By Goh Jiah Ying, IECRC
Like the rest of our body, the eye deteriorates in health as we age, increasing the risk of eye diseases that may eventually lead to blindness without proper management. In an effort to raise public awareness of common conditions that affect the ageing eye, International Eye Cataract Retina Centre held a free public forum in Farrer Park Hospital on 29 April 2017. Two senior ophthalmologists, Dr Ajeet Madhav Wagle and Dr Joy Chan, delivered some very informative lectures at the forum.
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition amongst the elderly because their eyes are unable to produce sufficient tears to lubricate the eye surface. Other conditions such as blepharitis, which is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids, are often associated with dry eye and can potentially lead to a decrease in quality of life due to severe discomfort throughout the day. Dr Ajeet emphasized that compliance is key when it comes to dry eye treatment as this condition is chronic in nature and symptoms tend to recur when treatment ceases.
As we age, the normally clear lens in our eye starts to become cloudy due to changes in the lens proteins, making it difficult for the elderly to see. Except for very mild cases in which eye glasses may help, most cases of cataract are treated with surgery where the eye surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens. Dr Ajeet explained that modern computer-assisted cataract surgery produces very good visual outcomes. He also discussed the potential risks and benefits of cataract operation, but reassured the audience that complications are rare during cataract surgery.
As we grow older, the connective tissues in our eyelids starts to weaken, causing excess fat to gather above and below the eyelids. Together with gravity, they can induce sagging eyebrows and droopy eyelids, potentially blocking the top part of one’s vision. This condition is known as dermatochalasis. However, even though this condition is more common among elderly patients, they can also happen to young adults. Genetic factors and systemic conditions such as thyroid-related orbitopathy and trauma may predispose to dermatochalasis. The usual treatment for dermatochalasis is a surgery called blepharoplasty in which the eye surgeon removes excess skin, muscles and fats from the affected areas.
Dr Chan emphasized the importance of not taking one’s eye health for granted. Getting your eyes checked regularly is as important as cancer or cholesterol screenings. That is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that if you have no risk factors, you should get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 – when early signs of disease and changes in vision start to occur. If you have symptoms of eye disease or risk factors (eg, diabetes) at any age, you should see your eye doctor immediately.
Those interested to participate in the next free public forum on “Common Eye Conditions” can register here.
