Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness

By Donna Dreiske, Executive Director, Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness

Losing one’s sight is the most feared disability and yet we don’t always understand the lifestyle choices we make that can impact our vision health. The aging process leaves us increasingly vulnerable to eye diseases and disorders. There are four major eye disorders generally related to aging – Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma. Vision loss, however, is not inevitable. With proper care and attention 80% of vision loss can be avoided.

For those who have experienced some loss of vision, low vision aids may be of some help.

It is virtually impossible to prevent most eye diseases but in some cases, it is possible to prevent blindness or serious vision impairment caused by these diseases. A first step in detecting macular degeneration is to take the Amsler grid test. More importantly, you should see your eye doctor regularly. One fact bears repeating: Successful treatment for macular degeneration and many other eye diseases depends on early detection.

Although open-angle glaucoma can affect anyone, it is most prevalent in Blacks over age 40 and anyone over age 60. As people grow older, age-related changes in the eyes make them more susceptible to open-angle glaucoma.

Glaucoma treatment is aimed at controlling the eye's fluid pressure as a means of slowing disease progression. Such treatment does not cure the disease.

The most reliable way to detect open-angle glaucoma is through a comprehensive eye examination with dilated pupils--which, when indicated, includes a visual field test.

While chronic glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be controlled and held in check, chiefly through the use of daily medications that either increase fluid removal from the eye or decrease the amount of fluid produced within the eye.

People at high risk for glaucoma need to receive a dilated eye exam at least every two years. Individuals at high risk for glaucoma include Blacks over age 40, everyone over age 60, and people with a family history of glaucoma.

Finding and treating the disease early, before it causes vision loss or blindness, is the best way to control diabetic eye disease.