Frequently Asked Questions

There are several common eye diseases that affect the elderly community, each with a unique set of causes and severities. Although the following is not a comprehensive list of the total eye diseases that exist, these conditions are most likely to affect people due to their age:

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - This disease affects the macula or the center of the light-sensitive retina found at the back of the eye. The retina allows us to see colors and fine detail, comprising much of our visual acuity. As this portion of the retina begins to deteriorate, activities like reading, watching TV, driving, or recognizing faces can become difficult. Most cases leave one’s peripheral or side vision intact, while central vision suffers.

Cataracts - When the normally clear proteins of the eye’s lens begin to cloud, the result is the formation of a cataract. The opaque, cloudy areas commonly develop in both eyes, although one is usually worse than the other. People with cataracts experience blurry or hazy vision, as well as a decreased sensitivity to contrasts, a dulling of colors, and difficulty with glare.

Diabetic Retinopathy - Occurring in people with diabetes, the tiny blood vessels nourishing the retina begin to break, leaking blood or other fluids and causing the retinal tissue to swell. This specific form of diabetic retinopathy is known as diabetic macular edema (DME). It is also possible that blood vessels begin to grow around the retina in excess, leading to further swelling and damage to these tissues. This condition usually affects both eyes, causing vision to become clouded. Additionally, the longer someone has diabetes the greater the risk they have of developing diabetic retinopathy. 

Dry Eye - This condition occurs as a result of poor tear production. When the surface of the eye lacks the proper lubrication, it can become irritated, itchy, and inflamed.

Glaucoma - This is a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve as a result of excessive pressure. It is often hard for doctors to determine all of the factors causing glaucoma, considering that high eye pressure alone does not always lead to the condition. People with glaucoma are likely to experience vision loss or total blindness if left untreated. Furthermore, this condition runs in families and is more frequently suffered by people of African-descent than others.