Glaucoma

The second leading cause of irreversable blindness in the USA is glaucoma. The type we refer to here is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. It is charadcterized by and increase in intraocular (eye) pressure, atrophy of the optic nerve and loss of peripheral vision. With these conditions present, vision is ultimately lost.
Risk factors include: high intraocular pressure, aging, gamily history and race. Blacks have a 3-4 time higher risk. In addition, diabetes, hypertension,eye injury or surgery, history of steroid use, migraine headaches with peripheral vasospasm are all possible risk factors.

Aging Eyes

Many age related eye problems are treatable if detected early enough. It is so important that regular visits to the eye doctor are a part of every senior citizen´s schedule. The doctor can check for the most common conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma or other conditions associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and the like. The eye exam allows the doctor to get a benchmark for your eyes which will allow him to keep track of any changes that occur.

Bedwetting

Incontinence is an all too common function on old age. Bedwetting can occur due to illness, medication, stress or other conditions. There are matress covers available and disposable pads to cover the sheets. In addition, adult diapers are available at drug stores. Be certain to change wet diapers or pads as moisture will encourage rashes or wounds.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in those over 55. This degenerative condition is related to the macula, the center of the retina. It is responsible for acute vision, focusing, reading, driving and fine work. There are two types of macular degeneration, Wet and Dry. Most are afflicted with the dry or atrophic type. Between 70-90 per cent of those with the condition have the dry. In this type, the macula atrophies or thins out and vision is lost. Most times one eye is affected but both eyes eventually are affected.
The wet type causes 90 percent of its sufferers to lose their vision. Abnormal blood vessels within and beneath the retina begin to bleed and leak fluid. These become opaque and ultimately scar tissue forms.

Macular Degeneration-Detection

When changes in vision occur, a trip to the eye doctor is in order. Macular degeneration can manifest itself by a change or loss of color perception, blurriness, dark or white out in the center of one´s vision, distortion of straight lines or the center of ones vision is distorted.
Sometimes, a physician detects the condition before symptoms are present. Although there is no known cure, research is ongoing and some drugs have a positive effect by slowing the process.
A wonderful website to visit is: www.agingeye.net