by aging is presbyopia. This condition occurs due to decreased elasticity of the lens, resulting from hardening. Many individuals mistakenly confuse presbyopia with hyperopia, as both can be corrected with the use of convex glasses.
The most common age-related eye disease among the elderly is cataracts. The opacity develops alongside the hardening of the lens, leading to gradual vision loss that typically does not cause pain. While cataracts are generally benign, significant clouding of the lens can lead to severe vision impairment. Currently, cataracts can be treated through surgery, and patients often experience good vision recovery after an artificial lens is implanted or they wear correctly prescribed glasses.
Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that damages the central retina, commonly occurring in individuals over 50 years old. This disease severely affects central vision and is a primary cause of blindness among the elderly in developed countries. Various treatment methods such as medications, laser therapy, and surgery have been implemented, but the overall results remain limited.
There are several measures to slow down the aging of the eyes. First, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamins A, B, and E, along with consuming plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, can provide essential nutrients for optimal eye function. Trace elements such as zinc and copper, known for their antioxidant properties, are also effective in preventing eye degeneration.
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and regularly using high-quality sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays can help protect the eyes from direct sunlight.
Recently, scientific research has shown that chondroitin—a component extracted from natural shark cartilage—not only helps maintain the transparency of the lens and cornea but also enhances the elasticity of the lens (the crystalline lens) and ciliary body, allowing for better eye accommodation, reducing eye strain and blurriness, and nourishing the eyes from within for long-lasting health.
Thanks to advancements in modern pharmaceuticals, some eye supplements now incorporate extracts from natural shark cartilage, trace elements (copper, zinc), and vitamins, which help slow the aging process and prevent age-related eye diseases.
