Common Eye Issues That Come with Age

Our eyes are frequently the target of age-related problems as we grow older. While some simply are a part of aging, others may be related to other conditions. Learn how our team at California Oculoplastics and Retina can help restore your vision with our oculoplastic and retina services.

1. Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the central area of the retina, also known as the macula, has deteriorated or is deteriorating. The macula is the retina’s central portion and is responsible for focusing the central vision in the eye. It is the leading cause of central vision loss in adults and occurs when the center of your retina deteriorates.

Blurred vision is one of the main symptoms, but macular degeneration can also lead to blindness. There are two forms of this condition — wet and dry macular degeneration. With the dry form of macular degeneration, the macula becomes too thin to function properly. If the disease progresses into a wet condition, new blood vessels will grow on the macula. Over time, this can cause the macula to scar and damage light-sensitive tissues, eventually leading to blindness.

This condition is most common in older individuals and is a leading cause of blindness in those over 65. Additional risk factors include those who:

• Experience heavy exposure to sunlight.
• Consume diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol.
• Rarely exercise.
• Have vascular disease and high blood pressure.

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Over the last decade, there have been tremendous advancements in the management of wet macular degeneration. Our team can use intraocular injections under local anesthesia to stop and often reverse vision loss.

2. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is brought on by diabetes. This condition causes damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissues at the back of the eye. It is common in individuals with diabetes and those with high blood pressure. When blood vessels bleed into the retina, it can cause leaking or swelling.

Flashes, floaters, and blind spots frequently call attention to a problem in the early days of retinopathy, though there are not always early signs. The best way to catch this is to have regular eye checkups and have your eyes dilated.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Both laser surgery and a vitrectomy (removal of gel and blood from blood vessels in the back of the eye) can help correct diabetic retinopathy. Scheduling a consultation with our team will allow us to help diagnose your condition and explain your options.

3. Cataracts

Cataracts are caused by a cloud over your cornea (clear lens of your eye), which causes a visual deception. Patients with cataracts often have different symptoms. It can make everything look like you used a dimmer switch to turn down all the lights. Printed text may appear to be too light. Or, you may see a glare such as halos around headlights or streetlights.

Women tend to be more prone to cataracts. One or both of your eyes can be affected, and cataracts frequently run in families. Though cataracts are commonly treated with surgery, complications do arise.

Correcting Cataracts Surgery Damage

If you have developed a cataract and have suffered complications from a surgery that was meant to heal it, our team can address the issue and help to correct it. Dealing with an eye condition is not easy, but our team is here to support you every step of the way and help you find the treatment you need to regain clarity.

4. Reconstructive Procedures

In addition to specific conditions, our eyelids tend to droop as we age as our skin becomes less elastic. Droopy eyelids and excess skin around the eyes can damage your vision but can be corrected with a number of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

We can help with the following reconstructive procedures:

• Ptosis (droopy eyelid)
• Eyelid malposition
• Eyelid retraction
• Chalazion (stye)
• Excessive tear production
• Orbital problems
• Thyroid eye disease/ Graves’ disease
• Eyelid tumors & skin cancer
• Trauma
• Enucleation & evisceration
• Prosthetic eye surgery
• Facial paralysis & Bell’s Palsy
• Blepharospasm & Hemifacial spasm
• Chemosis

Additionally, we offer the following cosmetic procedures:

• Upper Blepharoplasty
• Lower Blepharoplasty (Lower eyelid bags)
• Asian Blepharoplasty
• Cosmetic & revisional ptosis
• Canthoplasty
• Eyebrow Lift (Forehead lift)
• Facelift
• Mod facelift & cheek augmentation
• Necklift
• Fat transfer
• Cosmetic Orbital Decompression
• Revisional Eyelid Surgery

Book Your Consultation Today

The skilled, compassionate team at California Oculoplastics and Retina is here to help you through any issues you might have with your eyes and the surrounding structures. From cosmetic services to reconstructive procedures, injectables, and beyond, we have the expertise needed to bring some clarity to your unique situation.

If you believe you have any of these above issues or are interested in learning more about the conditions we treat, contact our team today.