Guides and advice Risk groups Over 60s eye health

Over 60s eye health

12 de April de 2022

How does age affect eye health?

Age is a major risk factor for the onset of certain, very serious eye diseases.

Some of them, such as Macular degeneration or Glaucoma, are progressive and irreversible and are often symptomless until they have reached advanced stages of development, by which time loss of vision can be significant. Other age-related visual problems include cataracts, presbyopia or tired eyes -which can appear after the age of 40-, as well as floaters, dry eye, or corneal opacity.

If treated in time, age-related eye disorders can be controlled and will not have a determining effect on your everyday activity.

Eye disorders should be treated in time

How often should you visit the ophthalmologist?

After the age of 60 or 65, preventive measures for early diagnosis of these diseases must be increased. Provided there are no added risk factors, it is important to undergo a full eye check-up at least once a year.

How to prevent eye problems later on in life?

Undergo full eye check-ups at least once a year
Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants and Omega 3
Do not smoke or stop smoking
Exercise in line with your individual characteristics and possibilities
Protect your eyes from the sun and from external agents (air, dust, sand, etc.)
Monitor your blood pressure
Monitor your cholesterol levels
Monitor your blood glucose levels (especially diabetic patients)
Check your own eyesight: keep up to date with check-ups, treatments and recommendations by your ophthalmologist
Do not resign yourself to vision loss due to age…

Vision loss later on in life is particularly restrictive, given that the capacity to adapt in this situation is lower than in earlier ages and the eyesight problem can be added to other age-related physical and mental conditioning factors. Poor vision in old age can cause falls, fear of going outside, and lack of contact with the environment, resulting in feelings of isolation and the onset of depression.