SPECIAL SECTION

COPING WITH VISION CHANGES

AS YOU AGE

Certain changes to your vision are an expected or normal part of getting older. Although these changes may weaken your vision, there are actions you can take to manage and maintain your eye health for years to come—such as wearing glasses or contacts, visiting your eye doctor regularly, or getting minor surgery done. Other vision changes may require more advanced treatment, and more frequent visits with your eye doctor.

COMMON EYE CHANGES YOU MAY EXPERIENCE

Some common age-related vision problems that are easily treated include presbyopia, cataracts and dry eyes.

Presbyopia. At around age 40, you may start to notice a shift in your vision that makes it more difficult to focus on near objects, such as a book, computer screen or restaurant menu. This is due to presbyopia, which happens as the lens inside the eye loses its ability to change shape. This is a normal change in vision that can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery.

Cataracts. The lens of your eye may develop cloudy areas over time, causing blurry vision—which is a sign of cataracts. Although cataracts are described as an age-related eye disease, they are very common in older adults and easily treated with surgery. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgeries in the U.S.

Dry Eyes. Our bodies naturally produce less tears as we age. This may cause burning, stinging or other discomfort. Dry eye is easily treatable with prescription dry eye medications, so consult your eye doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

MORE SERIOUS EYE ISSUES THAT MAY DEVELOP AS YOU AGE

Family history, genetics or age can bring on eye issues that may need more advanced treatment or maintenance. Glaucoma. Abnormally high pressure in an eye can result in damage to the optic nerve, causing glaucoma. This condition is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60—partially because symptoms or warning signs, other than slow vision loss, are rare. While vision loss from glaucoma cannot be recovered, your eye doctor can work with you to slow or prevent complete vision loss if found early. Regular eye exams are critical to diagnosis and treatment.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

When your central vision becomes blurred, it is often a sign of AMD. This disease is caused by your macula (a small area in the center of the retina) deteriorating, and it affects your ability to do things like read or drive. Over time, you may notice the blurry area enlarging and start seeing blank spots. Early AMD, however, doesn’t have any symptoms, so seeing your eye doctor regularly is your best bet for diagnosis and slowing the progression of this disease.

Diabetic Retinopathy. The early phases of diabetic retinopathy usually come with no symptoms, but some individuals may notice trouble reading or seeing objects at a distance. As the disease progresses, blood vessels in the retina begin to bleed into the gel-like fluid in the center of the eye, which causes dark, floating spots or streaks resembling cobwebs. It’s important to treat this condition right away—and regular exams can provide an avenue for early diagnosis.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR VISION

Visit your eye doctor regularly. If you are 18 to 60 and asymptomatic/low risk, schedule eye visits every two years. If you are 61 or older, plan to see your eye doctor annually. For at-risk or symptomatic individuals, consult your eye doctor on the recommended space between appointments—you can usually expect annual appointments, but you may need more depending on your situation.

Eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise.

A diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and fish can help protect your eyes, as can getting out and walking, jogging or exercising three to five times per week.

Wear sunglasses and other protective

eyewear. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays; protective eyewear such as goggles or safety glasses can help lower your risk of eye injury on the job.

If you smoke, make a plan to quit.

If you have diabetes, make sure it’s under control and let your eye doctor know!

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Hart Eye Center, please visit harteyecenter.com or call 337-439-4014.

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EYE HEALTH

REFLECTS OVERALL HEALTH

Having regular eye exams is important not just for your vision and eye health, but also as a way to spot early symptoms of other health conditions.

“You may not realize that when we do a dilated eye exam, we are able to detect signs of other medical conditions that affect the eyes,” says Donald Falgoust, M.D., board certified ophthalmologist and founder of Falgoust Eye Medical & Surgical in Lake Charles. “In addition to checking your vision, part of a comprehensive eye exam includes looking closely at the structures inside the eye. Technological advances allow us to more easily detect and monitor any changes to the blood vessels and tissue in the eye that look suspicious, and that may indicate the need for further evaluation by the patient’s regular physician.”

According to Dr. Falgoust, the small changes detected during an eye exam very often indicate a health problem of which the patient is unaware, such as heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes, among others. “The good news is this type of early detection very often leads to earlier and more successful treatment.”

In addition to the detection of previously undiagnosed medical problems, a comprehensive eye exam is also the best way for an eye doctor to determine if any health conditions a patient has is affecting their eyes. “Many chronic conditions can impact eye health and vision, causing dry eyes, damaged blood vessels and other symptoms that can range from being mildly irritating to vision threatening,” says Dr. Falgoust. “It’s important to discuss any other medical conditions you have been diagnosed with so preventive steps can be taken to reduce any risk to your eyes.”

Examples of pre-existing conditions that could pose a risk to the eyes include diabetes, autoimmune diseases, high blook pressure, rosacea, shingles, liver disease and sickle cell disease. Medications used to treat medical conditions can also impact vision and eye health, so Dr. Falgoust says it’s also important to share this information with your eye doctor as well.

“The strong link between eye health and overall health is an important reason to have regular eye exams,” says Dr. Falgoust. “Don’t assume that if you aren’t having vision problems you don’t need an eye exam. Many conditions do not have noticeable symptoms until the disease has progressed.”

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends a complete medical eye examination for healthy adults at least once in your 20s and twice in your 30s. “Those with a diagnosed eye condition or with a family history of eye problems should be seen sooner,” says Dr. Falgoust. “In your 40s, follow your eye doctor’s recommendation for how often you should come in for a comprehensive exam. It’s important to follow this recommendation, especially as you age. Your risk for eye disease increases as you get older and early treatment can help preserve your vision.”

He adds that any change in your vision or the appearance of your eye is also a reason to see an eye doctor. “The worst thing you can do is ignore a warning sign. Taking care of your eyes is the best way to ensure good eye health and vision throughout your life.”

For more information or to schedule an eye exam or cataract evaluation, call Falgoust Family Eye Care at (337) 477-0963 or visit www.falgousteye. com.