The trouble comes when a
patient doesn’t seem to have
particularly high IOP and aren’t
flagged for further testing. Some
people have a below-average
pressure reading and still
experience changes associated
with glaucoma, a phenomenon
still not fully understood.
Monitoring a person’s IOP
over time, and regular screening of
peripheral vision, may detect a problem
otherwise missed.
In most cases, glaucoma is treated with either
eye drops or surgery. It may depend on whether
the problem is excessive fluid production, poor
drainage, or a combination. Eye drops have come a
long way in the past half century, and newer drugs
are more efficient with fewer side effects.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
A common eye condition in the elderly, macular
degeneration, causes distortion in the retina and
can damage the tissue enough that complete areas
of sight disappear. Unlike glaucoma, ARMD affects
central vision and can make reading difficult.
Straight lines may appear crooked, or the horizon
may look wavy. Left untreated, ARMD will cause
blindness and loss of mobility.
ARMD is strongly associated with other health
conditions including hypertension, high cholesterol,
and lifestyle choices such as smoking and high fat
intake. Genetics plays a role, and Caucasians are
more likely to develop the condition.
In the past few years, several successful treatment
options to slow the progress of ARMD have evolved.
Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors are
being injected directly into the eye to slow disease
progress with good success.
Healthy Habits
The best option is still prevention through lifestyle
modification. I once had a patient make a scene and
leave my office because I suggested that his failing
vision was in part related to his
two-pack-a-day smoking habit.
While genetics plays a huge part
in our aging health, so do many
outside factors such as diet,
exercise, and yes — smoking.
When we first notice changes, it’s
not too late to make adjustments
to improve our health and sight.
It’s important to get regular
eye health assessments because all
conditions can be better treated if caught
earlier in the process.
Jane Thrall, OD, is a retired optometrist with
over twenty‐seven years in practice and a special
interest in laser refractive surgery. She’s now
dedicating her retirement to golfing, gardening,
writing, and reflecting.
No vision complaints — except lately
when I go outside, my glasses fog up!
news&views AUTUMN 2020 | 49