As we grow older; our bodies undergo changes that some time Itmit normal activities. The visual system is no exception, and many diseases and disorders of the eye are associated with the process of aging.

Periodic medical eye examination are an important part of good preventive eye care. New medical, surgical & optical techniques are making it possible for eye doctors to help people enjoy excellent or useful vision as they grow older.

Various eye problems encountered in old age are-

1. Presbyopia - Older people often have difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly & in reading fine print. This is a normal thing to happen & is called PRESBYOPIA. There is no exercise or medication that will reverse this process. To help the eye focus, reading glasses or bifocals are needed, often between 40-60 years of age, new glasses are required about every 2 years to overcome visual blur caused by increased hardening of the lenses.

II. Cataracts - A cataract develops when the clear lens in the eye become cloudy. If the cataracts cause difficulty with reading, driving a car, or interferes with a persons life-style, removal of the cloudy lens should be considered. Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed. These days, no stitch or "PHACOMULCIFICATION" surgery has become very common & the patients are up & about immediately after the surgery.

Ill. Glaucoma - Glaucoma in most cases, is a disease which affects elderly & in untreated cases, the nerve of sight (optic nerve) becomes damaged, usually because the fluid pressure inside the eye remains too high. Fortunately, loss of vision from glaucoma can be prevented most of the time if the disease is detected and treated before noticeable damage occurs to the optic nerve. Usually there are no early symp toms from glaucoma & the best way to prevent loss of sight from this condition is to have periodic medical eye examinations by your eye doctor.

IV. Spots or floaters- People of all ages are often disturbed by floating spots that some time resemble Flying specks or "insects" in their vision. These floaters develop in the vitreous humous, a clear get like fluid that fills the large inner part of the eye. Most floaters are not associated with serious eye disease. They usually fade & disappear & fortunately cause no damage to the eye. However, a sudden increase in the number of floaters may signal the onset of a broken vessel or a torn or detached retina. Therefore, it is always wise to see your eye doctor to determine if the floaters are harmless or are the beginning of a more serious problem.

V. Macular Degeneration - As people grow older, a decrease in sight for reading & other fine visual tasks may occur, This is due to a deterioration of macular. The majority of patients with macular degeneration cannot expect to regain normal vision. However, laser treatment may be successful in reducing visual loss in some persons. Low vision magnifying aids, and better lighting and help many individual continue to read and perform other visual tasks even after they have lost some central vision from macular degeneration.

VI. Diabetic Eye problems- All diabetic should have ophthalmologic examination at periodic intervals so that the diabetic changes in the retina can be diagnosed early & appropriately treated to prevent loss of sight.