Getting Older and Having One of These Medical Conditions Increases Eye Disease Risk

Vision changes and eye concerns are inevitable parts of the natural aging process. Some eye issues are more of a nuisance, while others can lead to blindness if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are  key to enjoying good vision in your golden years, as is understanding your risk of developing these eye diseases. Our ophthalmologists at Wiles Eye Center can diagnose and manage eye diseases at our Kansas City and St. Joseph offices.

Diabetes 

People with diabetes have an elevated risk for multiple eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. This risk factor is due to the damage uncontrolled blood sugar can have on the retina that lines the back of the eye. The small blood vessels can leak fluid and blood, scar and lead to new abnormal blood vessels that affect vision (diabetic retinopathy). Diabetic retinopathy affects people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and can cause retinal detachment if scar tissue pulls the retinal tissue from the back of the eye.

The longer someone has diabetes, the higher their risk of vision impairment. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age because high blood sugar can alter the structure of the eye lens and accelerate cataract formation. Having diabetes also doubles your risk of developing glaucoma.

High Blood Pressure 

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can affect the retina’s blood vessels. Poor blood flow caused by hypertension may damage nerves found in the eye and block the arteries in charge of supplying blood to the retina. High blood pressure may also block the veins responsible for carrying blood from the retina. These issues are called hypertensive retinopathy, and you may not experience symptoms until damage progresses. Headaches, double vision, dimming vision and vision loss are symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy. Recent research found that high blood pressure increases cataract risk, and long-term hypertension is a risk factor for glaucoma.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is another eye disease of concern for people with hypertension. The damage caused by high blood pressure in the retinal blood vessels can lead to AMD or age-related vascular dysfunction.

Autoimmune Disorders 

Autoimmune disorders, such as arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease, are another risk factor for eye disease as you age. The swelling caused by these conditions can destroy tissues in the middle of the eye. Uveitis, which causes severe vision loss, may be an eye concern in people with autoimmune diseases, and these people are more likely to get uveitis in both eyes. Symptoms include light sensitivity, impaired vision, eye floaters, blurred vision, redness and eye pain.

If you live with one of these medical conditions, you will need more frequent comprehensive eye exams to preserve your vision. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing these eye diseases and maintaining good eyesight.

Schedule an eye exam at Wiles Eye Center today. Contact our Kansas City, Missouri, office at (816) 455-2020 and our St. Joseph, Missouri office at (816) 279-7015, or fill out our online contact form.

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